The PGA Show this past week attracted more than 30,000 PGA professionals and vendors. Along with the major equipment and apparel companies, such as Callaway Golf, Titleist and FootJoy, there were hundreds of “under the radar’’ smaller companies on the floor of Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center.
Here are a few of my favorites:
BatCaddy
The company’s new Ultra-Lightweight (less than 25 pounds with battery), Carbon Stealth Frame Design X9R Carbon cart features a compact, slim design, quiet motors, inset battery tray and carbon fiber upper and lower frames.
The X9R Carbon is also equipped with our fully directional remote control, downhill speed control, and features all-new Electronic Parking Brake, Advanced Stability Geometry, “Forever” Wheel Treads, and Ultimate Lithium power package. It also comes with an exclusive electronics and accessory package, that includes a seat and dual beverage holders. What more could you want?
Biion
Coloful seemingly lighter-than-air shoes with classic silhouettes with 21st century materials. Function to fashion with technology that lends itself to high-performance shoes that can worn on and off the golf course.
Blue Tees
Gotta love the company’s Player Pack that include a 3 MAX rangefinder; Magnetic Wireless Speaker Player with 360-degree audio experience allows players to download music, as well as provides yardage distances; Player mounts to golf cart; ; 6-in-1 Divot Tool; and Mag Hub. Entire package for $399 If you haven’t used a rangefinder – or even if you have – definitely give Blue Tees a try.
Golf Training Aids
The company offers a plethora of instruction tools and devices. My favorite includes the “Sure Set’’ swing aid developed by renowned teacher Dan Frost to help golfers establish a better understanding of the golf swing, whether it’s a one-plane, two-plane swing.
“I went to a hardware store 10 years ago and put a makeshift one together,’’ Frost said. “Now it’s become one of the more popular training aids on the planet.’’
Lyle & Scot
The 150-year-old Scottish brand has been worn by the likes of Greg Norman, Gary Player and Tony Jacklin. The 2023 men’s and women’s lines at the PGA Show each featured a combination of classic, clean tops and bottoms, sweaters and pullovers, along with some avante garde patterns and designs to appeal to a a younger generation of players and influencers.
Power Tee
Primarily aimed at golf ranges and private club, but also available to “backyard’’ golfers, the Power Tee auto-tee turf practice station solution that is revolutionizing the way golf courses and driving ranges deliver golf practice to their customers.
Every shot hit from a Power Tee station is from a perfect lie because it’s automatically teed at the height a player chooses – and sets – from 40 different options. Power Tee helps dial in the lie and turf interaction the player chooses, thus practice sessions are more productive, golfers get in the groove more quickly and hit better shots during each Power Tee range session. Lessons resonate more easily, too.
And, on the business side, courses and ranges see customers hit more balls, stay longer, spend more in pro shops and on food & beverages, and bring more people with them to try Power Tee.
Headquartered in Ponte Vedra, FL., Power Tee was developed by engineer (and struggling golfer) Martin Wyeth, who says the company is teeing up more than six million golf balls per day across 18 different countries, including the UK and a growing US market.
PuttView
Perhaps the most technologically advanced products at the PGA Show, PuttView showed off its PuttView X Augmented Reality system that can bring every green in the world to life through its pioneering glasses. PuttView X visualizes all aspects of a putt, including the ideal path of the ball and the aiming line. Voice commands and hand gestures enable the user to move around the green freely, set any hole or ball location, and adjust green speed depending on the current conditions.
PuttView X then accurately calculates the putt path by automatically scanning the surrounding area without the use of any additional tools or accessories.
The glasses are easy on/easy off and are meant to be used as a training aid, helping players improve their ability to read the line and speed of putts. Cost? In the mid $14,000 range.
Revolve Golf Bag
A combination carry/stand bag with wheels, inventor Corey Schneider’s Revolve Golf Bag line has detachable wheels and retactible handle. Each bag can be strapped to a golf cart with the built in loops for easy pull through. To carry your bag, there are padded dual adjustable straps that can be stowed away while you are wheeling your bag. A great deal at $349.99.
Swing Control
Montreal-based company with classic and trendy apparel lines for men and women. Fabrics include a 92 percent bamboo/eight percent spandex for amazingly soft garments. Each of the men’s and women’s line are well thought out and designed. For men, in particular, looking for pants and shorts, check out Swing Control.
2Thumb Grip
Fast-growing company that focuses on ergonomically designed putter grips that aid grip alignment, help prevent grip twist and ensure an easily repeatable stroke. Popular models include OCTOGRIP and the PISTOL 7E, designed by Darin Dingman former owner of Super Stroke, who leads operations for 2Thumb Grip North America. Some great color combined more importantly with feel, make 2Thumb grips serious contenders in the putter grip market.
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