Twelve hundred and fifty vendors, 500,000 square feet of exhibition space and just 3 days to see it all - a guaranteed mission impossible!


Of all the years attending "The Show", this was by far the best. There were so many excellent and innovative products, both in hard goods and soft goods, that a whole magazine issue could be devoted to cover all these products. The magnitude of the show and products is simply mind boggling.

TaylorMade, Nike and Callaway took center stage in every category. Their products are so technologically advanced. Yet, there were many of the lesser known companies that also had excellent products.

Technology again was ubiquitous from Ahead clothing to Zelocity Flight monitors and everything else in between, most especially in the use of GPS systems and performance fabrics.
In attending and identifying the best products at a PGA Show, one faces a major hurdle – time to visit and talk with the inventors and sales teams. This year the Show organizers scheduled both a demo day for retailers and club manufacturers, as well as an indoor testing area. Both were extremely well attended.

The Show was alive and the "vibe" was palpable. Top participating golf manufacturers included: adidas, Fairway and Greene, Callaway Golf, Club Car, Full Swing Golf, Nike Golf, Sport-Haley, Orlimar, TaylorMade Golf, Tour Edge, Wilson Golf, Nickent and Yonex, to name just a few.

Upcoming articles will feature specific categories in detail – drivers, irons, shafts, wedges, balls, teaching and training aids, accessories and clothing. This year, to try and present a glimpse of all the fine products exhibited, we have created a Top Product quintuple matrix that sums up the best of the best.

The Top Hard Goods                                       
Adams Insight BUL 5000 Driver    www.adamsgolf.com
Callaway FT-I and FTt-5 Drivers www.callawaygolf.com
Callaway's X20 irons  www.callawaygolf.com
E21 Scandium Alloy Shafts     www.e21Golf.com                                   
True Temper's Epic Golf Shaft     www.epicshaft.com        
Nickent DX4 Driver   www.nickentgolf.com            
TaylorMade's Burner Driver  www.taylormadegolf.com
TaylorMade’s r7 Super Quad Driver  www.taylormadegolf.com
Tour Edge Exotic Hybrids   www.touredge.com
MacGregor NGV2 Draw Fairways www.macgregorgolf.com
Accu Length Pink 1000 Series  www.acculength.com
Aldila NVS Proto www.aldila.com
Orlimar Fury QB Driver www.Orlimar.com
Nike SUMO² 460 cc Driver www.nikegolf.com
Maruman Metabio Driver  www.marumanglobal.com

The Top Putters                                               
Mizuno Bettinardi C-06-HX   www.MizunoUSA.com        
Guerin Rife Barbados    www.rifeputters.com
F2 Hamilton    www.f2golf.com
Heavy Putter B-1 Series  www.heavyputter.com
Odyssey’s Marxman www.odysseygolf.com
Odyssey’s Black Series     www.odysseygolf.com
Sizemore XM-2                                                        
SeeMore  M1 Putter   www.seemore.com
TaylorMade’s Rossa Inza & Corzina Putters    www.rossaputters.com                   
Yes! Golf’s Forged Abbie Putter  www.yesgolf.com
 Q-Roll Classic IV www.qroll.com

The Top Teaching & Training Aids
Adam’s DIXX Training Putter   www.adamsgolf.com
About Golf Indoor Golf Simulator   www.aboutgolf.com
Aragon Laser Putter   www.argonputter.com
Balance Certified Golf Driver & Putter System  www.balance-certified.com
Jim Hardy’s Plane Truth Video Collection  www.jimhardygolf.com
Maximus Swing Trainer   www.medicus.com
P3Pro Swing Golf Swing Analyzer   www.p3proswing.com
Perfect Spoon 134 by Perfect Club Company  www.theperfectclub.com
Leaderboard Swing Trainer  www.Proleaderboard.com
Birdie Ball www.birdieball.com
Glideball Portable Driving Range  www.glideball.com
Qolf ChipShot www.qolf.com
Bob Burns Grip Lock Glove www.bobburnsgolf.com

