2016 PGA Merchandise Show DAY 2 RECAP (Part 2 of 5): CRU, Carnoustie, ECCO, and Titleist

We're pressing on with my DAY 2 coverage of the 2016 PGA Merchandise Show: Part 2 (a multi-part series).  And here you'll find mouth-watering new gear from CRU Golf, Carnoustie Sportswear, ECCO Golf, and Titleist. 

 

Day 2 was probably the busiest day for me, and new contenders for Best of Show were determined to stake their claim.  It's not time to reveal the winners just yet, but my excitement visiting with these companies was palpable.

2016 PGA Merchandise Show DAY 2 RECAP (Part 1 of 5): Piretti, Fujikura, Sunice, and Antigua

I had more than a half-dozen interviews on Day 2 of the 2016 PGA Merchandise Show, and all of them were in different parts of the Convention Center.  Remember O.J. Simpson in the Hertz airport commercials?  That was pretty much me negotiating the PGA floor.  Leaping, sprinting, diving all over one-million square feet of exhibits.  If you're familiar with the Oklahoma Drill, there were moments like that as well. 

 

The focus of this DAY 2 RECAP: Part 1 (a multi-part series) moves towards a mix of apparel and accessories, along with more equipment coverage.  And on the fashion front you'll see tons of stylish new designs, ranging from distinguished and classic, to brash and athletic. 

Bottom line?  Golf styles have never been better.  And I'll let you know which lines earned my highest acclaim in the Best of Show Recap.

2016 PGA Merchandise Show DAY 1 RECAP (Part 4 of 4): A Grab Bag of Pictures and Videos

This is Part 4 of my DAY 1 RECAP.  And here you'll find pictures and videos that are pretty much a grab bag of various things I saw, but didn't include in the first three parts of the recap. 

 

With nearly 10 miles of Show floor, and over one-million square feet of presentation space, it was literally impossible to not see something entertaining.

2016 PGA Merchandise Show DAY 1 RECAP (Part 3 of 4): Ben Hogan, Oakley, Callaway, Odyssey, and Cobra

We're moving on to Part 3 of my 2016 PGA Merchandise Show DAY 1 RECAP.  And here you'll find new equipment and apparel from Ben Hogan Golf, Oakley, Callaway, Odyssey, and Cobra. 

 

Some of my daily recaps are going to feature a grab bag of pictures and videos - those I passed up while putting the daily recaps together, but still wanted you to see - like pictures and videos that give you a taste of the atmosphere and crowds.  So be on the lookout for those as well. 

And of course in addition to multi-part recaps for each day of the Show, you can find the gear, apparel, and accessories I thought stood out above all others in my Best of Show.

2016 PGA Merchandise Show DAY 1 RECAP (Part 2 of 4): Bridgestone, Wilson, FootJoy, and Ping

I'm taking you inside the 2016 PGA Merchandise Show for a look at Bridgestone, Wilson, FootJoy, and Ping in this DAY 1 RECAP: Part 2 (a multi-part series). 

 

And for  now I'll just say something here definitely finds its way into my Best of Show. 

There's a lot to cover, and similar multi-part recaps for DAY 2 and DAY 3 feature other companies and gear, so you'll want to check that out as well.  I took thousands of pictures and videos while I was in Orlando, and I'm trying to make sure every last one of them is included for you here in my blog.

2016 PGA Merchandise Show DAY 1 RECAP (Part 1 of 4): Opening Ceremony, Titleist & Scotty Cameron, Game Golf & Golf Pride Partnership

If you're a gear geek there's no better place to be in the world than the PGA Merchandise Show.  Thousands of new product launches for four straight days, showcasing drivers, irons, putters, apparel, and everything you can imagine in your craziest Golf Gone Wild dreams. 

 

And I'm bringing you inside the 2016 PGA Merchandise Show with a horde of pictures and videos, starting with this DAY 1 RECAP: Part 1 (a multi-part series). 

I'll have similar multi-part recaps for days two and three as well.  And of course my Best of Show, letting you know what new gear and attire stood out as superior within certain categories.

Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler, Justin Thomas, and Smylie Kaufman are still Killing Spring Break in the Bahamas

Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler, Justin Thomas, and Smylie Kaufman are the No. 2, No. 5, No. 36, and No. 48 players in the world golf rankings. 

 

They're also just a bunch of 20-something bros doing what 20-something bros do on spring break.  Or maybe better said, what 20-something bros wish they could be doing on spring break.

Meet Golf's Rat Pack: Rickie Fowler, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, And Smylie Kaufman on Spring Break 2016

It's spring break.  It's the Bahamas.  And it's Rickie Fowler, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, and Smylie Kaufman. 

Say hello to golf's Rat Pack. 

 

The adventures of Fowler, Spieth, Thomas, and Kaufman are being documented on Snapchat, and it's truly impossible to not laugh at what's going on.

Bryson DeChambeau Signs With Bridgestone To Play New Tour B330-S Golf Ball

When "The Golf Scientist," Bryson DeChambeau makes his professional debut on the PGA Tour on Thursday at the RBC Heritage, he'll be using the new 2016 Tour B330-S golf ball and outfitted with gloves from Bridgestone Golf. 

DeChambeau earned the silver cup as the low amateur at the 2016 Masters, and spent a considerable amount of time deciding which ball would help him compete at the highest level on Tour. 

