By Jason Bruno

The 67th edition of the PGA Merchandise Show annually takes place at

the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

Our week kicked off at Lake Nona for the Tour Edge Media Day where

several OEMs showed off their new product lines.

The foot traffic was heavy at the Convention Center for the show but

for the second year in a row industry titan Taylormade decided to punt

on attending. Will this be a trend in the future and if so, what does the

future hold for this annual gathering of industry professionals?

While many media outlets will pick a few items to showcase from the

show, we scour the entire convention center looking for those new

innovations that inspire us to play and work on the game - no matter

how big or small the company. Normally we start with clubs, but honestly

it was the new footwear that stole the show in 2020, so we kickoff our

most comprehensive "Best New Products" feature to date with some love

for the shoe game . . .

Footwear

Adidas - CodeChaos

Of the new kicks presented in Orlando, Adidas introduced the boldest

new line with the launch of CodeChaos. Both men's & women's collection

comes in standard lace up, Boa and Sport edition.

CodeChaos will be the flagship golf shoe in 2020 for Adi, featuring BOOST

cushioning and an upper made up of a multi-layer waterproof mesh for

extreme weather protection and flexibility.

CodeChaos features a new TwistGrip outsole that provides 20% more

traction than any other spikeless ever offered from the 3 stripes.

Visit: https://www.adidas.com/us/golf

Footjoy

Footjoy updated their super popular ProSL in 2020 with a fresh look and

a wider Infinity Outsole that provides 30% more traction and greater

stability.

They also introduced the ProSL Carbon, featuring integrated carbon

fiber for those fast swingers who require an even greater amount of

stability.

Footjoys FLEX XP captures the affections of the casual linkster, a true

lifestyle shoe with a lightweight performance mesh upper that features

a 1 year waterproof warranty. Visit: https://www.footjoy.com/

Under Armour - Spieth 4

UA's Spieth 4 golf shoe was a collaborative effort with Jordan and the

Under Armour research team - focusing on traction and generating power

from the ground up.

The Spieth 4 made its tour debut at Torrey Pines for the Farmers Insurance

Open, the same week they launched at the PGA Show in Orlando. Available

in March. Visit: https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/sports/golf

Puma - Ignite PWRADAPT CAGED

Puma Golf introduced their IGNITE PWRADAPT CAGED shoes featuring

a PWRCAGE saddle that wraps the medial and lateral side of the shoe,

for added support during even the most aggressive swings. Worn on

tour in 2020 by Bryson, Gary Woodland and Lexi Thompson.

Standard lace up is available in three different colorways, DISC

model (shown above) is available in four different colorways.

Visit: https://www.cobragolf.com/pumagolf/#

TRUE LINKSWEAR - ECO KNIT

The collaborative booth between TRUE Linkswear & Linksoul brought

its cool west coast vibe to the PGA Show.

TRUE Linkswear introduced their new ECO KNIT shoes at the PGA Show,

made from recycled plastic bottles - the tribe at TRUE are big advocates

and enthusiasts of sustainability and walking the links. Bravo to that, who

can argue those focus points? Combine those endeavors with a great

looking ultra lightweight shoe and you end up with another pure TRUE

"instant classic". As much a lifestyle shoe as a golf entry, these may just

become your favorite everyday kicks. They inspire us to go on a late

afternoon walk around the links.

The aggressive outer sole treads on the super-lightweight 7.4 oz

ECO KNITS - available now. visit: https://truelinkswear.com/

ECCO - S THREE

ECCO's latest, the S-three will be worn by Henrik Stenson on worldwide

tours in 2020. A hybrid spikeless model that provides ultra-comfort and

Zonal Fluid form Technology (which creates a moulded midsole), delivering

just the right amount cushioning and stability.

visit: https://us.ecco.com/golf/

ASICS GOLF

ASICS enters the golf shoe industry via partnership with Srixon, their two

models Gel Course Duo Boa (above) and Gel Course Glide feature ASICS

long standing of comfort and flexibility found in their running shoes while

also providing superb traction and stability. Worn on tour by G-Mac and

Hideki Matsuyama in '20. Visit: https://www.srixon.com/us/asics-golf.html

SQAIRZ

The newest brand in the golf shoe market is SQAIRZ. The idea of a square

toe box design was born on a New England driving range while practicing

in a pair of square toed dress shoes. That day spurred further research

into ground force reaction, biomechanics and foot movement. Arrow model

comes in white/red (shown above) and black/white, 20/20 models available

in gray/blue and black/red colorways.

