Each year some of the most innovative sports technology gets introduced at the largest retail golf show in the world. It's 2013, and that means the 60th PGA Merchandise Show is underway in Orlando, Fla and once again the golf industry is checking out the latest clubs, apparel, balls, teaching aids, and accessories that have been developed for the world of golf.
Media members go up and down the 10 miles of aisles that run in the Orange Country Convention Center looking for the latest tech that might set the golf world ablaze. Every inventor and manufacturer has an idea and a product that they think will be the next big thing.
I'll do a product recap piece after the show is over, but with the show still going on, I wanted to give my picks for the best new and unique technology my sore feet stumbled upon on Thursday. There are other items I will feature and talk about, but let's start out with these five.
Yes, I'm serious. This is a shirt that keeps mosquitoes, gnats and other insects away from you. The secret is there is the compound citronella. Citronella has long been know to keep insects at bay, but now it's been put into shirts. This is Mosquitno technology and golfers that attract mosquitoes on and off the course will flock to these attractive shirts. The polo style is out now in an assortment of colors and the t-shirts are coming next. Also great for campers and outdoors people. Prices are in line with other shirts of a similar look, $30-$65 retail.
These are golf pants, shorts, knickers and shorts that look like no other. Billed as spectacular golf pants for the PARS and BARS, Royal & Awesome apparel is good quality and makes you look good. These are American companies that make pants like these, but these have a Scottish flair. The folks at Royal and Awesome say you can wear them anywhere and you'll get a look that is a "complex blend of jealousy and admiration." Not sure how much technology is in these pants, but I had to mention them.
Here we have it, eco-friendly tees. These tees are made of 100% recyclable materials and will benefit the environment, golfers, superintendents and those who want to try something new. They are actually a mini hollow tube and you use the tool included with the tees to place them in the ground. They cause no damage to mowers and other golf course equipment. With the environment, and saving money at the top of all out wish lists right now, Totem Tees are step in the right direction when it comes to playing the sport we all love.
This is Odyssey Solutions new attempt to straighten your shots and now lose distance. The WrisTrainer is a wrist-restraining device that you put on before swinging your clubs. Made of high tech Polyethylene and constructed with foam on the under wrist side, it's comfortable and will wick sweat away during use. The WrisTrainer solves the wrist motion problem that can lead to pain and various injuries. Also, I'm all for any product that will help my ball go straighter. It's easy to put on, just adjust the strap and you are good to go. A lot of R&D and work put into the WrisTrainer. It's a no-brainer, and a deal at about $40 retail.
A new idea in women's golf shoes. Women like wearing heels, so let's bring that idea to golf course and it will help them improve their game. LPGA pro Victoria Elizabeth says it helps improve her posture and setup.
Jordan Gallas, Director of Business Development at TipTeeToe says his Mom came up with the idea after playing a round of golf in the shoes she wore to work.
They then developed a golf shoe with a raised sole. Golfers won't get back on their heels when swinging, so that problem is solved.
They also look stylish and Elizabeth says they are comfortable and easy to walk in. Is this a trend, and a game-changer in women's golf shoes? We'll find out.
More to come from the massive PGA Merchandise Show. Stay tuned.
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