The PGA Merchandise Show, held each year over more than 500,000 square feet within the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, came to a close on Jan. 27. More than 45,000 golf teaching professionals and retailers browsed the new product introductions, equipment testing sessions, trend presentations, merchandising workshops, professional development seminars, and teaching programs.
For meeting and event planners, the show had countless ideas for attendee gifts. Here are just a few, across different price ranges.
Strike 'N Swipe is a type of patch that players can affix to the face of a golf club while they are practicing. The purpose: Once a swing is made, the patch leaves an imprint on the club face where the ball struck, thereby giving the player an idea of how close he or she came to hitting the "sweet spot" on the face.
The best part: By rubbing one's finger across the patch, the mark disappears, and the patch is ready for reuse. Each patch is good for more than 500 hits, says the manufacturer.
The Value Pack includes five patches—two for woods, two for irons, and one for the putter. Each pack costs $9.99 at www.innovagolf.com.
Zebra Golf Mats are cushioned practice surfaces that allow players to rehearse either their full swing or their putting stroke. The difference between these mats and others is that there are several instructional aids imprinted on the surface of these mats. The various lines and dots painted on the mats help players make sure that they have the correct stance and alignment, the proper ball position between the feet, and the proper path of the swing.
The full-swing mat measures five feet long by five feet wide, or four feet long by four feet wide. The larger one costs $249; the smaller one, $179.
The putting mat also has various lines painted on it to assist the player in making a proper stroke. One style measures one foot wide by twelve feet long and costs $79; the other measures four feet wide by twelve feet long, and costs $249. Discounts for bulk orders are available. For more info, contact:
[email protected].
Some models of Ogio Golf Bags now offer a unique carrying device that's called the Shling. For players who like to walk around the golf course rather than take a cart, these bags offer the easiest over-the-shoulder harness on the market. The Shling also eliminates the need to slide one's arms through shoulder straps, and distributes the weight of the golf clubs and bag perfectly across the shoulders, eliminating joint and muscle strain.
Ogio's lightweight Flight bag costs $199, while the Vision bag costs $229. Visit www.ogiogolf.com.
Nike Men's SP-5 Golf Shoes will keep your attendees' feet dry and comfortable even in the worst conditions, thanks to the impermeable Nike WaterShield lining. Also, Nike's patented Air Cushioning system functions through encapsulated Air-Sole units built right into the innersole board, providing instant response and optimal comfort. Besides providing terrific traction, maximum stability, and lightweight flexibility in both wet and dry conditions, the all-black SP-5 can be worn with either pants or shorts, and with clothing of just about any color. Best of all, the color lets them look less dirty over time. Price: $69.99 at www.golfsmith.com/ products/248636.