The Top Accessories
Aline’s Shoe Inserts  www.aline.com
SkyGolf’s SG4 GPS Range Finder  www.skygolfgps.com
Daphne’s Head Covers   www.free-release.com
Bag Boy Navigator  www.bagboycompany.com
Nikon’s 500G Laser Caddy  www.nikonsportoptics.com
Pragma "Associate" Cigar Lighter    www.pragma-accessories.com
Peak Vision Eyeglasses  www.peakvisionsports.com
Q-Link SRT-3 Bracelet  www.qlinkgolf.com
Trion: Z bracelet  www.TrionZ.com
Vic Vegas Cigars  www.vicvegacigars.com
SunBuster Eyeglasses  www.sunbuster.info
Pride Sports Rounds of Tees www.pridesports.com
Champ Stinger www.champgolf.com

The Top Soft Goods
adidas Climacool Apparel  www.adidasgolf.com
Ahead’s HybridWear Performance Fabrics  www.aheadweb.com
Free Release Shoe  www.free-release.com
Keri Ladies Golf Bags & Accessories  www.kerigolf.com
Lija Ladies Apparel www.lijastyle.com
Nike Storm - FIT Soft Shell Pullover Jacket  www.nikegolf.com
Sun Mountain’s HUG Carry System Golf Bag www.sunmountain.com
Sunderland’s Ladies SOS Windwear  www.dwhbrands.com
TaylorMade’s TMAX Gear Golf Bags   www.tmaxgear.com
Zero Restriction’s M3 Outerwear Line www.zerorestriction.com
ProQuip Silk Touch Jacket   www.ProQuip.com
HiTec CDT Power Shoe www.hi-tec.com

These were some the Show stoppers:
“It’s about the Geometry”, “It’s about MOI”, “Hip to be Square” and “Chiclet” shaped square drivers with flashy color schemes, were the most often used phrases heard at the Show.
In a nutshell, this technology for square shaped drivers works by moving the weight further back on the driver and more towards the heel and toe--hence the square shape. This way, it creates a more forgiving driver. To understand this driver, it's important to understand Moment of Inertia (MOI). MOI is the term applied to how resistant the clubhead is to twisting when a ball is struck. For example, if your swing is a little off and you hit the ball on the toe of the clubhead, a clubhead with a higher MOI will twist less as a result of the mis-hit. This creates a better chance that the ball will still go where you intended and with less loss of distance. Testing has shown 8-10 percent improvement with regards to accuracy on mis-hit shots.
Though we will cover all the new drivers in our next article, the following is a brief synopsis of the “hot” drivers.
Though these square drivers are the current favored product, there will also be square hybrids and fairway woods hitting the market in the next few months.
The USP (unique selling proposition) for the new square shape is simple – straighter drives, less dispersion rate, but not necessarily longer!  All these drivers tend to have closed faces and duplicate a driver with a draw basis. They do look cute though, but they are rather expensive!


TaylorMade’s 460 cc Burner Driver

Already in use on the PGA Tour, TaylorMade's new Burner driver is engineered to promote greater distance through faster speed. Though not as radical as a square-back driver, the bullet-shaped Burner extreme central back weight redistribution technology is designed to increase forgiveness across the face of the club. Because of this unique forgiveness, the Burner maintains a level of ball speed on mis-hits that most other drivers just cannot match.

TaylorMade uses “eMOI” (effective Moment of Inertia) in its club measurements. This term is used to account for the combined benefits of high MOI and Inverted Cone Technology. Inverted Cone Technology provides a larger area of the clubface to deliver higher ball velocity and greater distance, even on mis-hits. The Burner driver has an eMOI that exceeds 5800 and is very close to the USGA’s limit of 5900.
With its high eMOI, the driver is very responsive, forgiving and is designed for those players that prefer to “grip it and rip it”. Its aesthetics and color scheme are eye-catching, making it a very handsome piece of equipment that performs extremely well.
Adding to Burner's distance advantage is the fact that it's also engineered to naturally promote a high and slight penetrating draw, thanks to the combination of its 1° closed clubface and the flex, flex-point and torque of its .350-tip shaft. Additionally, a permanent weight cartridge located in the middle-back of the sole pulls the CG deep and low into the head, making Burner easy to launch high and long. The cartridge also allows TaylorMade to cleanly and precisely adjust the club's swing weight at the factory.
The Burner ($299.99) is also available in the TP version $399.99   www.taylormadegolf.com

