Cleveland Golf TFi 2135 Satin Putters Preview: Perfecting Your Putting

The importance of putting cannot be overemphasized.  It's arguably the most important skill in your game.  Unfortunately it's often the most frustrating to master, too often leaving us weeping on the greens. 

 

Cleveland Golf understands putting is what separates the field, and their new TFi 2135 Satin putters promise to take the fright out of the flatstick and put you in a holing putts state of mind. 

Cleveland Launcher CBX Irons Preview: Easy To Love Shots Throughout Your Bag

Nothing beats the scenery of fall golf.  The season turns into a blur of reds, yellows, and oranges, and letting that beauty sink in makes playing an entire day out on the course something memorable. 

 

Cleveland Golf thinks that your game should be memorable as well.  And so next month they're releasing the new Launcher CBX irons, designed to make your game even more spectacular than the new autumn landscape. 

Titleist Releasing New Scotty Cameron Futura 5.5M Putter

Scotty Cameron has added a high-MOI mallet with enhanced toe flow to his new Futura line of putters that combines the forgiveness of a mallet with the feel of a blade.  The Futura 5.5M features the alignment and high-MOI characteristics of the Futura line coupled with a neck configuration that promotes a flowing, arced putting stroke more commonly associated with blade style putters. 

 

The idea for the Futura 5.5M began as a prototype when Justin Thomas came to the Putter Studio looking for a new option.  Thomas wanted a smaller mallet that he could align easily, but one that also promoted the arced putting stroke he preferred.  Cameron welded a flare neck to a Futura X5 Tour putter and sent him on his way.  Thomas went on to win three events, reporting back that some of his buddies wanted a putter like his, and the wheels started turning from there. 

Cleveland Golf CBX Wedge Preview: A New Category of Wedge For Golfers Who Play Cavity Back Irons

Occam's razor is a problem solving principle that basically states the simplest answer is usually the best answer, and Cleveland Golf has designed a new category of wedges that might be the most obvious solution to the short game woes of a majority of golfers. 

 

The new CBX wedges are modeled to complement the address profile and swing weight of the most popular cavity back irons, and built to look, feel, and play like the game improvement irons used by 84-percent of the golf market. 

Srixon Launches New Q STAR Golf Ball - A Two-Piece Ball Delivering Performance And Playability

Two-piece golf balls are basically game improvement golf balls designed for players looking for maximum distance and reduced spin to keep those undesirable slices or hooks in check.  The problem with these types of balls however is they sacrifice spin control around the greens.  And what good is hitting it longer and straighter off the tee if you can't stick it closer on approach? 

 

SRIXON Golf understands the predicament this causes for too many golfers and they've announced the release of a new Q-STAR two-piece ball that promises both performance and playability. 

Cleveland Golf Announces Third Generation Smart Sole Wedges: Smart Sole 3 S and C

When the company that prides itself on being the finest wedge company in the world announces it's designed new clubs that promise to make your short game easier then ever, you stand up and take notice. 

 

Cleveland Golf has released the latest iteration of their popular Smart Sole line of clubs: the Smart Sole 3 S and Smart Sole 3 C wedges, and this new generation of wedges feature super game improvement technologies specifically designed for golfers who struggle with short game shots. 

Titleist Announces New 718 Irons: AP1 AP2 AP3 T-MB MB and CB

Is it wrong of me to be infatuated with the new Titleist 718 AP3 irons when they're only just in the seeding and validation process? I'm seriously not slobbering.  Okay I am slobbering.  That's right, Titleist is releasing AP3 series irons and word of mouth is they're the most forgiving AP iron Titleist has ever made. 

 

Titleist unveiled their new 718 series this week, including the AP1, AP2, and MB, T-MB, and CB irons, but hasn't provided a lot of detail about them yet.  Official launch is still months away, but here's what we do know. 

Fujikura Releases New ATMOS Tour Spec Hybrid And PRO+ Vista PRO Iron Shafts

Fujikura's new ATMOS HB Tour Spec is their newest collection of hybrid shafts that use the same design concept and technologies as the Tour proven ATMOS Tour Spec wood shafts.  These new hybrid shafts are geared towards the performance golfer. 

