PGA Show Preview: Roll-Master Golf (Ringer®)
Press Release:
Jack Feighery started over 40 years ago with a dream in the basement of his Connecticut home machining precision parts for a variety of industries including the military. Today, the entrepreneurial engineer is the owner of KAF Manufacturing and Roll-Master Golf and his dream has come true. His creation, the “Ringer®” putter, is set to make sound waves in the golf industry as it introduces a whole new way to putt using a person’s ears in addition to their hands and eyes to swing a putter. Further, this unique putter face is CNC Milled and then machined to final specifications by “electric discharge machining” after heat treatment. “EDM” is a technology and process that is normally utilized in the production of tools-dies-molds and precise component parts. However, it has found a new use – the “Ringer Putter Face”.
The technology behind the invention ensures the most perfect putter face available on the golf market today while adding a previously unforeseen benefit – a clear, bell-like sound at impact when the ball is hit. According to Feighery, this “ring” gives the golfer the ability to use a brand new method of putting. This “new way to putt” integrates the auditory senses to improve the consistency and effectiveness of a golfer’s putting stroke. “Sound = Feel” is the motto for this revolutionary instrument which makes its world debut later this month at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida (Booth #708).
Jack Feighery’s son Kraig is a PGA Golf Professional in Florida and has already sold hundreds of this design. He states that “once people actually try it, they are hooked – most never before realized how important sound is when making a putting stroke. It just makes sense – people learn to swing a golf club in one of three ways – sight, touch, or by hearing what the pro tells them during a lesson. The same holds true in putting – now, with the ‘Ringer’, golfers have the chance to really ‘hear’ the sweet spot.”
PGA Show Preview: RoboCup
Press Release:
RoboCup, the ball return robot that was invented by Fine Tune Golf in 2009 has expanded their retail distribution. The company reports that it now has product available at many notable retailers within the golf industry. Unlike other putt-return devices, RoboCup differentiates itself, as it’s the only one that works in a real golf hole on a putting green. It’s stellar lifeline and technology make it unlike any option out there.
The company has been working with several golf courses, resorts, country clubs and retailers since its launch at the PGA Merchandise Show in January 2009, where it was deemed ‘Best New Product’. Fine Tune Golf has announced that RoboCup is now available at the following outlets:
- Retailers: Golfsmith.com, TGW.com, PGA Superstore (10 stores), GolfTown Canada (48 stores), Edwin Watts Gol
- Distributors: YES Golf UK/Canada, Sports Life Asia, ORGAHEAD Germany, Quality Golf Australia
“Seeing RoboCup within these highly regarded venues is incredibly rewarding for us,” says Keith Foley, inventor and co-founder of RoboCup. “When our partners experience the true performance of RoboCup, often times positioned within their own signature putting area, it is a no-brainer for them to carry our product,” he says. Foley says that the innovation is becoming a fixed installation within putter fitting studios like Taylormade, Callaway/Odyssey and RIFE, amongst others. “We continue hearing that the product is moving well and selling itself,” he adds.
RoboCup is the only ball return device designed to work on every practice green with a practice or full-depth cup. When your putts drop into the hole, RoboCup’s innovative design automatically shoots the ball right back to you. RoboCup runs on 4 AA batteries and will return the ball up to 14 feet or more, depending on green speed. A set of batteries last for 12,000 putt returns, making it a longtime golf companion. Combine it with the Caddy Cord, and even missed putts shoot back to you. The bundled putting solution truly becomes a golfers personal and portable putt-return caddy.
Key RoboCup Highlights:
- RoboCup saves time – with golfers not having to retrieve their balls, they can triple their practice time.
- RoboCup is the only putt return device that works in a real golf hole on a real putting green.
- RoboCup’s inventor Keith Foley has a reputation for well-engineered products, also known for the G-Clip and Line-M-Up creations.
- RoboCup saves wear and tear on peoples’ backs – golfers can avoid retrieving their own ball.
- RoboCup is affordable, at only $59.95 MSRP for both the RoboCup and Caddy Cord.
With the momentum and support from industry retailers, golfers and tour pros, RoboCup is positioned to become a recognized household name in golf. Together, RoboCup and Caddy Cord bring one impactful solution to the game.
Fine Tune Golf will be located at Booth #973 at the PGA Show in Orlando Florida (January 28-30, 2010).
PGA Show Preview: Wilson Golf (Dual-Milled Face Putters: 888 Series)
Wilson Golf today announced a new line of five innovatively designed putters, the Wilson Staff 888 series. These putters were inspired by classic Wilson designs but have been updated with precision milling and cutting-edge technology to blend classic shapes with modern performance and feel.
