Wednesday, February 6, 2019
9 from ’19: Our picks from the annual PGA Show
Game-changer, breakthrough, the next big thing. Here we go again…
Pick a Best of PGA Show article and you’ll find those adjectives and other superlatives in nauseating abundance. I’ve been guilty of it a few times myself. Every year hundreds…thousands of products are on display at the annual self-titled “Major of Golf Business” in Orlando. A significant percentage can be counted among the year-over-year churn of the big equipment manufacturers, but there’s also a fair (though dwindling) amount of stuff that’s new, cool, and full of promise. These can’t miss products fill the countless best of lists written each year, and invariably 9 out 10 go nowhere.
Good ideas hit snags, prototypes never make it to full-scale manufacturing, consumer don’t buy-in. After 5 minutes of industry impact, a good bit of the new hotness fizzles, dies, and disappears. At best, most becomes fodder for gearhead trivia. Does anybody else remember The Chicken Stick?
A Different List
This year, I’m not falling into the trap. My list is different. I’m thinking about longevity and the potential for paradigm shifts. It means I’m playing more to the mainstream. Sorry if that’s boring, but this is golf, where more often than not, the next big thing is just a fresh take on the same old thing. Embrace it, or at the very least, accept it.
The products on this list may not appear to be the most innovative, most won’t disrupt the status quo (some might), but the trade-off is the virtual certainty that the majority will still exist 6 months from now.
And so, in no particular order (other than how I wrote them down), here are my top picks from the 2019 PGA Show.
Fujikura Ventus Shaft
At $350 retail, Ventus is more expensive than most of Fujikura’s aftermarket models, and as you’d expect from any major shaft release, there’s plenty of talk about materials and technology. Case in point, the Ventus’ VeloCore, which is built from full-length, ultra-high modulus Pitch 70 ton Carbon fiber (the design also includes some 40 Ton material).
Blah blah blah, shaft stuff, I know.
To give you some semi-meaningful frame of reference, Pitch 70 is 150% stronger and more stable than the T1100 material used in many of the popular low spin designs, and the first Ventus profile features an ultra-stiff tip section. Fuji bills it as mid-launch with low spin.
We’ll dig into the construction in more detail in a future review, but the short version of the story is that Fujikura’s research with its in-house ENSO system is starting to return dividends. The company says the Ventus keeps the head more stable on off-center hits, while the accelerated taper enhances loading and feel.
Fuji says that Ventus works as an MOI booster of sorts that helps preserve ball speed by better resisting twisting when you miss the center of the face. The benefit is tighter dispersion, lower spin, and more ball speed.
It’s true that shaft claims are often dubious at best, but in my fitting, Ventus lived up to the promises and then some.
The Return of Bridgestone Ball Fitting
While I’m sure Bridgestone would love us to talk about the new E12 or how Tiger played Bridgestone balls for nearly the duration of his Nike deal, the biggest Bridgestone story coming out of the show is the return of ball fitting.
Once upon a time, Bridgestone was the leader in consumer ball fittings, but as part of a string of questionable moves by former CEO Angel Ilagan, ball fitting – arguably Bridgestone’s biggest point of differentiation in the market – fell to the wayside.
Hindsight, amirite?
Re-launched at the PGA Show, Bridgestone ball fitting isn’t just back; it’s improved in ways that make sense. In its previous incarnation, ball fitting was driver only. The updated process brings both irons and scoring clubs into play.
The timing couldn’t be better. Riding a string of recent PGA Tour victories and the success of the TIGER ball (Tour B XS), the return of ball fitting has plenty of upside for both the golfer and the Bridgestone Golf brand.
Titleist Pro V1 in Optic Yellow
Perhaps it’s a little too on the nose picking a new version of the #1 Ball in Golf™ as one of the impact products from the PGA Show, but it’s basically a given that the Pro V1 is going to get the lion’s share of tour play and is going to do well at retail as well. I’m not going to be wrong. The curiosity here is whether a yellow Pro V1 boosts interest in yellow across the entire market.