 

They have a smooth feeling profile and will promote low dispersion and generally low spin compared to our other hybrid offerings.  The ATMOS HB is a true tour flighted line of hybrid shafts with red as the lighter weight and higher launching, blue as the mid-weight and launch, and black as the heavier weight and lowest launch. 

Miura Golf Unveils New CB-2008 Irons: Preview

Miura Golf is betting it can turn average golfers into a good ones, and a good golfers into a great ones with the release of their new CB-2008 irons, touted as irons that will deliver real performance benefits to golfers of all abilities. 

 

The CB-2008 is a mid sized head that begins as a single billet of soft carbon steel.  It's the first composite body iron produced exclusively at Miura's Himeji, Japan factory, and technological advancements have enabled Miura to integrate a forged face that's just 4 mm thick with an SUS composite pocket cavity back. 

117th US Open PGAPappas Giveaway: Signed Rickie Fowler Erin Hills Cap and Erin Hills Pin Flag

I'm at Erin Hills this week for the 117th U.S. Open and thrills and agony have been the story for the first two days.  Rickie Fowler tied a U.S. Open scoring record on Thursday, while Dustin Johnson, Jason Day, and Rory McIlroy were ravaged by the hostile fescue and missed the cut. 

 

Today on moving day however it's going to be all thrills for you as I've picked up a few things to bring home for my U.S. Open Giveaway, including an official U.S. Open Erin Hills pin flag, and a signed Rickie Fowler U.S. Open Erin Hills Tour cap. 

Oakley Launches One Obsession #CantStop - Featuring Bubba Watson

Bubba Watson is a polarizing athlete.  The two-time Masters winner is loved by many for his creativity and the passion he wears on his sleeve.  He's also hated by others for the very same reason.  This week during the U.S. Open Oakley is celebrating Watson's approach to the game with their "One Obsession #CantStop" campaign, a call to action we can all relate to. 

 

The common bond between a major champion like Bubba and amateur golfers like the rest of is that while we all want to win, and all aspire towards some level of perfection, the journey getting there is what it's all about.  We may all do things differently, we may all have different skill sets, but we share one obsession: to never stop pursuing our dreams, because never stopping is the power that fuels our driving passions and turns them into storied reality. 

PGAPappas PIN SEEKERS Podcast - Episode 3: U.S. Open Preview and Erin Hills Course Insight, Jon Rahm is a Teddy Bear with an Assassin's Mentality, Srixon's New Golf Balls are Contenders for Best New Balls of the Year, and The Memorial Recap

It's U.S. Open week and I'm breaking down everything you need to know about Erin Hills in my new PIN SEEKERS Podcast: Episode 3. 

 

 

In addition to previewing the U.S. Open, I'll let you know why I think Jon Rahm has a more complete game at 22-years old than Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy, and (gulp) even Tiger Woods.  No that's not a typo.  Rahm is a teddy bear with an assassin's mentality and he's always must watch tv. 

Sights from the U.S. Open at Erin Hills - Practice Round Wednesday

Recognizable and venerable courses will host the U.S. Open for the next nine years.  But starting tomorrow, the spotlight shines brightly on first-time host Erin Hills. 

 

With all the questions, uncertainty, and even early drama about Erin Hills, one thing is certain: the course is in absolutely perfect condition, and the players are ready to get things going. 

Sights from the U.S. Open at Erin Hills - Practice Round Tuesday

The excitement is building and you just get a sense something spectacular is going to happen this week at Erin Hills for the 117th playing of the U.S. Open. 

 

Jordan Spieth and Jon Rahm looked relaxed, Rory McIlroy and Rickie Fowler appeared confident.   The ultimate test in golf starts for real in less than 48 hours and the world's best players are in top form.  Here are some of the best pictures from Tuesday's practice round. 

Sights from the 2017 U.S. Open at Erin Hills - Practice Round Monday

It's U.S. Open week and the players were out Monday putting in work trying to figure out Erin Hills.  It will play as the longest course in U.S. Open history, the fescue is knee-high in some places, and bunkering is the most brutal players have ever seen in a U.S. Open. 

 

I'll be on the course most of the week and will give you my own impressions later in the week.  Here are some of the best pictures from Monday's practice round. 

