2010 PGA Merchandise Show: January 27 - 30th, 2010
Some of the notables from this year’s event, held in Orlando, FL, include the following:
Irons:
Callaway (Beginner/High Handicap or Hacker): The Diablo Edge irons offer solid value and performance for the beginner or higher handicap golfer. The low and deep centre of gravity enables golfers of any skill level the ability to get the ball airborne quickly, resulting in greater distance and accuracy.
Titleist (Mid/Low Handicap): The new AP1 and AP2 irons look great and are designed with the aspiring golfer in mind. As always, Titleist has released a top quality product. The AP1 irons are a sleekly designed cavity back iron whose target player is the mid-low handicap player who seeks a performance enhancing tool. The AP2 iron is designed with the low single digit and professional golfer in mind. These clubs remind me of the Titleist 962B irons I used for many years that were truly sensational shot making tools.
Mizuno MP58 (Low Handicap): These clubs look beautiful, the biggest concern many players have had with the MP series irons in the past is that there is no forgiveness whatsoever. The greatest improvement to the MP58 is the expanded sweet spot, enabling golfers who require shot making and mild forgiveness. I would recommend taking a look at these clubs the next time you are in your local pro shop.
Golf Balls: With the change in the groove technology, it has made for a greater need to improve the feel of golf balls. We will see this trend continue, but for now here are a couple of the highlights. Callaway Tour i(s) (Competitive Golfer): This 4 piece design was developed with the competitive golfer in mind, as it was made specifically to counteract the control reducing measures of the new groove rules. Callaway claims that this is their best ball yet and will not compromise distance, yet improve feel. I have not had the opportunity to hit this ball yet but as soon as I do, my take will be noted.
Bridgestone Golf (All Player Types): Bridgestone has taken a different approach to the ball for the consumer market. Rather than releasing a “one size fits all” solution, there is a ball that is right for each individual golfer. In testing, golfers have reported improving distance and accuracy due being matched with a ball that is right for their game. A very small percentage of golfers will benefit from using the same ball technology used by the best tour pro’s, it just makes sense.
Sunglasses:
The Paula Creamer Collection from Sundog (Women): Paula Creamer has paired up with Sundog Golf to develop a womens sunglass line. Rarely do professional athletes who endorse products put as much effort into the design process as is the case with Paula. These glasses are stylish and functional for the female golfer who is looking for more out of her eye wear.
Shoes:
Lambda (All golfers): Wow, these golf shoes look amazing. They have been out in Europe for a while but they will be released this year in North America. They appear to be nicer than the Footjoy Classics, which is saying a lot considering those have been the world’s most popular golf shoe for decades. I’m not sure what the price target will be for these but I would recommend that you have a look at these when you have the chance.
