Rocketballz, Technology and Operator Error: Random Thoughts From the PGA Merchandise Show

Monday, January 30, 2012 by Chris King

Myrtle Beach golf spokesman Dustin Johnson was featured in the TaylorMade boothThe game’s leading manufacturers and 42,000 golf pros from across the globe gathered for the 59th annual PGA Merchandise Show last week.

Jack, The Shark, Annika and Trevino were among the luminaries that prowled 10 miles of aisles at the Orange County Convention Center (there were more than 1,000 businesses at the event). Nearly every significant name in the game was as at the show, previewing equipment and apparel they would like you take on your next Myrtle Beach golf trip.

We will cover the new products unveiled in the days and weeks ahead, but, in the meantime, here are five general observations from one of the industry’s showcase events:

1. Beyond unveiling new equipment, much attention was focused on growing the game, including a promising partnership between Golf 2.0 and the Boys & Girls Club. While insiders spent three days talking about the need to attract people to the game, an event that regular golfers would trade their favorite putter to be a part of, was closed to the public. There is irony in their somewhere.

2. Off the soapbox and on to clubs you can expect to use on your favorite Myrtle Beach golf course. TaylorMade’s R11 dominated the driver market in 2011, and if buzz at the PGA Show is an indicator, the company will be leading the way in 2012, too. TaylorMade’s massive show booth was part nightclub, part arcade, and a golf junkies dream. It says here the recently released Rocketballz driver will be the top seller among mid to high handicappers in 2012. Titleist might be the most trusted name in golf, but TaylorMade is the most popular right now.

3. Cobra Puma Golf is betting on the game’s future and Rickie Fowler in particular. Fowler has signed on as a product and apparel endorser, and the company is building its brand around the popular young star. With the pending release of a new line of AMP woods and irons, expect to hear a lot more from Cobra Puma in 2012. The brightest new star on the LPGA Tour, Lexi Thompson, and Myrtle Beach golf favorite Blair O’Neal are also part of the increasingly photogenic team.

4. Golf clings to tradition like a newborn to its mother, but the game isn’t stuck in time. From apps that answer rules questions to the ability to video your golf swing during a round, technology is changing the game for the better.

5. There are more great drivers, putters and iron sets on the market – from countless companies - than ever before. The problem isn’t the equipment being taken to the course; it’s operator error!
 

Comments for Rocketballz, Technology and Operator Error: Random Thoughts From the PGA Merchandise Show

Monday, January 30, 2012 by Greg:
I love the idea of promoting golf to young people!