PGAPappas PIN SEEKERS Podcast - Episode 2: The Memorial Tournament, Who is Si Woo Kim, Billy Horschel's Big Win, Rising Star Ollie Schniederjans, Wilson D300 Driver Review, and Cobra KING F7 Driver Review

There's a lot on tap in my new PIN SEEKERS Podcast: Episode 2.  I'm recapping Billy Horschel's emotional win at the AT&T Byron Nelson, but cautioning everyone not to expect Billy Ho to return to FedEx Cup Champion form right away. 

 

Ollie Schniederjans is having a solid rookie season, and I love absolutely everything about his game.  Schniederjan is poised to break through on Tour, and I'll tell you why and compare him to a top-10 player you might find startling. 

Sights and Sounds from the 2017 Memorial Tournament - Practice Rounds

The Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio gets better each year I cover it.  This year I met Barbara Nicklaus, walked inside the ropes for a first-hand look at what makes Muirfield Village so spectacular, and demanding.  And of course picked up some swag for you - for the second consecutive tournament I've covered, a player who signed for me went on to win the event.  Coincidence? 

 

You can check out my picture tour of the Muirfield course in previous articles.  The giveaway is already going on and you can check out what I picked up for you this week in that article.  And here are some pictures and videos of Jordan Spieth, Bubba Watson, Justin Thomas, and the winner this year Jason Dufner - the players I followed during their practice rounds seemed to play pretty well during the week. 

The Memorial Tournament 2017 Giveaway: Signed Gear from Hideki Matsuyama, Jason Dufner, and Padraig Harrington

I'm having a blast down in Dublin for the 2017 Memorial Tournament.  To start the week I took you on an inside the ropes, hole by hole, detailed look at the majestic Muirfield Village. 

 

And now that the tournament has begun, it's time for the giveaways.  So I'm giving away a signed Jason Dufner Titleist Pro V1x ball, a signed Hideki Matsuyama Srixon Z Star XV ball, and a signed Padraig Harrington Wilson Staff Tour cap.  I might even have some other prizes near the end of the event. 

Muirfield Village Golf Club: Back-9 Hole By Hole Course Review - 2017 Memorial Tournament

We're continuing with my Muirfield Village Golf Club course review with a hole by hole look at the Back-9 now. 

 

As you probably know from my Front-9 review, we'll be looking at all views on the course from the tee box, fairway, around the green, and on the green for each hole. 

Muirfield Village Golf Club: Front-9 Hole By Hole Course Review - 2017 Memorial Tournament

It's name gives a nod to the game's origins, where the Honorable Company of Edinburgh Golfers composed golf's original 13 rules.  It's design draws inspiration from Augusta National and Bobby Jones. And everywhere you look it has designer Jack Nicklaus' influence all over it. 

 

It's of course the prestigious Muirfield Village Golf Club.  And I'm taking you inside the ropes during the 2017 Memorial Tournament to walk the course with me for a hole by hole look at every tee shot, every second shot, every approach, every green, and every hazard.  Trust me, you've never seen Muirfield Village like this before. 

Titleist Introduces New Cameron & Crown Putters by Scotty Cameron

Master Putter Maker Scotty Cameron, following up on the success of last year’s Cameron & Crown introduction, is offering four  new models for 2017. 

 

Cameron & Crown putters by Scotty Cameron are precisely crafted at 33 inches and specifically weighted for the player whose setup demands a shorter putter.  The 2017 Cameron & Crown line includes popular head styles from Scotty’s tour-proven Select and Futura putter families.  The Select Newport, Select Mallet 1, Futura 5MB and Futura 6M provide modern blade, mid-mallet and high-MOI mallet options to satisfy a variety of strokes, styles and preferences of players at every level of the game. 

PGAPappas Pin Seekers Podcast - Debut Episode: The PLAYERS, Brooks Koepka Jinx, EDEL Golf Single Length Irons

Forget about the bland, mind-numbing golf talk.  Never mind the stomach-churning toadying of Tour pros or equipment companies.  My new podcast PIN SEEKERS is going to break the traditional molds in a hilarious, impaling, and sometimes even obscure manner that might best be described as a banquet of freethinking crazy. 

 

It was only a matter of time before I crashed the podcast party, and with a great team of With An Ohio Bias, we're going to bring you urgent, scathing, and intelligent insights and opinions that you won't hear anywhere else. 

Sights and Sounds from the 2017 RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Course

If you ever get the chance to visit Hilton Head for the RBC Heritage, do it.  It's not a golf tournament with a party going on, it's more like a party with a golf tournament going on. 

