By Jason Bruno

Orlando, Florida - The 64th PGA Show finished up just over a week ago, and
as usual we kicked off our show week with the innovative folks from Tour Edge
/Exotics at the spectacular Lake Nona Country Club. While other media sources
contemplate whether the show is on an up swing or is in decline, we celebrate
the gathering of golf industry professionals and media.
The products featured are those that impressed us the most. This year we covered
more companies than ever before, and bring you our most comprehensive coverage
ever.

This year's Tour Edge Media event was held at the magnificent Lake Nona
Country Club. There aren't many days when the golf writers all convene in
one place, especially in a setting such as this. Certainly was one of those
days that won't soon be forgotten. Although high winds made scoring tough,
Lake Nona shined.

The scene moved from Demo Day at OCN on Tuesday to the Orange
County Convention Center on Wednesday. 40,000 industry professionals
from 84 countries gathered to see the latest products from over 1,000
companies (including 271 new companies to the show).
Clubs/Equipment
Tour Edge /Exotics

Exotics, well known for their exceptional metalwoods, introduced the
new EX10 line in Orlando. Featuring HT980 steel cup face technology
and its newly designed slip-stream sole rails (re-designed to be
shallower and more compact for smoother club/turf interaction).
Throw in the stock Graphite Design Tour AD shaft and you have a
winner. Big thumbs up here.

Exotics XJ1 is a lightweight high launching big distance metalwoods
line for the moderate to slower swing speed player looking to gain
some extra length off the tee. Featuring a carbon crown and 9-1-1
titanium chasis which allows the walls of the clubhead to be thinner
and more responsive to shots hit by players with less than tour player
swing speeds, the XJ1 offers a super-lightweight high performance
product and at a premium price tag - $699
http://touredge.com/
Callaway

Callaway seems to have the new club with the most buzz at the moment
- the EPIC driver. The booth display (shown above) was a celebration of
the brand's recent resurgence.

By now you've probably seen the chevron's new EPIC metalwoods line
featuring "Jailbreak" technology. In fact, Callaway Metalwoods Senior
Manager of R&D Evan Gibbs told us "The EPIC line was 3 years in the
works before being launched this year. Jailbreak technology consists
of two titanium rods that connect the crown to the sole, minimizing
the amount the clubhead body flexes at impact - this allows the face to
flex more freely. Jailbreak improves the efficiency of the energy transfer
between the clubhead and golf ball generating more ballspeed."

More on EPIC from Evan Gibbs:
"Both the standard Epic and Sub Zero versions are 460cc high MOI drivers,
but the standard model has an adjustable perimeter weight (17 grams)
allowing players to dial in their shot shape. The SubZero is the lower
spinning model that focuses on trajectory control. There are two inter-
changeable weights (12 grams/2 grams) on the sole that can be flipped
back and fourth and used in tandem to dial in launch and spin." $499
http://cmp.callawaygolf.com/

The new Odyssey O Works putter was a big hit at the show. O Works
features a microhinge insert that creates friction at impact that lifts
and propels the ball forward reducing skid and creating a quicker
forward roll. $229
http://www.odysseygolf.com/
Cobra
The F7 and F7+
are Cobra's latest
innovation in drivers
and fairway metals.
According to Jose
Miraflor from
Cobra Golf: The F7
is the companies
largest driver
clubhead ever
created. F7 features
a moveable 12 gram
weight for
adjustable CG.
F7+ is a more
compact version for
those high skilled
players who prefer a
deeper face and like
to shape their shots.
F7 comes in gloss
finish, F7+ satin
finish.
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A serious upgrade included in all Cobra drivers this year is their Connect
System (powered by Arccos). The Connect sensor allows you to track all
of your drives via the Arccos driver app. For the gearhead concerned about
how the Connect sensor affects swingweight - it adds an extra 1/4" to the
grip end, therefore nulifying any swingweight issues by the 4 gram Connect
sensor. The Connect sensor has a 10 year battery life in standby mode,
3 years in continuous sunlight. The moment the driver is pulled from
the bag during the daytime, it activates and knows it's go time. The app
includes 40k golf courses. No more guessing on how far you drive it,
instant feedback is here for good! At $349 for the F7 and $399 for F7+
Cobra may have the best new driver value on the market for 2017.

