To quote Johnny Carson, that was some wacky & wild stuff.
I'm talking about the 2013 PGA Merchandise Show, held last week in Orlando.
I like to go off the beaten path, especially at the PGA Merchandise Show.
That's not hard to do with 2.1 square feet of exhibit space and 10 miles of aisles to walk through. When you leave the comfort of the Taylor-Made Lounge or the Nike exhibit, you never know what you might find.
My favorite areas of the show are the Inventor's Showcase, the New Products area, and booths tucked in the shadows of the mega companies. This is where you will find that weird, wild, and wacky stuff that makes for great conversation, on and off the course.
Here's what I found this year.
Golf Bike
Forget the golf cart, here's the golf bike.
From the folks at the Higher Ground Bike Company:
"It's low impact to the course. Obviously, it's going to add fitness and speed of play. When we use it it's about an hour for nine holes."
So far, the Golf Bike has been getting a trial run at Killearn Country Club in Tallahassee, Fla. The Higher Ground Bicycle Company manufactures the bikes, and expect to pay more than $400.
Wider and thicker tires are used, so does not chew up golf course. It seemed a little weird at first, but I kind of like the idea.
They look a little like those aqua socks we used to wear when we were younger, and it looks like the same technology applies. Comfort and water resistance are the words of the day when talking about Vibram. Outdoor enthusiasts love these shoes and it looks like they might find a home on the golf course, too.
Alpha Brain and Shroom Tech
Golfers are pretty careful about what they put in their bodies, so I was a bit surprised to see sport pills called Alpha Brain and Shroom Tech at the show. Alpha Brain is supposed to help you keep your mental edge and Shroom Tech says it's an energy pill. Check with a doctor before using is what I always say.
Here's a $50 swing aid that looks like something one would wear in a mental institution. Created by Ray Rapcavage, the goal here is keep the golfers arms together during the swing to stay synchronized and connected. The Golf Swing Shirt is made of compression material and they even have Padraig Harrington as a spokesperson. If you need to stay connected during your swing, give the Golf Swing Shirt a try.
Peanut Putter
The Peanut Putter makes this wacky and wild list if for no other reason than I love the name. This putter line from the UK made it's U.S. debut at the PGA Show. The Peanut Putter is crafted by Fred Daly Golf and features a large sweet spot that any level of golfer will appreciate. Did I mention I love that name?
Have an idea for a wacky and wild golf product? You might find yourself exhibiting at the 2014 PGA Merchandise Show.
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