 

The course is gorgeous, the play is exciting, and the overall vibe is 100-percent feel good.  Here are a few sights and sounds from the week. 

RBC Heritage Giveaway: Signed Wesley Bryan Callaway Golf Ball, Harbour Town Lighthouse Divot Tool, and Poker Chip/Ball Marker

PGA Tour rookie and trick shot artist Wesley Bryan won the first tournament of his career last week at the RBC Heritage, and to celebrate I'm giving away a Harbour Town Lighthouse divot tool, Harbour Town poker chip/ball  marker, and of course a Callaway golf ball signed by RBC Champion Wesley Bryan. 

 

Bryan is one of those guys you just want to root for.  He's genuine, he's humble, and he's quite a character to boot.  When reminded after his victory that he wasn't even on Tour 15 months ago, Bryan replied, "Well that escalated quickly." 

Cobra Golf and Bryson DeChambeau Going Retro: Heritage Collection Preview

COBRA PUMA GOLF has announced their new Heritage Collection, including a Limited Edition Wood Grain KING F7 driver, a sophisticated chestnut herringbone pattern Driver Cap, along with stylish apparel and footwear. 

 

The collection is designed to celebrate the rich history of golf and a nod to its icons. To bring the collection to life, COBRA PUMA GOLF is teaming up with Bryson DeChambeau for this tribute to the game and its bygone era with “throwback” style and equipment. 

Masters Hangover Giveaway: 4 Pack of Swing Oil Golf Performance Drinks and 1 Year Subscription to Golf Digest or Golf Magazine

The Masters hangover is real.  We all know that.  And so I'm doing my part to help you with the cure. 

 

I'm giving away a 4 pack of Swing Oil Golf Performance Drink and a 1-year subscription to Golf Digest or Golf Magazine (your choice).  We'll have three winners for this one. 

Swing Oil Golf Performance Drink Review

My first experience with Swing Oil was back in January at the PGA Merchandise Show.  If you followed my daily coverage you know I was running around like a cheetah during the Show, and spent all day at Demo Day hitting clubs.  I didn’t crack any ribs testing new gear like Rory, but there was no denying my body felt fatigued. 

 

Well I drank one pack of Swing Oil on the second day of the Show and within an hour that stiff, aching feeling in my muscles was basically gone.  Another one that evening before I went to sleep and the next morning I didn’t feel any delayed muscle soreness like I did the first two days. 

CRU Golf 2017 Major Collection The Masters Headcovers Review

It's the pinnacle of American golf.  A worldwide obsession where players must shut out the noise and focus on the task at hand.  It's The Masters.  It's Augusta National.  And CRU Golf's limited edition Masters Headcovers capture its hypnotic allure with compelling reverence and admiration. 

 

The Masters. Just two words, but thousands of emotions.  Admiring CRU's Masters headcovers right out of the box I started to nostalgically drift off, and could almost smell the aroma of pine straw, see the explosions of azaleas.  I even imagined driving up Magnolia Lane with legends of Masters past recounting stories of Amen Corner, Butler Cabin, and of course the iconic green jacket. 

Srixon Z-Star XV, Z-Star, and Q-Star Tour Golf Balls Review

Golf season hasn’t quite started up here in Ohio, but a few nice days last week gave me the perfect opportunity to put in some extensive time with the new Srixon Z-Star XV, Z-Star, and Q-Star Tour balls. 

 

To compare how each ball performed relative to the other, I hit multiple shots from the same spots on the course using driver, a 7 iron, and a 56* wedge, and did this on a variety of holes.  A friend came with me and did the same thing so we could compare impressions. 

Titleist Releases Limited Edition 716 AP1 Smoke Irons

The maximum distance and maximum forgiveness of Titleist 716 AP1 irons can now be experienced in a sleek new finish: Limited Edition Smoke. 

 

The Smoke finish is a test run because many golfers have been asking for it.  There's been a gravitation to darker finishes in the Vokey SM6 wedges, and the smoke finish in the 716 AP1 irons will make the club look smaller at address. 

Sights and Sounds from the WGC Dell Match Play & Bill Haas Signed Titleist Pro V1 Ball Giveaway

My first tournament of the season finds me in Texas for the Dell WGC Match Play this week.  Surprising upsets, dazzling performances, and the glorious hill country of Austin Country Club have made this a fun one. 

