The 59th annual PGA Merchandise Show wrapped up on Saturday, Jan. 28 in Orlando.
With over 42,000 people attending and over 1,000 companies and brands showing off their wares, I went looking specifically for items that might improve my golf game.
While I won’t be looking to join the PGA Tour anytime soon, I’m always looking to improve my game, which has taken a turn for the worse the last few years. I see new golf products and inventions all the time and very few actually catch my attention.
This year’s show was the biggest in years, and I did end up finding some items that would be good for the average golfer and the sport as a whole.
I’m all for what is best for the environment and solar powered golf carts could be the wave of the future. A small company out of Florida called Golf Cart Solar has spent the last two years developing technology that is affordable and actually works.
For under $500, a solar panel kit would be installed to your existing golf cart. Electricity costs are immediately reduced and your battery range will increase on the course. It’s a green initiative that will get you from tee to green while saving you money. They plan to market to both courses and individuals.
The SwingWing
The SwingWing is more than a teaching device, it’s a great warm-up tool. Simply inflate the foam SwingWing, insert your club shaft near the club head, and swing away. It will help you build strength, work on your tempo, and develop a faster swing.
“It will let you keep your swing tempo, even in the winter months,” states SwingWing inventor Dan Gitre. “It will work with any club in your bag, and when you deflate it will store and pack away right in your bag.”
I’m using it to improve my turn, which should add some distance to my driver. For $20, you have to give it a try.
I love this product. Insta Golf Shoes are a cleat and tread addition to your regular athletic or tennis shoes. They fit over your shoes and give you the traction and mobility of a spiked golf shoe. They are lightweight and very durable. They travel much easier than a regular pair of golf shoes and have been course tested on the tough terrain of Northern Ireland’s top courses. They start at $44.95 and are available in different colors to match your street shoes.
“It’s a simpler way to carry your golf shoes to play golf,” explains Rick Hetzel, who developed the shoe.
I think he might be on to something.
Swingbyte
Now you can analyze your swing right on your smartphone. The Swingbyte is a sensor that weighs less than an ounce and attaches to your club. By swinging your club either on the range, at the course, or at home, the Swingbyte will transmit a digital version of your swing to a smartphone or tablet for you to see. The information is transmitted by Bluetooth technology to the iOS or Android app that can be viewed by the player, coach or instructor.
It costs $149, and that’s much cheaper that using simulators or other swing devices that don’t even give you instant feedback. The Swingbyte was one of the most innovative products I found at the show.
ZipMyGrip
Don’t forget to “zip up” for better golf. I’m talking about your golf grip here and the new ZipMyGrip. The ZipMyGrip is an oversize cushioned grip that slips over the existing grip on your clubs. The neoprene cushion protects you existing grips, but since it makes the grip larger, it also releases tension when you grip the club. They cost around $5 a grip, so it won’t break the bank.
Spotless Swing Golf Towel
It’s three golf towels in one, and it can and should be in your bag. Not only will it serve as a towel and keep your hands, face and grips clean, it will also keep debris off your clubs and you can use the MicroBrush Fabric to clean the grooves on your irons. I know this towel will find a spot in my bag; it should be in yours as well. It retails for $24.95, and you can see it at www.spotlessswing.com.
Tie – Score Band and The Golfers 15
One is a watch that will keep track of your strokes on the course. The other is a tool that will do it all.
The Score Band is the invention of James P. Murdough, and it’s a 4-in-1 score-keeping device. It’s a water resistant watch, but it also will keep score of a soccer, baseball or tennis match by touching the buttons on the face of the watch. It’s easy to use and you will never mess up on a score again. Go to www.scoreband.net to see it for yourself.
The Golfers 15 is a 7-in-1 golf tool. It’s a ball cleaner, a club stand, and a tee holder. It also holds a ball marker, and can clean your club’s grooves and face. As a bonus, it will also hold your cigar. Check it out at www.thegolfers15.com.
Rick Limpert covers sports, technology and events in and around Atlanta. He found all of these great gadgets at the PGA Merchandise Show.