For more info on SQAIRZ: https://sqairz.com/mens-golf-footwear/

GOLF BALLS

Bridgestone Tour B Series (w/Reactiv Cover)

In the ball category, Bridgestone launched the product with the biggest

innovation in quite sometime. It's been a couple of decades since anyone

has introduced an advancement to the cover material in premium tour

golf balls (since the balata became extinct for cast urethane). Although

Bridgestone's new REACTIV cover material is a urethane, it has properties

that separate it's behavior and performance in accordance with the club

you are hitting. Developed to fly maximum distance off the tee and stop

significantly faster with the irons, the new Tour B series with REACTIV has

been extensively tested and is now in play by Masters Champion Tiger

Woods - who we know doesn't change his golf ball very often. The new

Tour B golf balls is now available at retail.

Visit: https://www.bridgestonegolf.com/en-us/balls

Titleist AVX

Titleist, the industry leader had great success in 2019 with their launch

of the 3 piece AVX cast urethane golf ball. In 2020, AVX gets a larger

core and thinner cover for even better performance. Available in White

and Yellow. Titleist also launched their new Tour Soft ball at the show,

for more info: https://www.titleist.com/golf-balls

Srixon - Q Star Tour

The ever popular Srixon QStar Tour gets a makeover in 2020 - a

larger softer core that makes it the largest core in the category.

Available in White and Tour Yellow. Visit: https://www.srixon.com/

Drivers/Metalwoods

COBRA - SPEEDZONE

Perhaps regarded as the hottest driver of 2019, Cobra's F9 Speedback

was going to be a tough act to follow for the design team at Cobra, but

Tommy O, Mike Yagley and the R&D team stepped up big. Enter 2020

and the launch of SPEEDZONE. Drawing inspiration from Formula 1 race

cars, Cobra sought out to create a faster clubhead both aerodynamically

and in a redesigned face. Available in two models - standard (shown

above) and EXTREME which is a rear weight high MOI driver designed

with a slightly larger footprint at address. Drawing inspiration from the

finest Formula 1 race cars, Cobra sought out to create a faster clubhead

both aerodynamically and in a redesigned face.

Speedzone features golf's first CNC Milled Infinty face which expands

the zone of maximum ball speed, your miss hits will retain higher

speeds than before. All of this innovation, and Cobra has kept their

price steady at $449, still 10% - 20% lower than several of the new

industry leading drivers.

This thing just looks fast . . .

Visit: https://www.cobragolf.com/speedzone-driver

Tour Edge/Exotics - EXS 220

EXS 220 features an 8-1-1 Diamond titanium face featuring 42 strategically

placed thick and thin diamond patterns or "mini trampolines" for increased

ball speeds and reduced spin. To fine-tune sound/feel, David Glod designed

a sound diffusion bar inside the head. Packed with technology, Tour Edge/

Exotics once again leads the industry in value with an MSRP of $349 for

the EXS 220 driver.

Carbon crown, clean look at address, adjustable shaft sleeve.

Diamond Face.

EXS 220 fairway metals - hypersteel cup face, sole rails and Max M.O.I.

Most played model on the Champions Tour: https://shop.touredge.com/

Mizuno - ST200 (Standard, G & X models)

Last year, Keith Mitchell put Mizuno drivers in the spotlight when he out

dueled Brooks Koepka to win the Honda Classic. The win was the first such

on tour for any Mizuno big stick. In 2020, Mizuno anounced their drivers

as Tour Ready, World Ready as they launched the ST200 line - which comes

in 3 models: standard ST200, ST200X and ST200G. The standard model

offers high MOI and mid/low spin that will fit the largest demographic of

golfers.