 

Here are a few pictures and videos from the week capturing some of the action. 

2017 PGA Merchandise Show - Best of Show

More than 13,000 words, 1,900 pictures and videos, and thousands of swings later, recaps from Demo Day and the PGA Show are done.  Which means it's time for my Best of Show. 

 

In some categories the difference between winners and honorable mention was razor thin, almost like making a putt versus having one lip out on you. But distinctions have to be made. No participation ribbons in my Best of Show. 

2017 PGA Merchandise Show - Day 3 Recap (Part 3): Titleist, Vokey Wedges, Scotty Cameron, TaylorMade, Adidas, Ping, and Tear Down

No matter how you measure your game, you're going to need more than great technique to play your best and shoot your lowest scores.  The right tools always matter. 

 

So let's sink our teeth into the latest gear from Titleist, Vokey, Scotty Cameron, TaylorMade, Adidas, and Ping in this final section of PGA Show recaps. 

2017 PGA Merchandise Show - Day 3 Recap (Part 2): Antigua Sportswear, Wilson Golf, SeeMore Putters, Cobra Golf, and Puma Golf

This would be the section of my recaps I might call "You Win Some, You Win Some."  That's because something from every company in this section found it's way to my Best of Show wrap up. 

 

Let's take a closer look at new products from Antigua Sportswear, Wilson Golf, SeeMore Putters, Cobra Golf, and Puma Golf. 

Antigua Sportswear - 2017 PGA Show Spotlight

Antigua's understanding of, and dedication to the unique needs of the golfer is the reason why they've earned their reputation as a leading designer in the industry. 

 

Each year Antigua collections are the garments of choice for many golfers, with seasonal offerings consisting of core pieces using the finest knits, in fantastic new styles usually centered on a color story. 

2017 PGA Merchandise Show - Day 3 Recap (Part 1): Callaway Golf, Odyssey Golf, Edel Golf, FootJoy, and Carnoustie Sport

Things definitely are more mellow on the final day of the Show, but for me the whirlwind was only getting stronger.  I still had a lot to cover, and in some instances even circle back to. 

 

In this section we take a look at a smorgasbord of new gems from Callaway Golf, Odyssey Golf, Edel Golf, Carnoustie Sportswear, and FootJoy. 

The Artistry of Carnoustie Sportswear - 2017 PGA Show Spotlight

If you're familiar with Carnoustie Sportswear you know the name is synonymous with elegant styles that are as timeless as the game itself.  I'm not talking sober, unadventurous golf dad styles.  I'm talking about fire over flash, good taste and refinement, where integrity of design meets integrity of experience. 

 

Luxurious and uncompromising fabrics make their outerwear and polos the heroes of any wardrobe.  And the distinctive, indulgent feel to their collections makes you feel downright pampered, as if Carnoustie is a family member who genuinely cares about your well being. 

Did Edel Golf Just Reinvent Single Length Irons? 2017 PGA Show Spotlight

We all know that Edel Golf designed the single length irons Bryson DeChambeau used to win the U.S. Amatuer title in 2015.  And now Edel has actually improved the way single length irons perform in a way that's notably different from anything the industry has ever seen. 

 

I spent a good amount of time speaking with Edel's Andrew Graw about the common problems with single length irons, as well as what Edel did to address those issues, and it was extremely educating and equally fascinating. 

2017 PGA Merchandise Show - Day 2 Recap (Part 2): Cleveland Golf, Srixon Golf, Oakley Golf, Swing Oil, Nippon Shafts, Volvik, and Piretti Golf

Can you tell I was having entirely too much fun this year?  Many of you asked how I covered so much, and the answer's simple really. Every time I saw a new company booth my eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas morning.  My excitement and energy all week was overflowing, and I think I might even have dual residency now in Ohio and Florida. 

 

Let's take a look at new products from Cleveland Golf, Srixon Golf, Oakley Golf, Swing Oil, Nippon Shafts, Volvik, and Piretti Golf. 

2017 PGA Merchandise Show - Day 2 Recap (Part 1): Tour Edge, Honma Golf, Bettinardi, Callaway Apparel, Oban Shafts, and New Balance

You heard a lot of my impressions about the new 2017 gear in my Demo Day recaps and during daily coverage.  Now we're going to look at all of them again, and I'm going to start hinting at what clubs found a place in my Best of Show. 