TaylorMade r7 SuperQuad

Building on the success of the r7 family, comes the best r7 driver to date. The control players are the target audience of the SuperQuad, which allows golfers to shape their shot in six different ways thanks to four movable weight screws. Like the 460cc Burner, the  “eMOI” (effective Moment of Inertia) is close to the USGA limit of 5900. “eMOI” is used to account for the combined benefits of high MOI and Inverted Cone Technology. Inverted Cone Technology provides a larger area of the clubface to deliver higher ball velocity and greater distance, even on mis-hits.
The r7 SuperQuad combines the power and forgiveness of a 460 cc clubhead – the maximum size allowed by the USGA – with the ability to promote changes to the launch angle, spin-rate and trajectory. The contemporarily shaped clubhead is finished entirely in a deep, rich black, including the clubface. Yellow accents on the sole, similar to those on the r7 425 and r7 460, offer a dramatic contrast. It's a safe bet that the SuperQuad's appearance alone gives it "stand-out" status in the crowded driver marketplace.
The r7 SuperQuad is $499 and is also available in the TP version $725   www.taylormadegolf.com

DiXX Digital Instruction/Training Putter

Adams Golf has teamed up with the Korean inventor, Dr. Ci Moo Song of Seoul, South Korea, whose company, Infinics, Inc., initially introduced the putter in Japan, to become the North American distributor for the DiXX Digital Instruction putter. People were lining up to gawk and test this VERY EXPENSIVE high tech marvel.
The DiXX is a putter with a unique patented motion sensor called an "Inertial Navigation System" and a color LCD screen built into a module that fits in its mallet-shaped head.
What's remarkable is that the sensor provides feedback data on the five key factors of the putting stroke - swing path, impact position, tempo, face angle, and speed balance. It also allows a golfer to choose either a straight-line putting path or arc path.
Not only does it give you instant feedback on a stroke, it also compiles data on a number of putts to give you a statistical profile, so you can identify your tendencies, and eventually, your progress toward improving your action.  Available in lengths of 33, 34 and 35 inches for $1,000.00 - rather expensive but there are those that just need to have the latest and greatest!
 www.adamsgolf.com

Callaway FT-i 460 cc Driver

Of the square faced drivers arriving weekly on the market, Callaway’s FT-I has great lines and colors, making it definitely the best looking driver available.
Aside from its good looks, the driver performs admirably and was favored by our testing group as their favorite of the “square-faced” drivers tested (Orlimar, Nike SUMO², Hippo HEX2, Integra’s SooLong, Perfect Club Squared and Simpac Golf).
The Callaway FT-i driver features a square head employing full carbon body technology resulting in extra weight savings over that of a titanium head. By using a lightweight carbon body that weighs only 42g, Callaway has been able to push as much weight as possible into the far corners of the head, thereby dramatically increasing the club’s ability to resist twisting on off-centre hits, thus increasing MOI for straighter drives.
The sound of the club upon ball striking is somewhat louder than the normal 460 cc driver, but not ear-splitting, as some of the other square shaped drivers tested. It has great feel and its looks at address are not overly disturbing.  $499.99   www.callawaygolf.com

Taylormade Rescue TP

The Rescue TP features include a smaller, more compact steel clubhead designed to appeal visually to tour professionals by virtue of its clean and compact appearance. A lower, more forward CG and less offset promotes a low, penetrating, tour-caliber trajectory, and works in conjunction with the compact head size to promote greater workability for on-command draws and fades. Premium shaft options include TaylorMade RE*AX 85 TP by Fujikura and True Temper Dynamic Gold.
Available in 1 (15°), 2 (17°), 3 (19°) and 4 (21°). Suggested retail price is $245 in graphite shaft and $220 in steel. www.taylormadegolf.com

Nike Storm – FIT (Functional Innovative Technology) Soft Shell Pullover Jacket

This is a marvelous jacket to fight off the elements.  It is seamed sealed, unlined, waterproof, windproof and breathable. The   jacket comes with a rain-off collar for a comfortable fit and additional weather protection.  
There's no over the shoulder seam allowing you to carry your bag without the shoulder seam rubbing.  The 3-layer soft shell comfort technology eliminates bulk, weight and provides maximum weather protection.
The four-way stretch material allows for a greater range of motion.  Articulated seams in the elbow provide more freedom of movement where it's most needed.  An open hem gives you more ease of movement.
$99  www.nikegolf.com