There’s still plenty of monkey see, monkey do when it comes to the average golfer taking cues from the Tour. It’s why approximately 80% of golf balls sold are still white. Could that change just a little?
Bubba put a yellow Pro V1x in play at the Waste Management, and if things fall into place for Titleist, maybe a couple find their way into play every week. Will that help Titleist’s bottom line while pushing sales of non-white golf balls beyond the 20% mark across the entire industry?
Maybe…maybe not.
It’s worth a mention that Bridgestone is also set to release a yellow version of the Tour B XS and has its fingers crossed that Tiger will put it into play at the Masters Par 3 contest. Should that happen, there’s an even bigger chance this yellow thing gains some real momentum in 2019.
TPT Iron Shafts
TPT didn’t have a booth at the show, but those who knew where to look got a sneak peek at what the company hopes will serve to validate and differentiate its shaft technology moving forward.
We’ve covered both the good and bad of TPT’s sudden emergence as a serious player in the shaft game. The company tells us that the breakage issues are resolved and two new driver shafts (including the one Bryson has been playing) are coming this spring. That’s all well and good, but what I think has the potential to shake things up is its forthcoming line of graphite iron shafts (95 and 120-gram models).
Here’s the reality. Despite there being a number of solid, tour spec’d graphite offerings on the market for the last several years, no brand has been able to crack through the PGA Tour’s steel barrier. Kuchar with his SteelFibers was as close as it got, but with a convention defier like Bryson DeChambeau already playing a TPT driver shaft, the upstart Swiss company has a legitimate shot at succeeding where every other graphite iron shaft company has failed. The serious golfer hasn’t bought into to graphite largely because the best golfers in the world haven’t bought into graphite.
Might we see the start of a long slow shift this year? It’s doubtful, but I want to believe it could happen.
Realistically, the price point of the shafts will put TPT out of reach of the average golfer, but it’s the potential trickle-down effect of graphite iron shafts on Tour that intrigues me. Tour use would likely shatter the stigma around graphite iron shafts for better or at least higher swing speed players. If that happens, it’s going to break the consumer market open for the likes of UST (Recoil), Fujikura (MCI, Pro, Vista Pro), and True Temper (Catalyst).
Single Rider Carts
At some point, something is going to replace the conventional golf cart. As much as the purists would prefer everybody walk, the logical progression is towards a single rider cart. Yes, I know it’s already kind of a thing in Europe.
On our side of the pond, in one form or another, companies have been taking their shot at owning the yet to emerge space for the better part of the last decade.
Two-wheel skateboard style carts can be fun, but they’re not for everyone (people crash them). Motorcycle-styled designs were the rage at the PGA Show, but even if we overlook the fact that a kickstand will likely never be viable on a golf cart, the potential to destroy courses and ruin white pants is a legitimate concern. The design that goes mainstream will almost certainly have four wheels, and while our staff is partial to Elwee’s offering, what ultimately catches on will probably look a whole lot like a smaller version of today’s standard golf carts.
Allow me to quote myself: “This is golf, where more often than not, the next big thing is just a fresh take on the same old thing.”
The single rider future is not imminent; it’s going to take some effort for single rider carts to replace what we already have. Economically viability for most golf courses dictates that two single rider carts can’t cost much more than a single two rider cart. Two small carts will take up more space than regular one, so cart barn space could be an issue in some cases, as could the electrical requirements.
The promised upside to the single rider cart that breaks through is improved pace of play, potentially more golfers on the course, and more time to spend in the restaurant after the round.
Lynx Prowler VT Driver
I know, throwing Lynx on this list is a little odd. So, let me be clear. I have no expectation that Lynx is going to take over the driver market with its Prowler VT Driver with SwitchFace technology, but I love that a small brand is taking a chance on adjustability in a way that’s different.
Look, I had doubts when TaylorMade decided to stick a pair of screws in its M5 and M6 drivers, so it should come as no surprise that I have even bigger concerns about Lynx relying on three additional screws to keep the face attached to the head.
I wish them luck.