Bryson DeChambeau and I discussed his one length irons at Hilton Head
early last season and how Cobra R&D would have their hands full creating
his set. Well the Cobra one length F7 irons are now available. This is one
review were looking forward to in 2017. Stay tuned...

Cobra's new PUR wedges are made from supersoft 304 stainless, and
the kicker is, it's a polished satin wedge that doesn't rust. So no more
dirty orange towels after wiping off your tour wedge. All the "Trusty"
minus the "Rusty". $119
https://www.cobragolf.com/
TaylorMade

The industry leader lit the show on fire with their Wednesday morning
announcement of the Tiger Woods signing to an equipment contract. We
were on hand as TMAG leader David Abeles grabbed the attention of
the entire golf media on hand in Orlando. Despite rumors of TaylorMade
being sold in recent months, the company seems to have regained industry
momentum after a huge 2016 campaign with the creation of the M Family
of metalwoods.

The 2nd edition of TaylorMade's M metalwoods were launched
in West Palm Beach back in early December, but for the rest of the
golf world, the PGA Show was the introduction. M1 is back with a
refined design and new trim colors. Red trim is out, and lime green
is in. More importantly, the M1 features a more aerodynamic T-
track and moveable weight that extends all the way to the back
end of the clubhead (for more forgiveness). The new model has
43% more carbon fiber (located on the toe side of the sole) allowing
for weight to be moved to the perimeter and thus creating an even
higher MOI than the 2016 model. $499

M2 has also been refined for 2017. The new M2 features advanced
geometry for added forgiveness and more distance. Also Geocoustic
technology for an enhanced sound and feel at impact. $399

A thin topline, TaylorMade 770 irons feature a narrow sole and minimal
offset that better players prefer. The face and hosel are forged from
1025 carbon steel. Weight saved by making the hosel shorter and the
face thinner was redistributed into a 70-gram tungsten bar in the back
of the long/mid irons (3 thru 7 iron) - $1200 (TaylorMade's 750 irons
offer similar styling but as a true forged blade with CNC milled face
and grooves - $1600).

TaylorMade's new Milled Grind wedges were created to provide precise
sole geometry, eschewing the old inconsistent process of hand grinding.
The new MG wedges have a deeper hosel bore, inserted is a soft red
polymer which is located in heel portion of each sole . The removed
hosel/heel weight has been relocated to a center clubhead location
to improve CG. $149
http://taylormadegolf.com/
Titleist

Titleist had a very impressive booth this year. The new ProV1 balls
were introduced, Scotty Cameron launched three new putters and
the 917 line of metalwoods were on display.

From concept to showroom - Cameron Putters


Of the three new models, the one we fancied most was the Scotty Newport 3
http://www.titleist.com/
Oban Shafts

Oban's new CT-115 shafts are a collaboration with Shimada Golf shafts.
Constant weight, taper tip 115 grams, easy build and precise fit -
12 shaft lengths produce 7 discernible flexes. Japanese steel featuring
seamless construction. Exacting tolerances, great feel, tight dispersion,
easy launch and lower spin. MSRP $75 per shaft.
http://www.obanshafts.com/
Golf Pride Align

Rarely is there anything in grip technology that makes a significant
difference, but Golf Pride's new ALIGN grip system is an absolute
game changer featuring a pronounced rib like reminder that sits
perfectly in the fingers and reminds the player exactly what the
proper grip and feel should be each and every time you hold a club.
Consistency is the function of ALIGN, and once I felt these in my hand,
I knew that my old Golf Pride MCC plus 4's will be replaced.
https://www.golfpride.com/
Shaftlign Putters

We reviewed Clay Judice's Shaftlign putter several weeks ago. At the
PGA Show it was finally introduced to the industry. Featuring a milled
clubhead and the contrasting Shaftlign perpendicular alignment system.
Great feel and easy as pie to line up correctly. $249 http://shaftlign.com/
Premium Golf Balls
Titleist ProV1 (X)