ST200G (pictured above) is equipped with maximum adjustability,

and is what will be found in most staffers bags on tour.

Mizuno's ST200X is the company's lightest driver (272 grams) meant to

compete in the Japanese market with Callaway's Epic Star and XXIO

Eleven, but at a lower pricepoint.

Visit: https://www.mizunousa.com/category/sports/golf.do

Callaway - Mavrik (Standard, Max and Sub Zero)

The Chevron introduces MAVRIK, taking their highly successful EPIC Flash

of 2019 to the next level with their next generation of AI Flash Face.

Available in 3 models - Standard, Max and Sub Zero.

Callaway's new A.I designed Flash Face SS20 promotes faster ball speeds

across a larger area of the face. Xander Schauffele was the first tour player

to put the Mavrik Sub Zero in play at the Sentry Tournament of Champions

at Kapalua.

Visit: https://www.callawaygolf.com/golf-clubs/drivers/drivers-2020-mavrik.html

Cleveland - Launcher HB Turbo

Cleveland's Launcher HB Turbo is a no-nonsense distance machine.

No moveable weights, sole rails or adjustability. Just a solid titanium

driver for those who prefer to punt on all of the options that creates

the high cost of today's big ticket drivers. At $349, you get speed

powered by Cleveland's turbocharged cup face, redesigned crown

and a counterbalance shaft.

HB Launcher Turbo's crown features an aerodynamic matte black crown.

Visit: https://www.clevelandgolf.com/

IRONS/WEDGES

PING - G710

One of the leading head turners at this year's show was Ping's G710

irons. Featuring maraging steel face, 5% higher MOI than G700 and

a sexy new stealth hydropearl finish.

G710 also improves on G700 in the feel category, via a thin layer of

hot melt epoxy behind the face to get rid of unwanted frequencies.

Another upgrade is including Arccos Caddie grip/sensors and a free

trial of the Arccos Caddie app. Visit: https://ping.com/en-us/

Titleist - T Series

The four different models of Titleist T Series irons provide an iron makeup

that's sure to compliment every type of player and their game. T200 irons

are powered by Max Impact Technology, a unique polymer core developed

with the Titleist golf ball R&D team provides precise sound and dampening

at impact. T200 features more tungsten than any other T-Series iron, with

an average of 90 grams in the mid/long irons providing superb MOI.

Visit: https://www.titleist.com/golf-clubs/golf-irons

Mizuno - MP20

Mizuno irons, they just know how to do it right. Chris Voshall - Golf Club

Engineer and humble creator of some of the finest forgings on earth

showed us these limited edition MP-20 copper irons and moments later

announced to us that they were already officially sold out. Ok, so maybe

these copper MP20's are all gone, but the standard MP20 is available

in 3 different iterations - Pure Muscle back, Elite Players Cavity and Hot

Metal blade (hollow body construction with the look and feel of a classic

forged blade). Visit: https://www.mizunousa.com/category/sports/golf.do

Vokey SM8

Titleist SM8 Vokey wedges feature a redistributed center of gravity

that's been pushed forward for higher MOI. According to Titleist,

this improves feel and makes the club face easier to square at

impact. Visit: https://www.vokey.com/

Cleveland CBX2

Cleveland's CBX2 line is an update to the original CBX featuring a new

hollow cavity. CBX2 is worthy alternative to the typical blade style

wedge, especially for mid to high handicap players who play game

improvement cavity back irons. Comes in 2 degree intervals 46-60

degrees. Visit: https://www.clevelandgolf.com/

PUTTERS

Odyssey - Triple Track

Odyssey's Triple Track offers a visual alignment component like no other,

in the industry. Combined with Callaway's triple track ball, instant validation

of proper alignment is the result. The design seems so logical and obvious,

it makes you wonder why it's taken this long for something so simple to be

introduced. Stroke Lab Triple Track putters feature the popular White Hot

Microhinge insert. Visit: https://www.odysseygolf.com/

PING - Heppler

PING's Heppler putters are an ode to longtime employee Rick Heppler, who

began his career with the company in 1966 and stayed with the comapny

until he tragically passed away in 2013 (from a motorcycle accident).

