Monday, February 23, 2015

A Look Inside The 2015 PGA Merchandise Show: Demo Day

The annual PGA Merchandise Show is billed as "The Major of Golf Business." Some say it's Disney World for the golf nut. 

But after making my way through 10 miles of show isles, one-million square feet of interactive exhibits, and countless new product demonstrations at the 2015 PGA Show, I can tell you it's so much more. 


 

The PGA Merchandise Show is literally the greatest week in golf.

I'll have a huge PGA Show recap for you soon, featuring even more pictures, videos, and industry-insider interviews, including company-based rundowns so you can easily go right to your favorite OEMs. 

And over the next several months I'll also have tons of new equipment, apparel, and accessory reviews for you as well.  There's a lot to be excited about. 

 

In the meantime, enjoy this minute-by-minute, daily look inside the 2015 PGA Merchandise Show, starting with Demo Day. And as always, if you have any questions or requests just shoot me an email. 

Tuesday, Jan. 20: Demo Day 
9:06 a.m. - Gates open at Orange County National only a few minutes and huge crowds already in the Nike Golf area. 


 

9:21 a.m. - The new Hogans irons are real, and they're spectacular.  They're also the most accurate Hogan irons ever made. 

 
 

VIDEO: I caught up with Ben Hogan Golf President Terry Koehler to talk about the new Fort Worth 15 irons. 

 

9:45 a.m. - Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.  TaylorMade's Aero Burner and R15 drivers look great, and hit even better. 

 

10:07 a.m. - Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson just arrived. He hits it far. 

 
 

10:21 a.m. - Attehhhnnn HUT!  Ping's new Cadence putters feature blue aluminum inserts and black stainless steel inserts.  Both with variable depth grooves for consistency across the entire hitting area. 

 
 

10:34 a.m. - Speak softly and carry "an expensive" stick.  Honma Golf makes the world's most expensive clubs. About $5K for a driver, and $10K for a set of irons. 

 

10:47 a.m. - Demo the new Fly-Z family of drivers and hybrids and Cobra Golf will buy you a drink.  Yes, please. 

 
 

VIDEO: I caught up with Cobra Golf Director of Product Management Jose Miraflor to talk about the new Fly-Z family of drivers. 

 

11:14 a.m. - Dave Pelz is dropping some short game secrets on the crowd. All eyes and ears are glued. 

 

11:25 a.m. - The new Srixon Z545 and Z745 drivers and irons are really, really, ridiculously good looking. 

 

11:43 a.m - Featuring two different head designs, and three different sole grinds, the new Cleveland RTX 2.0 wedges have something for everyone. 

 
 

11:57 a.m. - Jesse Ortiz continues a legacy of master craftsmanship with the new Bobby Jones drivers, woods, and hybrids. 

 

12:06 p.m - Two versions of the new Footjoy Hyperflex.  Alright, alright, alright! 

 

12:17 p.m. -  Blair O'Neal just wished me good luck reporting from my first PGA Merchandise Show.  It's going to be a good week. 

 
 

12:33 p.m. - Bridgestone you made me a believer.  Silky smooth feel in the new J15 irons and wedges. 

 
 

12:48 p.m. - No surprises here.  A strong showing from Titleist through the entire line-up. 

 
 

1:07 p.m. - Say hello to my little friend! The new Fujikura Speeder Evolution and Speeder Pro shafts are explosive like grenade launchers. 

 

VIDEO: I caught up with Chad Embry from Fujikura Golf to talk about the new Speeder Evolution and Speeder Pro shafts. 

 

1:29 p.m. - Ping Golf just keeps getting better and better.  The new G30 driver and irons are Ping's best performing G-series clubs to date. 

 

1:46 p.m. - The new Mizuno JPX 850 and 850 Forged irons.  I can't look at you without wanting you. 

 

2:05 p.m. - Just another Callaway Golf release?  I hit the new XR woods. They're stupid long. 

 
 

2:23 p.m. - You can officially stop calling it a comeback.  Wilson Staff is back and everyone is paying attention. 

 
 

VIDEO: I caught up with Wilson Staff Manager of Global Innovation Jon Pergandi to talk about the new Wilson FG Tour V4 irons, FG Tour TC Gun Metal Blue wedges, and D200 irons. 

 

VIDEO: I caught up with Wilson Staff Director of Global Innovation Michael Vrska to talk about the new Wilson D200 driver. 

 

NEXT UP:  PGA Merchandise Show, Day One. 


Follow Pete on twitter @PGAPappas

2 comments:

  1. Great read Pete. What busy day and very informative. Can't wait to see the rest.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks Pete enjoyed that and look forward to more. What were the best looking irons in your view and longest driver ?

    ReplyDelete