The new Pro V1 and Pro V1X have been re-engineered and now
require some knowledge to select the right ball for your game.
The new "V" is significantly longer and has a penetrating trajectory,
the new "X" feels softer and spins more around the greens. See
the chart below to decide which one is right for your game. $49


http://www.titleist.com/golf-balls/pro-v1-pro-v1x
Callaway Chrome Soft (X)

Callaway introduced their Chrome Soft X ball at the show. Jason
Finley from Callaway told us "the "X" was created for the higher
swing speed player who prefers a slightly firmer feel with a more
penetrating ball flight. Adam Hadwin and Phil Mickelson have
already put the Chrome Soft X into play on tour. $39.99
http://www.callawaygolf.com/golf-balls/
Srixon
Srixon introduced their new
golf ball lineup at the show.
The new Z-Star is a 3 piece
construction featuring
Energetic Gradient Core,
softer Spin Skin coating and
new 338 speed dimple
cover pattern for players
that demand tour spin for
exceptional control. $39.99
Z-Star XV features a new
Dual E.G.G Core along with
the new Spin Skin Coating
and the same 338 dimple
pattern for players who
demand tour performance
with an emphasis on
distance. $39.99
Q-Star features a 3 piece
low compression E.G.G
core, urethane cover with
Spin Skin designed for
slower swing speed
golfers - $29.99
http://www.srixon.com/
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TaylorMade TP5 (x)

TaylorMade's new premium ball offering is the TP5 and TP5 (X).
A larger Tri-Fast core and Dual Spin cover has more spin off the
short irons but less with lower lofted long irons and metalwoods.
Low compression cores of 16 for TP5 & 25 for TP5X but with a
stiffer outer core and an even stiffer mantle layer. 322 dimpled
urethane cover on both models $45 per dozen. Available March 1st
http://taylormadegolf.com/TP5/DW-WZ887.html#start=2
Golf EyeWear
Oakley

Oakley Prizm is a lens technology that fine tunes your vision for specific
activities and their surroundings. According to Oakley, Prizm Golf lenses
improve the contrast within the different shades of green in turf to aid
in green reading and target clarity.

Prizm EVzero

The clarity you experience wearing Prizm is a serious game changer,
especially when playing in direct sunlight when it's often toughest to
distinguish subtle shapes and turf breaks.

Prizm Crossrange
http://www.oakley.com/en/?nav=TN-Oakley
Under Armour Eyewear

UA frames are made from combination of titanium & Grilamid for
superior strength and flexibility. Armour sight lenses deliver 20%
more peripheral vision & are 10x stronger than ordinary poly-
carbonate lenses. Multiflection lens coating guards against scratches.
Adjustable nosepad and AUTOGRIP temples and flexibility create a
comfortable fit. All UA performance Eyewear provides 100% protection
from UVA, UVB & UVC rays.
https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/sunglasses/g/37a?s=BS
Bolle Eyewear

The new Bolle Flyair golf shades (left) are rimless equipped with
modulator V3 lenses which are made with Trivex and are photochromic
(which darken on exposure to specific types of light of sufficient
intensity). Limited edition Folds of Honor - Ransom model with NXT
V3 lens also available (pictured right). We're looking forward to doing
some extensive testing with each of these models in the coming weeks.
http://www.bolle.com/golf
Training Aids and Technology
Voice Caddie

The Voice Caddie SC 200 is a portable launch monitor that gives
real time data on Swing Speed, Ball Speed, and Smash Factor
using a built in Barometric Pressure sensor featuring Target,
Practice and Approach modes as well as voice distance output,
and carry distance. In this day an age how can any serious golfer
go without one of these. Ideal for not only testing swing performance,
but getting instant data while testing equipment can really help with
club fitting. Includes remote and 4 AAA batteries. $349
http://voicecaddie.com/en-us/34/SC200-Swing-Caddie
FX-Sport

FX-Sport introduces their VC Golf headphones. A built in coaching
system within a wireless headset that gives you psychological,
mental and physical training as well as golf practice drills to
sharpen your game.