Nine different model designs offer a machined solid face for those who

prefer a firmer feel at impact. Packed with extreme forgiveness and

optimal CG. Contrasting copper/black finish enhances alignment, while an

adjustable length black chrome shaft allows golfers to be fit for any type

of stroke path.

For more info: https://ping.com/en-us/clubs/putters/heppler

Scotty Cameron - Special Select

Anything new from Scotty Cameron gains interest and for good reason.

The new Special Select line isn't anything drastically different, but it's

created in the same sleek classic shapes played on tours around the

world. Milled from a solid block of 303 stainless for consistent sound

and feel. Visit: https://www.scottycameron.com/special-select/

Bloodline

Bloodline putters feature a stand alone design that enables the golfer

to check alignment from behind the ball - ensuring a far greater probability

of aiming on your intended line. Unorthodox indeed, but once you start

draining putts, it'll be tough for your buddies to resist getting one of their

own. Four different models are available. Visit: https://bloodline.golf/

Tour Edge - Wingman

Tour Edge wasn't the only company to introduce a product called Wingman

in Orlando, but this mallet is stacked with tech. KBS CT Tour putter shaft

comes standard on all Wingman putters.

Carbon fiber sole plate, interchangeable weights, micro-groove face and

three hosel options are just a few of the goodies engineered into Wingman

by the R&D team at Tour Edge. Lamkin Sink Fit Straight putter grip comes

standard. For more info:  https://www.touredge.com/wingman

Apparel

PUMA - Cloud Spun

According to Puma their CLOUDSPUN apparel is the softest and most

comfortable garments they've ever created and after having sampled

the line at their booth - we agree.

PUMA's CLOUDSPUN Taylor Polo is a cool modern spin on the traditional

rugby shirt. https://www.cobragolf.com/pumagolf/men/clothing

Dunning Golf

Dunning has become an absolute must visit for us each year at the show,

their COLL golf shirt, a pique construction with soft feel will be a sharp

addition to any wardrobe this year. Take notice of the Dunning heat seal

logo on the back yoke. Details . . .

Dunning's Jura 1/4 Zip is designed to be worn as a mid layer, featuring

a super smooth feel and four-way stretch in a breathable fabric. Available

in three colorways - Sauve (pictured above), Black and Halo. For more

info: https://www.dunninggolf.com/

GREG Norman Collection

Greg Norman's 2020 collection blew us away with a very eclectic

variety of innovative fabrics and classic looks. Polos, Weatherknits,

Layering and Modern Heritage are the theme with GN style.

Pieces like this micro-bee polo are what makes Greg Norman style

a brand that's always relevant. Visit: https://gregnormancollection.com/

Oakley Apparel

Oakley is far lesser known for their apparel than their shades, but they

have a cult following that has a tour presence in Bubba Watson - scripting

for this year's major events was on display in Orlando. The Take Pro pant

and Divisional polo are worthy of your attention.

Visit: https://www.oakley.com/en-us/collections/mens-golf

Accessories

Zero Friction - Gloves

The Chicago based company that made it's start with a pointy little 3

prong golf tee several years ago is now a giant in the Golf glove category,

so much so that they hold the number 3 position in market share and

are still ascending. Their new Stryker compression fit and our personal

favorite, the Ultra-Feel Cabretta leather padded glove combines the highest

quality leather, a snug compression fit, great feel and the best value in the

industry. Check them out here: https://www.zerofriction.com/

DiviTee

Just when you thought you've seen every kind of golf tee imaginable,

you walk around the PGA show and realize you haven't. Taylor Gilkey

and Zach Ubelhor from Newburgh, Indiana created DiviTee in 2019, a

simple innovation that serves as a multi-purpose golf accessory. . .

