Here we go again, another PGA Merchandise Show or simply "The Show" as it is called in the business. As product launch cycles have been completely turned on their heads by TaylorMade, we already know what to expect to see at the show, which is a shame. However, that's the commercial reality we live in and with the advent of social media and sites like GolfWRX and Golfspy posting pro range pictures (all supported and even paid for by the major manufacturers) there is very little at the show that we haven't seen. Hopefully some of the lesser known manufacturers with smaller budgets will give us a few cool surprises. I'll keep my iPhone close at hand and will post the best I can find.
Here's what we expect to see at the show and three trends we expect going into the season.
1. Long Putters. We are not a fan of the long and belly putters and the R&A and USGA have dropped the ball once again on equipment and the pros are taking advantage and so can you. In February all the major manufacturers will roll out the new long shafted versions of the old standbys - Mr. Solheim must be spinning in his grave at the prospect of a long shafted Anser!
2. Color in the golf bag. TMaG's hugely successful White driver, the R11 now has an "S" stuck on the end, but really the only change is it is 20cc bigger. It will continue to dominate the pro ranks and I'm sure many amateurs will also trade up this year, now that the gimmick factor has dissippated. Look also for colored grips from mainstream manufacturers like Lamkin and the continuing pimping of golf clubs, started by Scotty Cameron. This will continue across the brands and already Cleveland has stepped in with their Never Compromise putter line and also are extending this into their wedge program. I have green initials on my Callaway wedges, so I am all for a little pimp!
3. Long 3 woods. The unfortunately named TMaG Rocketballz (read my earlier blog here) got the ball rolling claiming extra yardage and Callaway followed suit with their 3 wood. It's not too hard to get more distance if you change the launch angle by making a 3 wood 13 degrees instead of 15 degrees - it's practically a driver! The TMaG groove (obviously not patented by Adams when they brought it out a couple years ago) is cool looking and I look forward to hitting it, but I suspect these are going to be easier to hit for the long ball pros than your average amateur - less loft for amateurs is not generally a good thing as many struggle to get the ball in the air. Time will tell.
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