Almost ten miles of aisles showcase the latest in golf at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando every January. It is THE professional golf-networking event. Tour Edge kicks off the show for media with their annual demo day, this year held at the Golden Bear Club at Keene’s Pointe in Windemere. David Klod, CEO of Tour Edge is a genius at golf collaboration. That is the only explanation for how he can design so many lines of clubs to fit all skill levels and prices, including the popular Exotics. Tour Edge pays no pros to use their equipment. Their leading edge technology pays for itself. When asked how they could improve on a product that is known for distance domination, David replied, “We made them easier to hit.” 

Public relations director Joanne Miller coordinates with Leonard Finkel and complementary golf companies to show and tell at demo day. This year they partnered up with Pure Grips and Bridgestone Balls, which revealed their new B330 technology. Four years in the making, a firmer TOURcore and self-repairing harder cover deliver longer distance, durability and spin control. Last year the Vice Golf guys from Germany were pouring beer in authentic steins to call attention to their new online only balls. They left a lasting impression and are happy to report that sales are booming.

The driving range opened to test, tweak and retry all the Tour Edge clubs while Molecular Scientist Dr. Frank Fornari’s BioMech putters were sinking balls on the practice green in a revolutionary manner. He has not simply changed the whole putter, from head shape to the shaft angle, but changed the putting stroke. The longer Acculock Ace Putter legally braces against the forearm from an upright position. Given to Pebble Beach Pro am participants, we are compelled to try this weird science. 

Skechers scored big points providing comfy Go Golf shoes with a wide toe area solving the narrow problem that makes some puppies cry for relief. PGA player Matt Kuchar will attest. Kentwool socks further cushioned our feet. Chase 54 shared their “classical meets trendy designs” for chasing the possible yet improbable 54 score in a fun fashionable way. Watch their fall line for leather looking ladies’ golf pants and check out www.golffashionweekly.com to keep abreast of golf styles hitting the scene. 

Perennial partner Sun Mountain brought outerwear pieces in case of cold or rain but it was a bright sunny day. Their core products of golf and travel bags keep improving. Our favorite, the Club Glider creates envy among golf travelers as we push our clubs through the airport with one finger, no kidding.  

The PGA Tour Store sources most of these items. They were on hand touting new openings in Orlando and Tucson. We’re lucky to have the convenient Scottsdale and Chandler locations in the valley.

Even with the proliferation of GPS companies and aps, Golf Buddy again joined the Tour Edge Demo Day because Accuracy matters. That is the whole point right? 

We’ve loved the Voice Buddy and watch, but on occasion suspected the device was fibbing. Not so. As course revisions are made, Golf Buddy updates the information and the device can be updated online as well, like mama’s shoes in the closet. Now we know. Exciting additions are the 1 click laser rangefinder and a luxurious watch for ladies embedded with Swarovski crystals. The leather band is interchangeable to match any wardrobe. It functions as a regular watch until you switch it to GPS. Bling it on – the watch, the Exotics, the game. 

The Golden Bear Club is what you would expect from Jack, a very enjoyable and walkable course. The Golf Skate Caddy is an adventurous alternative to walking. It is a shorter, wider version of the long Golfboard and easier for non-skaters to maneuver but not a method we would choose. Nor would we recommend imbibing swing oil while riding. The Golf Bike however we loved at Hilton Head in May so we were thrilled to run into them at the show. Their booth was right around the corner from the travel section where we met up with our Irish, Sicilian, Quivira and South African hosts. Pro Golf Safaris is creating a special  South Africa tour package for our readers to join us. Golf, wine, scenery and safaris! Stay tuned. Now that will be exotic!

Danny and Alice Scott are globetrotting and rediscovering America to bring you the best of golf travel destinations. Visit them at www.americasgolfingcouple.com.