Free up your pocket space, DiviTee isn't just for the tee box, it's also

a very handy divot/ball repair tool on the greens and serves as an

adequate groove cleaner for your irons. DiviTee come in four colors

- Orange, Blue, Red, Yellow and White. $5.97 for a 3 pack. Look for

our DiviTee GIVEAWAY coming soon via Twitter - @LinksNation and

Visit: https://www.divitee.com/

BigMax - DRI-LITE HYBRID

Big Max DRI LITE Hybrid bag is a water resistant stand bag featuring

all of the capacity of a cart bag with the attributes to function well as a

carry bag. The DRI LITE is cart compatible and features a 14 way divider and

9 inch top opening: https://bigmaxgolf.com/en/product/dri-lite-hybrid/

Stitch - SL2 Bags

The STITCH booth must have been the busiest spot at the show and

as I was checking out all of the cool accessories, it was hard to ignore

their SL2 bag - what they call the "Perfect Walking Bag". Created

using their proprietary Touring Fabric that has the strength of leather,

but is more durable, lightweight and water resistant. SL2 weighs 64 oz

and features water and stain resistant sealed zippers, 4 way dividers,

detachable rain hood, hip pad, insulated water bottle pocket, pencil

pocket and gunmetal finished hardware. The only downside is its

$368.00 price.  Visit: https://stitchgolf.com/

No Sweat - Hat & Visor liners

Ever have that favorite hat that you purchased while at a bucket list

location only to see it get destroyed by sweat stains and sun block a

months later? This ingenious disposable liner called No Sweat sticks

right inside your hat and protects that new look and smell. It takes

less than a minute to apply and 3 seconds to remove (just replace

when needed). Available for hats and visors, each pack of three

retails for $6.95. Six pack $9.95. Visit: https://nosweatco.com/

ZBones

ZBones allows you to be active an hear clear sound while still being

aware of the environment and the sounds around you. These open-ear

bonephones actually keep your ears open and allow hands-free calling

and music listening for any active endeavor.

Ideal for virtually any activity, especially golf, where ZBones allows you

to hear your music and sound without taking the away the sound/feel

of impact or conversation with friends. 6 hr listening capacity, supports

Bluetooth 5.0 and uses micro USB charging. Visit: https://zbones.io/

Ai Golf - Gatekeeper

The Gatekeeper by AI Golf is a worthy little device that will help you

hone your putter stroke. A simple bracket clips onto your puttershaft

and a small swinging ball acts as judge and jury on how sound your

back and thru move actually is.

The look from address (above), as you improve the path and smoothness

of your stroke, you can increase the challenge by switching out for a

larger swinging ball (which makes the margin of error far more difficult)

to the swinging magnet at the end of the string.

The Gatekeeper kit includes the device, 3 chrome balls, ball marker

and a rubber grommet to fit any diameter putter shaft. Look for a

full review of the Gatekeeper this spring. https://aigolfco.com/

EYEWEAR

Under Armour - TUNED Beyond

Under Armour continues their TUNED line in 2020 with their "Golf

Assist" line featuring various frame styles and their TUNED lens

provides contrast enhancement during play. The ArmourSight lens

blends a lifestyle look without an un-obstructed edge to edge view

during play. For more information on Under Armour Eyewear:

https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/mens/sunglasses/golf/g/397agm

Oakley - Prizm Golf

Prizm and Prizm Dark continue to lead the way for Oakley golf in 2020

with numerous frame and lens shapes available. A few years back the

rage was more of the M-Frame shield style and now the lifestyle trend

like Mercenary (above) are taking over the category.

Visit: https://www.oakley.com/en-us/collections/mens-golf

GRIPS

Lamkin - Calibrate

Lamkin introduced their new Calibrate grip line in Orlando featuring

a reminder component that allows players to grip the club the same

way every time, a much overlooked factor of consistency. Calibrate

will be offered in ST+ Hybrid, Sonar+ and Sonar+ Wrap models.

For more on Lamkin grips: https://www.lamkingrips.com/

GOLF PRIDE - MCC TEAM COLORS

Golf Pride introduces a colorful new spin to their super popular MCC line.

Team colors to dress up your sticks to match your favorite sports team.