Still, it borders on remarkable that Lynx has generated some small amount of buzz and the design is sure to get mainstream OEMs thinking about what else might be possible. Ultimately, the Prowler VT Driver could prove to be one of those obscure but indelible footnotes that live on in golfers’ memories.
A decade or two from now when a mainstream OEM takes a crack at swapping faces, somebody is going to remember that Lynx did it first…before someone else points out that DnA Golf did it before Lynx.
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Titleist CNCPT Irons
I’m not sure how much we’re supposed to be talking about the new CNPT irons, but the photos are out, there are rumors of massive yardage gains, and most of the golf interwebs knows they’re coming.
The 2019 CNCPT line will feature two models, both of which will be produced in limited quantities, and both are going to cost you significantly more than a typical set of irons. When it comes to the ultra-premium market, PXG has nothing on Titleist.
So why am I talking about it? The next Titleist iron will feature a new face material along with a massive amount of a more conventional material integrated into the design. In that respect, the new CNCPT iron will live up to its name. It’s a true Concept product, the kind of club everyone in the industry would love to make if actually having to sell it wasn’t a concern.
What makes CNCPT cool for the rest of us is that innovation almost invariably flows downhill, so while it might take a few years, it’s likely only a matter of time before what Titleist has done with CNCPT trickles down into mainstream products that most golfers can actually afford.
Odyssey Stroke Lab Putter Shafts
It’s too soon to say if the shift is driven by innovation or just opportunity, but there are plenty of signs that suggest that the putter shaft is about to get a mainstream upgrade.
Last year BGT released its Stability Shaft, and while I’ve become a believer, it’s Odyssey’s Stroke Lab Shaft that’s poised to have the biggest market impact. While both shafts promise increased consistency, Odyssey’s Tempo Enhancing Design makes similar stability promises without the extra weight that comes with the BGT offering.
Of course, if weight proves to be the thing that matters, BGT has a better chance, so does the new KBS C-Taper putter shaft that comes standard in TaylorMade’s new Spider X.
Given Odyssey’s market position, however, and that fact that it’s going all-in with Stroke Lab in 2019, it’s a virtual certainty that somebody you know will have a multi-material putter shaft in the bag this season.
Bushnell Pro XE Rangefinder
Let’s wrap this up with the kind of product you’d expect to find any on any best of PGA Show list.
Significantly undercut on price by upstarts like Precision Pro and Tec Tec Tec, it stands to reason that Bushnell, the industry leader in the golf rangefinder category, might be feeling increasing pressure to justify asking consumers to spend a few hundred bucks more on its products.
At $549, the Pro XE doesn’t sacrifice Bushnell’s premium price position in the market, but that extra cash will get you a robust selection of standard and new features.
The most compelling feature of the Pro XE is Bushnell’s new Slope Algorithm. Instead of relying on simple geometry to calculate a Play As distance, Bushnell’s new flagship model collects temperature and altitude data (it sounds like an onboard barometric pressure sensor) and integrates them into its ball flight calculations to make that Play As distance significantly more accurate.
Granted, the feature isn’t exactly tournament legal but most of us won’t care, and for those who do, with a simple flip of a switch, you can make the Pro XE 100% conforming.
If that weren’t enough, the Pro XE features a built-in BITE Magnetic Mount which lets you stick it to the side of a cart with no additional hardware required. Bushnell has also updated its Jolt Technology to provide even more feedback and by extension, confidence when locking on to targets.
A carry case is also included.
Have Your Say
What did we miss? What new products do you think will have the biggest impact on the golf equipment market?
from MyGolfSpy http://bit.ly/2DcEYb2
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
The Two-Person Golf Cart Needs to Die
America’s traditional 2-person cart isn’t going to be around much longer.
Perhaps that’s a bold proclamation, but two people riding in the same cart, crisscrossing and bumbling all over the course is inherently inefficient. For a game with a pace-of-play problem, a solution can’t come soon enough. This isn’t to suggest some variation of a single-rider vehicle will be a panacea, but speeding up the game won’t happen without literally speeding up the game.