Tour Edge Bazooka GeoMax Driver

Long recognized as one of golf’s better manufacturers offering excellent value, Tour Edge has introduced the GeoMax driver. As with the Burner, the GeoMax offers a superb level of control through its design.  A fixed 20-gram tungsten rear sole weight repositions the GeoMax's center of gravity deeper and lower in the head raising the club’s MOI to 5,000.
The GeoMax’s center of gravity is lower and deeper by pushing the legal limits of the breadth-to-face-length ratio to .974. Superior to traditional design specifications, this ratio delivers beefed up accuracy and forgiveness for heart-pounding drives.
The addition of a 20-gram tungsten sole weight places the center of gravity low and deep into the driver's head for a higher launch and an unprecedented level of control.
The GeoMax has also followed with a color scheme designed to appeal to golfers. On top of this, its price of $199.99, makes it one of golf’s best driver buys available.  www.touredge.com


Nike SUMO² 460 cc Driver

The first of the square drivers to appear on the market, Nike’s SUMO² offers a MOI of 5300.
This extremely eye-catching designed driver is flying off retailers’ shelves since its introduction last month, and is offered at a price of $399.99.
Our testers and many other golfers at the demo day at the Show, all had similar responses and comments - "weird shape, weird sound, but the ball definitely goes straighter."
Nike utilizes a multi-material construction with a composite crown to save weight vs. a conventional titanium crown. The SUMO² driver is also the widest driver on the field for early 2007 at 4.9 inches in front-to-back depth (US Golf Association's limit is 5 inches).
www.nikegolf.com

Orlimar Fury QB Titanium Driver

The FURY QB incorporates new revolutionary technology that utilizes a high MOI (Moment of Inertia) providing longer straighter shots every time. The 460cc square head produces exceptional distance, control and forgiveness. The Fury is a titanium driver with graphite inserts.
$249  www.Orlimar.com


E21 Scandium Irons and Shaft


From Wood to metal to Titanium ….now Scandium.
At the demo day and on the show floor, people could not believe what they are feeling (or not feeling) when hitting golf shots with these new Scandium Alloy Shafts.

This Toronto-based company is leading the way into a new frontier of golf club manufacturing, thanks to its patented E21 Alloy made with Scandium, a material that outperforms steel, graphite, and titanium in every way. Taking its name from Scandium, the 21st element on the Periodic Table, Element 21 Golf Company is introducing new advancements to the United States from Russian aerospace research programs. The result is a material which provides the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any material used in golf equipment today. That strength-to-weight ratio has a 36% advantage over titanium and a 40% advantage over graphite.

This might explain why notable Tour Players put the Eagle One Scandium Alloy shafts into play without any endorsement contracts.
www.E21Golf.com

Rife Barbados Putter

Like all putters from Rife the Barbados is Tour driven. This oversized mallet putter has found its way into the bag of three of the top 50 players on the PGA Tour whom have enjoyed immediate success (winner of the 2006 Australian Masters). The Barbados is designed to have a pleasing shape wrapped around a three line center cavity section creating a strong alignment aid. By moving the mass to the outer edges of the putter, the Barbados is extremely stable. It also features both RollGroove and LieAline technologies. As with all Rife putters the Barbados is 100% milled and made of mild 304 stainless steel. www.rifeputters.com


Nikon 500G Laser Caddy

This small and compact hand-held range finder has terrific optics (6x20) and ranges targets as small as the pin stick out to 500 yards with ½ yard accuracy. It is definitely the leader in range finders surpassing other brands such as Bushnell, TourTrek and Gear for Golf.
The Caddy is water resistant, fits very comfortably in one’s hand and offers a scan mode as well.
$249.95   www.nikonsportoptics.com

adidas ClimaCool Motion Color Block Polo
          
This rib-knit collar and open hem mesh sleeve shirt featuring UV protection with an anti-microbial finish are indicative of the new rage in golf shirts.
adidas is one of the forerunners in this field of performance fabrics and has introduced lines of shirts and pants for ladies and m