 

In this section we'll take a look at Tour Edge, Honma Golf, Bettinardi, Callaway Apparel, Oban Shafts, and New Balance. 

2017 PGA Merchandise Show - Day 1 Recap (Part 5): Evnroll, Zero Friction, SuperStroke, Daphne's Headcovers, Winn Grips, 18 Birdies, and John Daly

We wrap up the Day 1 coverage with a look at Evnroll, Zero Friction, SuperStroke, Daphne's Headcovers, Winn Grips, 18 Birdies, and some John Daly. 

 

Looking ahead to Day 2, we'll have more apparel coverage, but the focus moves heavily on new equipment, and I'll bring you more than you'll know what to do with. 

2017 PGA Merchandise Show - Day 1 Recap (Part 4): CRU Golf, Travis Mathew, OGIO, Bushnell Golf, Golf Pride, ECCO Golf, and Miura Golf

Ask anyone who's ever been to a PGA Show, and they'll all tell you there's a point each day where they inevitably start to run out of gas.  It was late afternoon  now, I'd already seen an abundance of new products, and that downward spiral into daydreams of a marvelously comfortable bed back at the hotel seemed inevitable. 

 

Then I checked out CRU Golf, Travis Mathew, OGIO, Bushnell Golf, Golf Pride, ECCO Golf, and Miura Golf.  And it seriously felt like a high-dose adrenaline infusion. 

2017 PGA Merchandise Show - Day 1 Recap (Part 3): Green Label, Stitch Golf, Golf Knickers, Pukka, Loudmouth Golf, Biion Footwear, and Bespoke Golf

More apparel, more shoes, and a first jump into the accessory category in this section with looks at Green Label, Stitch Golf, Golf Knickers, Pukka, Loudmouth, Biion Footwear, and Bespoke Golf. 

 

I'm also going to start throwing in some unsystematic but still interesting pics of things that caught my eye at the end of these recaps.  It's really amazing how much there is at the Show. 

2017 PGA Merchandise Show - Day 1 Recap (Part 2): Under Armour Golf, Polo Ralph Lauren, Devereux, New Era Ryder Cup, and Peter Millar

We're keeping with the apparel and shoe theme in this section with a slew of noteworthy new offerings from Under Armour, Polo Ralph Lauren, Devereux, New Era Ryder Cup, and Peter Millar. 

 

There have never been more quality options in golf clothing than there are this year.   And even though sporting the same clothes your favorite players wear won't make your game as good as theirs, there's plenty of inspiration in the many new styles to at least make you look as good as they do. 

2017 PGA Merchandise Show - Day 1 Recap (Part 1): Floor Set Up, Opening Ceremony with Jimmy Walker, Byron Nelson, Chase 54, Ping Golf Apparel, Galvin Green, J Lindeberg, and Sunice

Day 1 of the PGA Merchandise Show means we're leaving the outdoor 42-acre Orange Country Golf  Center and heading indoors to the 1 million square foot Orange Country Convention Center. 

 

We already saw a lot of new gear in my Demo Day recaps, and now we're going to see even more.  These PGA Show recaps will be picture and video driven, with short titles or narratives where they might be helpful or interesting.  I'll also spotlight certain companies in these sections since they earned these spotlights at Demo Day, or on the Show floor over the next three days. 

2017 PGA Merchandise Show - Demo Day Recap (Part 5): Cobra, Puma, Yonex, Titleist, FootJoy, Fujikura, Aerotech, and Ping

Every golfer wants to play better, and the new club and shaft technologies in 2017 will definitely make a difference in your game and help you build a better bag. 

 

New gear from Cobra Golf, Puma Golf, Yonex, Titleist, FootJoy, Fujikura, Aerotech, and Ping are the focus in this fifth part of the Demo Day recaps. 

2017 PGA Merchandise Show - Demo Day Recap (Part 4): Game Golf, Oban Shafts, Epon Golf, Honma Golf, Cleveland Golf, and Srixon Golf

I've been to Demo Day and the PGA Merchandise Show three consecutive years now.  And each year I've been more energized and intrigued than the previous year. 

 

But this year had something more.  This year I saw new products and new innovations that basically came right out and knocked me over the head.