Visit: https://store.golfpride.com/store/gp/index.jsp

TECH GEAR

Flightscope - Mevo+

Flightscope takes portable personal launch monitors to the next level

with Mevo+, the original Mevo offered 8 data points (Carry Distance,

Clubhead Speed, Smash Factor, Apex Height, Flight Time, Ball Speed,

Spin rate, and Vertical Launch Angle). Mevo+ offers 16 including:

Horizontal Launch Angle, Vertical Landing, Angle of Attack, Spin Loft,

Roll Distance, Total Distance, Spin Axis, Spin loft and Shot Shape.

Mevo+ includes 5 simulated courses, 17 practice ranges, internal

camera and Wifi hotspot provides a reliable connection. $1999

Visit: https://www.flightscopemevo.com/

Rapsodo Golf

Rapsodo has created a mobile launch monitor that when combined with

the power of your mobile device, gives you pivotal data including shot

distance, ball speed, swing speed, launch angle, launch direction and shot

shape. Review the shots with video playback including shot tracer to see

shot shape and direction. $500  - https://rapsodo.com/golf/

SkyGolf - Skycaddie LX5

SkyGolf launches the SkyCaddie LX5 GPS smartwatch that features

the largest touch screen in the industry at 1.39 inches. LX5 provides

full hole imagery and allows you to zoom in for greater detail. LX5

includes a digital scorecard with the ability to track performance stats

in the SkyGolf Cloud. 35K ground-verified courses providing distances

you can trust. https://web.skygolf.com/content/welcome-skygolf

BUSHNELL - WINGMAN GPS Speaker

The GPS product that made the biggest impression on us in Orlando

was the Bushnell Wingman. A GPS device and powerful music speaker

all in one. Pair the Wingman with your music source and Bushnell Golf

App, press the remote button to get audible GPS distances. The powerful

Magnetic component of BITE technology allows the speaker to be secured

to any golf cart without the need for an aftermarket accessory. 10+ hour

battery life will get you through a 36 hole day and you can charge your

other devices from the speaker. Available April: https://www.bushnellgolf.com/

GolfBuddy aimL10V

GolfBuddy's Aim L10 was by far our pick as the best all-around lase

rangfinder of 2019 (when you factored in performance, and value),

the latest edition to the line is their Aim L10V. Aim L10V is the world's

first talking laser rangefinder with vibration mode. Equipped with 3

target modes, 6X magnification and slope on/off switch combined

with a unique audio option which provides confirmation of distances.

For more info on GolfBuddy: https://golfbuddyamerica.com/

TecTecTec - ULT-G

VALUE is the theme here, TecTecTec's ULT-G gives you what you need

and spares you the options that you don't. Just solid accurate distances

to the front, middle and back of every green, along with distances to

hazards and automatic hole progression at 38,000 courses worldwide.

No health and fitness features, just golf (and a clock to tell time).

MSRP $119. Visit: https://us.tectectec.com/

SHOTSCOPE V3 GPS

A new slimmer edition of Shotscope's popular GPS watch - V3 is sure to

be on the wish list of those who prefer their distances and shot tracking

data displayed instantly to a wearable GPS. V3 is similar in size/style to

what Apple and Samsung wrist devices have created to mass global appeal.

Shotscope's PLAY, TRACK & IMPROVE theme continues with their Automatic

Performance Tracking - included with V3. Visit: https://shotscope.com/us/

HEALTH/CBD

MUSCLE MX - RECOVERY/ACTIVATE

Although not a golf product, the largest growth in terms of category at

this year's PGA Show was wellness/recovery CBD products. Dozens of

companies blitzed the show floor this year with formulas to help ease

the pain of an active lifestyle. Muscle MX was our favorite because of

the convenience and ease of use with their roll-on balm and its quick

effectiveness of relief.

RECOVERY is an ultra-cooling balm that is made completely from

natural ingredients (essential oils and broad spectrum CBD oil) -

No THC. Although RECOVERY will likely be product you depend on to

feel better after a long day on the links, ACTIVATE is a very useful

pre-round kick start for your muscles and joints, with an element of

heat to get the body ready for action. Visit: https://musclemx.com/

Stay tuned for reviews on several of these products throughout 2020.