According to FX-Sport owner Duncan Walsh the VC headphones have
8GB capacity and MP3 player built in, as well as the personal trainer
and coaching function that's fully programmable. Coaching from some
of the industry's best mentors including Karen Palacios Jansen, Dr.
Morris Pickens, David MacKenzie and Dr.Mark Smith can only help
you improve your focus and physical strength. Fully sweat proof
and rain proof so you can practice or train with little worry or distraction.
$199 - Check out Fx-Sport's VC Golf headphones demo video here:
http://www.fx-sport.co.uk/videos/vc-golf-video.html
PowerPlane

PowerPlane was created by PGA Pro Jim Tierney, and technology
entrepreneur Rich Kosowsky. This new training device is quite simply
one the best we've ever encountered in all our years attending the
PGA Merchandise Show, and it's a simple way to teach the player to
keep their head centered during the swing using technology thru high
precision ultra-sonics to help players correct common swing flaws.
The device positions a zone with 2 invisible vertical planes around
a golfers head. If their head moves out of the zone anytime during
their swing until impact, Powerplane alerts the golfer with an instant
beep. Within a few swings behavior patterns begin to change, resulting
in much better impact, increased distance and better accuracy. Included
is (1) PowerPlane & (1) sonic sensor. $189
https://powerplanegolf.net/
Hole More Putts

The Trackman for putting is here and it's called Hole More Putts.
The Hole More Putts tablet measures the 5 different factors of
impact and records the data of each putt. After 5 putts the tablet
calculates the players Putting index - a weighted average reflecting
the relative importance of each impact factor. The website and App
will highlight all of the stroke elements that show an opportunity for
improvement. Hole More Putts software then identifies the factors
where the biggest and quickest improvements can be made. $459
https://holemoreputts.com/hole-more-putts
Blast Motion

New for Blast in '17 is a partnership with the Golf Channel Academy
and Proponent Group to develop the GCA Game Tracker mobile App
and web portal, powered by Blast Connect. Game Tracker’s highly
integrated player development framework gives athletes direct access
to their activity timeline, skills tracker, video library, competitions,
leaderboard, Golf Channel newsfeed, and more, while providing coaches
with a centralized management, skills assessment, and communications
interface for all their students. $349
https://blastmotion.com/products/golf/
DuoTrac - Gen i1


DuoTrac introduced the world's first golf ball with true intelligence -
the Gen i1 golf ball has built in technology that provides instant data.
Connect Gen i1 to the App to
see a complete snapshot of
your putting data. Club path
on the back and through swing,
face angle at impact and ball
rotation angle.
Gen i1 comes in a 2 ball pack
with charging base and cables.
Soon you'll be able to download
the App for free in Google play
and the App Store. $139
https://www.duotrac.com/
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SkyGolf
SkyCaddie LINX GT
GAME TRACKING
EDITION -
Golf's 1st rangefinder
and shot tracking
watch with
synchronized
mobile App Includes
the Sky- Caddie
LINX GT watch,
SkyCaddie Mobile
Premium app, and
club tags. Built-in
Bluetooth Smart
at all times.
$349.95
https://shop.skygolf.com/
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MySwing

MySwing Pro is the affordable, state-of-the-art, 3D system to analyze
and store full-body motion capture. According to MySwing President
Peter Gauthier the technology used here with MySwing has revolutionized
animation in the motion picture industry. Golf teaching professionals use
it for precise screens, improved teaching, and as a revenue-producing
tool. The MySwing Pro package comes complete with sensors, software,
carrying/charging case, and training.

"If your not using the MySwing system to analyze your students,
you're way behind the curve. It's without a doubt the finest system
on the market." - Mike Adams 2016 PGA Teacher of the Year.
https://www.myswing.com/
Apparel & Footwear
Galvin Green

Long known for the highest standards in outer wear for all types of
weather, Galvin Green is a family company based in Sweden that
recently was the outerwear supplier of Team Europe for the Ryder
Cup in 2016 and will also provide the goods in France for the Euro's
in 2018. If you know anything about what it takes to hold the honor
for the boys in Blue & Gold, it's about as big an honor as a supplier
can have in the industry. I won't bore you with fabric details, just
know that no detail is missed here, especially with their layering
garments. From a blustery and chilly day on the links, to a "cats n
dogs" deluge in Scotland, Galvin Green gets you there dry and in
style . . .
http://www.galvingreen.com/
Greg Norman Collection