The 888 series putters utilizes VPD, or Visual Plane Differential, alignment technology with multi-surface markings to help players position their eyes directly above the putting target line. The putters all feature dual-milled faces, meaning that the first pass milling operation ensures a flat face for consistency. Then, secondary master grooves are milled directly onto the face of the putter to promote forward spin and reduce skid after impact. The arched shape of these secondary grooves imparts a slight side spin on heel and toe impacts, helping to hit the ball in a straight line.
“The 888 series of putters has a style for every player,” said Bob Thurman, global director of R&D. “We have taken the vintage shapes from our rich history of Wilson archives and applied the most cutting-edge technology to the designs to provide golfers with a putter that looks streamlined and classic but has all of the latest innovations to keep our putts straight and accurate.”
The 888 series putters consist of 8881 through 8885, each with its own unique features, as follows:
- 8881 – A traditional heel-toe putter that is heel-shafted with a plumber hosel (also available in men’s left-handed options
- 8882 – Heel shafted with an off-set gooseneck hosel
- 8883 – A toe-weighted putter with a semi-mallet
- 8884 – A heel-toe weighted, semi-mallet hybrid
- 8885 – Heel-toe weighted mallet putter with a heel-shafted plumber hosel (also available in women’s and men’s left-handed varieties)
All 888 series putters incorporate low durometer and soft polymer VRAD grips by Golf Pride with a step-less barrel shaft for improved feel and feedback on the green.
The suggested list price for any of the five Wilson Staff 888 series putters is $149.99. Wilson will be exhibiting at Mtg Room 202-B at the 57th PGA Merchandise Show (January 28-30, 2010):
About Wilson Golf
For nearly a century, Wilson Golf has designed, manufactured and distributed premium and recreational golf equipment throughout the world. Since 1914, Wilson Staff irons have won 61 Major championships, more than any other iron manufacturer in history. Wilson Staff’s Zip Ball, Di9 iron and the Wilson Staff Smooth driver were honored with Golf Digest’s Hot List awards in 2009. Wilson Staff, Profile, ProStaff and Hope consumer brands continue that tradition today by delivering the highest quality golf equipment to all golfers to enhance performance on the course and overall enjoyment of the game.
PGA Show Preview: Azimuth Golf’s The Putting Lane
Press Release:
Azimuth Golf announced its plans to exhibit at the 57th PGA Merchandise Show, Jan. 28-30, 2010, in Orlando, Fla (Booth #1110).
Bill Hulbert, Instructor at Black Gold Golf Club, Yorba Linda, CA & Director of Golf Instruction for Azimuth Golf is pleased to join the industry to debut the company’s new and innovative Multi-Purpose Training Aid – the AZIMUTH GOLF SYSTEM featuring the patented PUTTING LANE™ to golf’s most influential retailers from around the world.
“In my 28 years of teaching this is definitely the most effective training aid I have used,” stated Hulbert. “It quickly trains the student to actively and correctly use their eyes and mind to start putts on line, land chip shots on the proper spot, and even develop correct full swing takeaway and delivery positions. Plus, it fits in your pocket or golf bag so it’s always with you.”
Bill Hulbert and Kermit Olson, President of Azimuth Golf and Inventor will be demonstrating the product on GREEN 2 during Outdoor Demo Day, scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010, at Orange County National Golf Center & Lodge in Orlando, Azimuth Golf will showcase its AZIMUTH GOLF SYSTEM to influential PGA Professionals and VIP retailers.
From Thursday, Jan. 28 to Saturday, Jan. 30, the AZIMUTH GOLF SYSTEM will exhibit on the show floor at Booth 1110 and will showcase at the New Product Center at the Orange County Convention Center.
Azimuth Golf System Explained
Two major components of good putting are:
- Correct alignment
- Starting the ball on line
THE PUTTING LANE™ develops a process, using the eyes and the brain that consistently produces positive results.
But…that’s just the beginning. THE PUTTING LANE™ morphs into the Azimuth System which can be used for chipping and full swings as well. By using the multiple alignment discs provided, we can set up practice stations that create proper alignment and visualization for chip shots, correct set-up, takeaway, and backswing positions for the full swing. The concepts are so simple, and the visualizations are so strong, that it begs the question, “Why didn’t I think of that?”