 

"I take every part of my game seriously, and it was clear after a thorough review that Bridgestone Golf's Tour B330-S was the best fit for me," DeChambeau said.  "I'm excited to be a part of Bridgestone's team and benefit from the precision they put in to each and every ball made."

How Amen Corner became the Coffin Corner for Jordan Spieth at the 2016 Masters

Standing on the 10th tee on Sunday, Jordan Spieth held an imposing five-stroke lead.  Momentum was clearly on Spieth's side, highlighted by four consecutive birdies to close the front-9.  Spieth's name was probably being stitched on the inside label of the green jacket.  Fans who bet on Spieth were planning how to spend their winnings. 



But as everyone knows, The Masters doesn't really begin until the back-9 on Sunday.  And by the cruelest twist of fate, Spieth knows that now as well.

The Masters Giveaway - Limited Edition CRU Golf Masters Headcover

It's the first major of the year.  For many fans and players it's their favorite major of the year.  So did you really think I wouldn't have a giveaway for The Masters? 

 

I'm really excited about this one because it's from one of my favorite companies, CRU Golf.  And I'm giving away one of their impressive, limited edition, Major Collection Masters headcovers. 

And yes, if you've been paying attention, it's the same CRU limited edition Masters headcover you'll see on many players clubs this week, including amateur sensation Bryson DeChambeau.

Sights From The 2016 Masters: Practice Round Day 3

Buckle up golf fans.  If Wednesday's record breaking nine hole-in-ones at the Masters Par 3 Contest is any indication, this week is going to be something very special. 

 

Gary Player became the oldest player to record an ace in event history.  And then Justin Thomas and Rickie Fowler recorded back-to-back aces on the fourth hole.  The 80th Masters Tournament has all the makings of one for the ages. 

Sights From The 2016 Masters: Practice Round Day 2

If you weren't one of the lucky patrons to win badges to The Masters this year, and didn't want to shell out upwards of $2,000 to a broker for a practice day round, check out some of the sights from today's practice round. 

 

Legends aren't made during the practice rounds of course.  And there aren't any heart-breaking or fantastic narratives to drop your jaws... yet.  But no matter what day you attend, it's still "a tradition unlike any other."

Giveaway: Bubba Watson Signed Photo & Ping G Driver Valuables Bag

I'm back from vacation after a crazy PGA Merchandise Show and have lots to catch up on, including my Show recaps, lots of reviews and previews, and a few giveaways of course.  And with Bubba Watson winning the Northern Trust Open yesterday, it seems a perfect time to start a giveaway today. 

 

So let's get the giveaway ball rolling with an autographed Bubba picture and Ping G Driver Valuables Bag I picked up for you down at the Show.

2016 PGA Merchandise Show - Demo Day Quick Recap (Part 4 of 4)

Demo Day at the 2016 PGA Merchandise Show was a non-stop adrenaline rush of blissful disarray that just kept me coming back for more... and more... and more.  I literally hit thousands of balls, as many clubs as I could, and took more than 600 pictures and videos. 

 

I'll have a full recap of the Show when I return home, including tons of pictures, videos, interviews, and who I thought were the big winners.  And of course I might have a giveaway as well.

2016 PGA Merchandise Show - Demo Day Quick Recap (Part 3 of 4)

Demo Day at the 2016 PGA Merchandise Show was a non-stop adrenaline rush of blissful disarray that just kept me coming back for more... and more... and more.  I literally hit thousands of balls, as many clubs as I could, and took more than 600 pictures and videos. 

 

I'll have a full recap of the Show when I return home, including tons of pictures, videos, interviews, and who I thought were the big winners.  And of course I might have a giveaway as well.

2016 PGA Merchandise Show - Demo Day Quick Recap (Part 2 of 4)

Demo Day at the 2016 PGA Merchandise Show was a non-stop adrenaline rush of blissful disarray that just kept me coming back for more... and more... and more.  I literally hit thousands of balls, as many clubs as I could, and took more than 600 pictures and videos. 

 

I'll have a full recap of the Show when I return home, including tons of pictures, videos, interviews, and who I thought were the big winners.  And of course I might have a giveaway as well.

2016 PGA Merchandise Show - Demo Day Quick Recap (Part 1 of 4)

Demo Day at the 2016 PGA Merchandise Show was a non-stop adrenaline rush of blissful disarray that just kept me coming back for more... and more... and more.  I literally hit thousands of balls, as many clubs as I could, and took more than 600 pictures and videos. 

 

I'll have a full recap of the Show when I return home, including tons of pictures, videos, interviews, and who I thought were the big winners.  And of course I might have a giveaway as well.

First Look Preview: Ben Hogan Golf Announces New VKTR Hybrid for 2016

You can officially stop calling it a comeback.  After a wildly successful first year for Ben Hogan Golf and the critically acclaimed FT. WORTH 15 irons and TK 15 wedges, the company has announced the debut of their new VKTR hybrids. 

 

But they're not just hybrids "The Hawk" himself would have been proud of.  They're hybrids designed with input from prototypes in Hogan's personal collection.

Preview: Nippon Announces New N.S. PRO Regio Formula Series Driver Shafts for 2016

Best known for its world class steel shafts for irons, Nippon Shaft has announced a new class of graphite driver shafts for 2016. 

 

The new N.S. PRO Regio Formula series, which consists of three different graphite shaft styles, is aimed at improving carry distance through improved initial velocity, decreased spin and optimized launch angle of trajectory by emphasizing player-specific driver performance needs.