Greg Norman Collection seems to cover all bases when it comes to
what golfers are looking for (above). We're looking forward in 2017
to reviewing their sporty casual new Attack Life line.
It's not always golf with the
Shark, his brand and style
extend to cultures far
beyond the fairways. This
jacket from Greg Norman
totally had me at hello.
This piece alone almost
made me wish I didn't live
in the warm climate of
West Palm Beach . . .
almost. I might have to get
it for the 10 days a year
that it drops below 50
degrees here. $150
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https://gregnormancollection.com/
Chase 54

Chase 54 had a great showing in Orlando, this paisley styled baroque
polo caught our eye with its subtle and refined style . During our visit
with Kara Hooper from C54 we learned about colorful and descriptive
phrases designers use for their creations like "fractal" and "gloaming".

Chase 54's womens collection is extensive and can be seen out
on the LPGA being worn with great style by Brooke Pancake.
https://chase54.com/
Oxford

Oxford introduced a re-birth of the brand at the 64th PGA Show, and from the looks of
their new line it should be a big year.

Inspired by the exceptional players in sport and business, Oxford is
represented by the horseshoe logo and it's "Make Today Lucky" tagline.
Truly an eclectic mix of sporty golf wear and contemporary casual
dress, no matter where your style choices may lie, Oxford is worthy.
http://www.oxfordgolf.com/
Antigua


Antigua goes right after the avid golfer, the Peoria, Arizona company
has an impressive sports heritage and that's where they excel and at
an incredible price point. The new '17 line offers country club quality
and style like this Pinehurst polo and at a price point that is accessible
for all.
https://antigua.com/
Carnoustie - William Blake

The classy and talented Marshall Mancillas is the man behind the style
of Carnoustie Sportswear and Golf Apparel. In 2017, he created the new
William Blake line for the slightly younger links enthusiast, but also for
those who are forever young and really enjoy the stylings of the iconic
Carnoustie brand. The subtle shapes and hues of purple give the William
Blake line an energy and it's own signature that blends in perfect harmony
with the Carnoustie name.
http://www.carnoustiesportswearonline.com/
Bermuda Sands

Bermuda Sands was on point with their display at the show. The
ladies line provided styles for virtually any taste and layers for
every type of weather condition.

Thermal Wear and XP polos for men are the perfect layering for
those chilly rounds of golf. The Score XP polo is the company's
G2 Tech performance golf shirt (92%poly/8% spandex fabric)
featuring their stay flat knit collar.
https://www.bermudasandsapparel.com/
Adidas

The Adidas FrostGuard Collection is outerwear that's engineered to
keep you warm without adding bulk and weight. PrimaLoft insulation
and their own Climaheat technology were used to create warmth
around the body that also breath.
http://adidasgolf.com/adidasGolf-men-outerwear/
Bonobos Golf

A bit of a re-branding with what was once known as Maide Golf by
Bonobos, has now been streamlined to simply - Bonobos Golf. The
same great threads like the Highland and Highland light pants and
shorts. The new line looks clean, and we'll be sure to have much
more from them in 2017.
https://bonobos.com/shop/golf
UFM

I know what you're thinking, why is there underwear here in the PGA Show
feature?! I get it, but I urge any man that's reading this to go to UFM and
check out there website. I was skeptical as well, but I'm going to say that
since I've been wearing them, I'm ready to toss all of my current boxer briefs
and stock up on these. Simply, UFM puts everything where it's supposed to
be and whether you're working or playing golf that can't be a bad thing.
- Moisture Wicking Fabric
- Support For Your Manhood
- Isolation from Your Thighs
- Elimination of Chafing
- Tapered Leg Design That Stays in Place With Movement
- No Squishing or Suffocating Your Manhood
- Improved Profile View
https://www.ufmunderwear.com/
Puma

Ignite Disc is the next stage of perfect fit in golf footwear, it's been
around for a few years with many of the top brands but leave it to
Grant Knudson (Puma's shoe creator) to give it his spin. Puma's
version is located on the outer side where you can easily see what
you're doing (as opposed to other brands that call this device - BOA
and locate the dial on the back of the shoe behind the heel. $120