The person that did have the proverbial brainstorm is Kermit Olson, a former world class Karate champion and current golf and putting fanatic. This new product’s major debut will be at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando at the end of January 2010.
PGA Show Preview: HONMA Golf
Press Release:
HONMA Golf Co., Ltd., stewards and manufacturers of premium men’s and ladies golf equipment, has been participating in the PGA Merchandising Show in Orlando, FL for over 20 years. They announce their continued participation in the 2010 show taking place later this month, January 28-30th.
Stop by the Honma Golf booth #1273 and have a chance to win the ultra prestigious 24- karat gold plated PP-001 5-Star putter with 5-Star HONMA ARMRQ graphite shaft (shown). Provide one business card and have a chance to win one of the world’s most expensive putters valued at $4,395.00.
While visiting the Honma booth, please take the opportunity to experience their many other hand-crafted products as Honma celebrates their 51st year in the golf business. HONMA’s PP Series putters show why they are masters of style and elegance perfectly matched with outstanding feel and performance. Named for the Professional Player series, the highly-anticipated PP Series brings back the buttery soft feel and unmistakable character of HONMA’s mild steel putters. The body is comprised of forged mild steel, laser-carved 304 stainless steel face insert. The PP-001 and PP-002 are available in the lavish full gold plated, gloss nickel platinum-colored or gloss nickel black finish. Standard lengths available are: 33”, 34”, and 35” also custom lengths available by special order.
Distributors:
North America: Premier Golf Distributors, Inc. 888-845-8665
Canada California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington: Golden Pro Golf 408-456-0666
PGA Show Preview: Lamkin (2TEN Grip)
Press Releases:
Lamkin Introduces New 2TEN Putter Grips
Lamkin has introduced a new putter grip line for 2010, the 2TEN, available in three sizes. This polyurethane grip allows durability to marry comfort, for a seamless fit with the putter. The soft polymer outer layer keeps moisture out and forearms relaxed, to promote light grip pressure and minimize hand tension for smooth, consistent strokes.
The 2TEN putter grips are made of a proprietary, lightweight, soft (but not spongy soft) polyurethane. It comes in three sizes – Standard pistol, Midsize paddle and Oversized, the latter of which is called the Mega Lite. The color combination on all three is blue on top, red on the bottom, with a white thread stitching. The grip material also has increased durability – accomplished through its thickness and density — to last longer than traditional polyurethane used in other grips on the market. Because it’s thicker, there’s more material between the underlisting and surface layer. The Standard pistol grip provides consistency and feel for extra-smooth putting strokes every time. The Midsize paddle grip provides a uniform stroke with relaxed tension to minimize wrist breakdown. The extra-large Mega Lite weighs roughly 30 percent less than standard oversized grips, to minimize hand pressure without adding weight.
“We are especially excited about the Mega-Lite 2TEN grip,” says Bob Lamkin, president and CEO of Lamkin Corporation. “It weighs just 86 grams, which is about the same as most standard-sized putter grips, so golfers who want to use it won’t sacrifice feel during their putts. They get the benefit of having a grip that eliminates their hand use during the stroke, causing putts to roll truer.”
Oversize grips have become popular but the problem is, many of them are very heavy – up to 200 grams — which means the golfer loses feel of the putter head during the stroke. Plus, the extra weight completely changes the performance characteristics of that putter. This grip model is much lighter, a feat that was accomplished by significantly reducing the density of the underlisting. That density reduction translates into a grip that can be made larger yet still weigh the same as a conventional putter grip. Thus, a golfer can use less grip pressure, remove the hands and wrists from the putting stroke, and thus take a much more natural stroke to get the ball rolling on target quicker. And any player currently using a standard-sized putter grip can easily make the transition to this oversized model without sacrificing feel.
In addition, the surface pattern works in conjunction with the dense material to help the golfer maintain complete control over the putter without having to squeeze too tight. The side is elegantly finished with a tight weave stitching.
Lamkin will be exhibiting at Booth #1100 at the 57th PGA Merchandise Show (January 28-30, 2010).
About Lamkin
Lamkin Corporation, a family owned company headquartered in San Diego, has been manufacturing the highest quality and best performing grips in the golf industry since 1925. From golf’s finest leather grips to unmatched proprietary compounds, Lamkin grips give players at every level a better feel for their game. This history of excellence has made Lamkin the chosen grip of nearly every major club manufacturer and professional golfers worldwide. Full 2010 Product Brochure (PDF).