Walking the floor at this year’s PGA Merchandise show, it’s clear companies sense change is coming and see an opportunity to get ahead of the competition. A year ago, one company (Ellwee) had an entire booth dedicated to a single-rider cart. This year, it seemed nearly every electric vehicle company offered a fresh take on something other than the basic 2-person golf cart.
It takes money and resources to develop products to showcase and eventually bring to market. My hunch is this is less a shot-in-the-dark and more a collective admission of where the market is headed.
What’s the ultimate solution?
That depends on how early adopters fare and whether any can catch some sustainable buzz. It also depends on how seamlessly companies can integrate certain solutions into the current environment while still allowing for an authentic golf experience. Some products (Club Car Tempo Walk) look to give walking golfers another pedestrian option, but the bigger challenge is to covert walkers into (at least) part-time riders and twosome cart buddies to more efficient single-riders.
There’s also a financial reality which companies will have to navigate with prospective courses. It’s unlikely the bulk of courses will be eager to purchase a large fleet of single-rider carts outright, but this leaves plenty of room for creative revenue-sharing or leasing models.
With that, here’s a brief look at the single rider options available now.
Sun Mountain Motor Sports Finn Cycle
The MyGolfSpy staff demoed the Finn Cycle. As advertised, two-wheels and decent speed results in plenty of fun, but also some difficulty navigating hills and wet cart paths. Two-wheeled solutions offer a nimbler ride, but the lack of stability is an issue for some – arguably many. There’s also the repetitive nature of using the kickstand every time the player mounts/dismounts the vehicle, which is one more step the golfer needs to complete between shots.
Because there’s no barrier between rider and the elements, popularity will likely be linked to weather conditions. If it’s wet or muddy, your pants don’t stand much of a chance of making it through the round unscathed.
The Finn Cycle comes in six different colors, and Sun Mountain promotes an “attractive revenue sharing model” which should make it easier on courses which might not be ready to go all in on the single-rider revolution.
ELLWEE
The Trollhättan Sweeden-based company introduced several prototypes in 2018. What came to market is a 4-wheel, ATV inspired single-rider vehicle. With its Scandinavian design and upscale componentry (Ellwee sources wiring harnesses and electronic parts from the same company which supplies similar parts for Volvo, Porsche, and Mercedes-Benz ) Ellwee is more of a trimmed-back automobile than a beefed up bike or skateboard.
As a multi-purpose vehicle, Ellwee has a range of modular components which allow the basic unit to serve as a beverage cart, range-picker or as a multi-purpose vehicle. With top speeds in the 20 MPH range (course operators can dial-it down), Ellwee offers a fun and fast experience, but knowing golfers and our penchant for risky behavior, Ellwee was wise to include safety features like downhill engine breaking and a gyroscope to prevent it from tipping over.
While Ellwee’s offering is the most robust of the current crop, it could be more vehicle than courses actually want, and because it’s not much smaller than a standard 2-person cart, storage space could become an issue. Additionally, though its design may offer better ride quality and safety, some golfers might miss the ease of sliding in and out of a cart rather than mounting a single, raised seat.
Like competitors, Ellwee is available in multiple colors, but the company feels it offers a more robust solution with better design and functionality. As a vote of confidence, Ellwee sold 30 of its 100 available units during the first of the 2019 PGA Merchandise show.
CARUCA
It’s not often we talk about CG locations relative to golf carts, but in the case of the Caruca, it’s a viable talking point. With a wheelbase specifically engineered for stability and a low, centralized weight distribution, Caruca offers riders a safe, if unspectacular, single-rider option.
At a top speed of 10 MPH, it lacks some pizzazz; however, the option to stand or sit is a bonus. It may not be replete with added features, but less of a learning curve means a wider range of golfers can hop on and go without needing to sign any waivers or watch instructional videos.
The Caruca might not win many awards for curb appeal, but intuitive design always has a seat at the table.