Knudson never stops creating new styles and developing comfort
technologies. All of these styles now come in disc version as well.
http://www.cobragolf.com/pumagolf/
Ecco Golf

The new ECCO COOL golf shoe features GORE-TEX® SURROUND™
technology, it's an air channeling system within the sole structure,
that allows 360° breathability and channels out unwanted moisture
created by your feet each day while walking and playing golf. $280
(top: photo credit from Ecco Golf)

I snapped this as we gave the new Ecco Cool shoes the plunge in the
water test. The shoe has a HYDROMAX® treated leather and sock
liner to increase comfort and give a seamless feel. A polyurethane
midsole provides cushioning, and ECCO COOL comes with a removable
inlay sole that offers extra width in the toe box area for those who
require it.
http://global.ecco.com/en/sport/golf
Under Armour
The Spieth One is the latest
golf shoe from Under Armour
created for two time major
champion Jordan Spieth.
Sporty in appearance, the
Spieth One is available on
March 1st. featuring a single
seam micro-fiber upper, the
outsole was designed for a
firmer heel for support and
a softer forefoot for flexibility
and comfort while walking the
fairways. Spieth One also
features Rotational Resistance
traction which prevents foot
rotation from load to impact
$200
https://www.underarmour.com/en-us |

New Balance

New Balance Golf 3001 features a waterproof microfiber upper and
REVlite midsole for comfort and responsiveness, traction comes
from Champ Spikes SlimLok Zarma Tour cleats. The 574 LX spikeless
was inspired by the popular 574 NB sneaker, full grain leather upper
featuring semi-translucent NDurance outsole provides the traction.
REVlite midsole provides the comfort. Both models retail $189
http://www.newbalance.com/men/shoes/golf-1/
Accessories
Dormie Workshop

The Bishop Brothers from Nova Scotia are a great group of guys
that founded Dormie Workshop and create the impressive premium
leather headcovers and accessories. From aiming sticks covers, putter
covers, hybrids, fwys and drivers covers the possibilities are endless.

Creativity and style have no limits at the Dormie Workshop. If you
have a design or an idea for something unique, they can create it
for you, custom works are they're specialty. Order your very own
Dormie Workshop headcover today.
http://www.dormieworkshop.com/
Zero Friction

Zero Friction's John Iacono may have created the absolute best new
tech product at this year's show. Not a fan of wearing a GPS watch
while playing golf, John sought out to create a GPS device that would
be a part of his already successful one size fits all compression glove
line and the Tour Quality Cabretta Leather Motion-Fit glove line as well.
Iacono had the device built so his glove line didn't even need modifying.
Using the already existing elastic sleeve that was previously a tee
holder and also the magnetic ball marker tab, he was able to create the
first GPS glove system in golf - DistancePro. Loaded with nearly 40k golf
courses, the DistancePro pairs up to your smart phone thru the Zero
Friction App providing real time course info while on the links. Genius!
each box contains 2 gloves and a DistancePro GPS - $139 Compression,
$159 for Motion Fit model.
http://www.zerofriction.com/

The Frogger Catch Latch is an really useful magnetic fastening system
to help manage your golf accessories. Cell phone, GPS, keys etc. are all
secure with Frogger's new Catch Latch system.

- Catch Latch Bag C-Clamp securely attaches to the top of your golf bag
- Catch Latch Belt Clip slides easily over your belt
- Attach your favorite accessories via the dongle ring
- Magnets in dongle and receiver attract and self-align to connect
- Dongle pulls straight out to easily disconnect from receiver
- Receiver has a dynamic internal lock to secure product while in motion
- Receiver rotates to a fully locked position when orange indicator visible
- $12.95
- https://www.froggergolf.com/
BigMax

Blade Quattro is the latest from BigMax, makers of quality golf trolley pull
carts. The Quattro has all of the convenience of a compact fold up cart,
but with the added stability of four wheels for hilly terrain or windy days
where a three wheeled cart may fall over. Having one of these would
influence even the everyday golf cart user to get healthy and walk the
fairways. Blade Quattro will be available in spring of 2017.
https://us.bigmaxgolf.com/
We're already looking forward to the 2018 PGA Show, but for now we'll
be busy testing and reviewing these and many other fine golf products
as they launch throughout the year.

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