PGA Show Preview: John Letters of Scotland
Press Release:
With 92 years of club making history in golf, John Letters of Scotland is delighted to announce they will be exhibiting at the 2010 PGA Merchandise Show, Orlando, for the first time.
The great Scottish brand renowned globally for producing golf equipment of the highest quality since 1918 will be showcasing their latest range of performance products at booth #912 at the Orange County Convention Center from the 28 – 30 January 2010.
With an unrivalled heritage and history of craftsmanship within the game of golf, John Letters will show their new comprehensive product range for 2010. Utilising the latest product technologies whilst maintaining true to its craftsmanship roots, the new collection will ensure John Letters is a brand to watch in 2010.
With golf professionals such as Fred Daly, Dai Rees, Gary Player, Lee Trevino, Sam Torrance, Cathy Panton, Bernard Gallacher and Paul Lawrie playing and winning with their clubs on tour over the course of their 92 year history, there are not many to rival the track record of clubmaking achievements of John Letters, reportedly wining the British Open more than any other club maker. Even the great Frank Sinatra was fan and friend to John letters playing with his clubs for most of his golfing life.
This tradition continues today under the stewardship of Class AA PGA Professional John Andrew. With plans to expand its distribution and sales in the US and more countries worldwide, the John Letters team look forward to welcoming you to booth #912, at the 2010 PGA Merchandise show.
PGA Show Preview: Utopia Golf Products
Press Release:
Utopia Golf Products (Twitter), maker of finely-milled performance-based putters, will exhibit its award-winning putters at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando next week. The company will display its TXR-I and TXR-II putters on Putting Green #1 at Demo Day, Jan. 27 at Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge, and at Booth #511 during the show, Jan. 28-30. Also, Utopia Golf Products will be speaking to interested sales representatives at the show.
“We look forward to the opportunity to show PGA Professionals and other attendees our exciting Utopia putters, which we believe will be of great appeal to golfers everywhere,” said Scott Saunders, president of Utopia Golf Products.
Winner of a “Best New Product” award at the 2009 PGA Fall Expo, Utopia Golf Products is attracting the attention of golf instructors, equipment buyers, shop owners and players who appreciate the appealing putter designs with built-in performance features, in addition to the accomplished workmanship and high quality of the clubs. The company recently completed construction of its new production facility in Utopia, Texas to accommodate its growing needs. The facility now serves as Utopia Golf Products’s headquarters for both company operations and club manufacturing.
Each Utopia club is designed, milled, hand-assembled and polished to exact standards at the company’s new facility, under the watchful eyes of putter designers Scott Saunders and Michael Hillis.
The Utopia TXR I cavity-back blade putter and TXR II heel-shafted cavity-back mallet putter feature a ridge that acts as the face, creating a thin leading line the company refers to as “The Edge.” The purpose of “The Edge” is to give “true roll” to the ball, allowing it to move smoothly along the intended line to the hole and reducing the probability of a mis-hit. Utopia putters are designed to strike the ball just above its equator to provide instant forward roll without skidding, hopping, skipping, side- or backspin.
Utopia Golf Products was founded last year by Bill Deichler, Mike Hillis and Scott Saunders, all residents of Utopia, Texas, a town of under 300 residents located about 80 miles west of San Antonio in Texas Hill Country. Inspired by their own putting woes and their love of the game, they set out to create putters that would offer the pleasure of improved performance to golfers of all skill levels. With the twin goals of striving to perfect their own play and providing opportunities to others to improve their games, the founders decided to name their company “Utopia Golf Products,” both in honor of their beloved little hometown and to reflect the unlimited potential of their creations.
The Utopia Golf Products corporate program features putters milled with a club or company logo or name. The logoed putters can be ordered in large- or small-quantity batches and can be used as corporate gifts, awards or promotional items.
Utopia Golf Products putters currently are available on the company Web site and in select pro shops, green-grass retailers, sporting goods retailers and other golf retail outlets across the U.S. They make perfect tee and tournament prizes or great gifts any time of year.
PGA Show Preview: Bettinardi Golf (Country Club (CC), 2010 BB Series)
Press Release:
Bettinardi Golf (Twitter), maker of the highest quality milled putters in the world, has unveiled its 2010 new putter lineup. Months after returning to as a independent “boutique golf company” Bettinardi is introducing a new Country Club (CC) Series putter line in addition to its 2010 BB Series.
“We are eager to re-establish our brand presence and provide an authentic golf experience with unmatched products fully made in the U.S.A. and we’re equally committed to catering to the golfer and customer who wants the best of the best,” stated Bob Bettinardi.