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CHEETA
Sometimes names can be deceiving. The cheetah is the fastest animal in the world, but it’s also a single-rider cart which looks like it might have more in common with a mall scooter than its feline namesake. That said, it offers riders a simple solution with sufficient storage and an integrated speaker system. An optional chair allows riders to sit or stand and removable Lithium batteries can be charged separately, which limits downtime between rounds.
PHAT
Phat Golf (headquartered in Tempe, AZ) debuted its Phatty HD scooter at the PGA show in 2018. This model has a top end speed of 20 MPH (though the company recommends 13 MPH for golf) and according to PGA Tour professional Pat Perez, “It’s like riding a couch.” Similar to the Finn Cycle (and most two-wheeled options) it’s best suited for arid climates, and insomuch as vehicles reflect the geography of its origin, the Phat scooter has a decidedly laid-back desert cruiser SoCal vibe.
The 10” wide tires and lower seat height (28”) coupled with independent front and rear suspension give the Phatty HD features designed specifically for comfort and balance. Like other models, it includes requisite golf accessories (beverage cooler and basic storage) and because I have a soft spot for 90s slang, the name gets two bonus points.
GOLFGLIDE
In development for the past two years, Ramon Fierro believes he has a solution which will be the first patent-protected two-wheel, single-rider solution. There’s always plenty of nuance with legal conversations and because GolfGlide is still in development (Fierro hopes to have some working prototypes ready in March), we’ll focus on its features and purported benefits.
According to Fierro, GolfGlide is a golf specific design which offers riders all the amenities of a traditional cart (storage, drink holders, USB ports, club cleaner, seed dispenser) in a stable, two-wheeled design which gives golfers the option to stand (glide) or sit (ride). At face value, it doesn’t appear significantly different from other two-wheeled golf-cycles, which may become a problem. Should multiple versions with similar designs hit the market at essentially the same time – with roughly the same list of pros and cons and without a serious spike in demand – it’s unlikely all brands would survive.
RAPTOR/FAIRWAY RIDER G3
DSG Global is a multifaceted organization dedicated to creating fleet management services for commercial, governmental and recreational applications. Its dedicated “Tag Golf” system will likely play a role in any meaningful pace-of-play initiatives moving forward but DGS also offers a single-rider vehicle.
Where the Raptor differs is as a three-wheeled solution, it alleviates any need for kickstands and protects the rider from wet or muddy course conditions. It might not be the sleekest looking option, but this is a battleground where function probably wins out over form. Rather than interchangeable or retractable seats, a single seat gives riders the option to sit, stand or something in between. Basic storage comes via the wire mesh basket attached to the handlebars though there doesn’t appear to be an obvious drink holder/cooler.
WHERE DO WE GO?
It’s a contest without an obvious winner– for now. That said, it’s only a matter of time before one of the major brands (EZGO, Yamaha, Club Car) enters the conversation, which as it evolves will likely call for a composite solution, borrowing technologies from across the industry.
As is often the case, complex problems find clarity in simple solutions and gaining industry-wide acceptance will be a tough ask for any product. What’s given is the standard two-person cart and improving pace of play are incompatible bedfellows.
So why not take the existing two-person cart and just cut it in half? Could it be that simple?
Sound off and let us know what solution you’d propose.
from MyGolfSpy http://bit.ly/2TybTxM
Coconut Curry Chicken (Quick Instant Pot Recipe)
Coconut chicken curry is simply chicken in a delicious sauce of tomatoes, garlic, curry powder, and coconut milk. It’s a healthy, one-pot meal that tastes great and everyone in the family enjoys. I used my Instant Pot (which I love!) and had dinner on the table in less than an hour. How to Make Coconut Chicken Curry...
Continue reading Coconut Curry Chicken (Quick Instant Pot Recipe)...
from Wellness Mama® http://bit.ly/2WJj7kD
Monday, February 4, 2019
MyGolfSpy PGA Show Roundtable
Join the members of the MyGolfSpy staff as we cover a wide range of topics in a post-PGA-show roundtable discussion.
from MyGolfSpy http://bit.ly/2G9eeMr