The first-ever CC series model is a classic heel-toe designed putter finished in luxurious Satin Nickel that offers a customization component, an emblazoned, skillfully placed logo on the sole of the putter to showcase the pride and history of a club, association or school. In addition, any CC putter created for a Club recognized as a “Top 100” will receive special engraving and a “Top 100” headcover. Suggested retail 325.00
The 2010 BB Series, named to Golf Digest’s Hot List, includes five putter models, all plated with a luxurious Black Nickel finish that guarantee the highest level of durability. Each model in the series is milled with a single sightline to aid with alignment and has a three degree loft. Every BB putter has a pistol style grip and a patented Black Bettinardi Head cover. The BB putter series (suggested retail 275.00) includes:
- BB1: A traditional heel-toe weighted design has a rounded shape punctuated with soft edges throughout. A perennial favorite for the professional and amateur golfer.
- BB8: A sharper more sleek appearance with a neck that is milled in a heel basis position to promote additional toe hang. A popular model in many Tour players’ bags.
- BB25: A modern blade style, the BB25 is a fresh take on a classic design with a slightly tapered body and a single flange further enhancing the 100% CNC milled flow neck.
- BB26: This center shafted heel-toe weighted design incorporates elements from the BB1 but with a center shafted zero offset. The BB26 design is slightly thicker in appearance at address. A spud style neck provides a smooth transition from shaft to putter head.
- BB32: A face balanced mallet, this modern design has a classic pear shaped profile at address. The unique flange achieves maximum perimeter weighting for optimum performance. Its spud neck has a double bend shaft. Available in left and right hand.
Bettinardi putters are sold in green grass only and selected club fitters. They will be exhibiting at Booth #901 for the 57th PGA Merchandise Show (January 28-30, 2010):
ABOUT BETTINARDI GOLF:
Bettinardi Golf is a privately owned Corporation. Known for the highest quality 100% CNC putters in the golf industry, Bettinardi Golf also has a golf accessory line that includes precision milled belt buckles under the same exacting standards as Bettinardi putters. Full 2010 Product Brochure (PDF).
PGA Show Preview: Odyssey (Black Series Tour Designs Putters)
Press Release:
Callaway Golf Company (NYSE: ELY) today announced the January 15th retail availability of their new Odyssey® Black Series® Tour Designs line of milled putters. The latest innovation from The Number One Putter in Golf®, Black Series Tour Designs were crafted through extensive work between the Odyssey design team and professional golfers across the world’s major tours.
With a new black look, the precision-crafted milled putters in Odyssey’s Black Series Tour Designs line feature updated shapes and more head options, all designed to offer elite performance at the highest levels of the game. Each putter is milled from 1025 carbon steel for the soft feel demanded by the best players in the world.
“In creating the Black Series Tour Designs putters, we consulted with some of the greatest players in the game, including Phil Mickelson,” said Austie Rollinson, Principal Designer for Odyssey Golf. “We incorporated this Tour player feedback into the design of these precision-crafted milled putters. The result is updated shapes and more head options preferred by better players, all delivering the truest roll possible in a premium look.”
Black Series Tour Designs putters feature Advanced Roll Technology (A.R.T.) for precise response and the truest roll possible. A.R.T. is achieved through multi-material construction using tungsten weighting, which creates a quicker, more favorable roll by moving the center of gravity back and lower in the putterhead. A urethane dampening layer is subtly placed between the carbon steel putter head and the tungsten flange, which enhances the feel at impact.
The TD Milled Face has a precise, deep milling pattern that generates consistent impact performance across the face, resulting in better feel, distance control and a smooth roll. Each putter is finished with a Deep Black PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating, producing a durable, glare-free look that was added specifically in response to feedback received from the world’s best golfers.
Black Series Tour Designs putters are available in several core models, including the #2, #4, #6 and #9. The new product introduction retail price for Odyssey’s new Black Series Tour Designs putters is $269.
Callaway will be located at Booth #727 at the PGA Show in Orlando Florida (January 28-30, 2010).
About Callaway Golf
Through an unwavering commitment to innovation, Callaway Golf Company (NYSE: ELY) creates products and services designed to make every golfer a better golfer. Callaway Golf Company manufactures and sells golf clubs and golf balls, and sells golf accessories, under the Callaway Golf®, Odyssey®, Top-Flite®, and Ben Hogan® brands in more than 110 countries worldwide. For more information please visit www.callawaygolf.com or shop.callawaygolf.com.
