PGA Trade Show

Jonny and I have just got back from 3 days away at the PGA Trade Show up in Harrogate. It is always a busy week not only looking at next years must have items but also the PGA take the opportunity, during the week, to run educational seminars on all the latest products as well as coaching ideas that are current. It is always good to meet up with fellow professionals and industry experts to further your education.

A new product that caught the eye for next year was an electric cart from Motocaddy that is extremely light weight, owing to the fact that it was predominately made from carbon fibre, it folds in a very efficient manner taking up very little space and is powered by a lithium battery. It is not for everyone though as it comes in at a cool £1800! Continuing on the opulent theme we came across a set of irons that have been gold plated and carry Swarovski crystals in the hosels. Apparently, we were told, they sell very well in Asia and if you feel so inclined they are available in London at Harrods with a price tag of £11,000.

Shot of the year

We were fortunate to attend the Golf Industry Awards Evening at The Majestic Hotel which was hosted by Andrew Cotter from BBC Sport. Awards included best product of the year to most innovative products and so on. An award that caught my eye particularly was from the category for 'Shot of the Year'. It went to Charl Schwartzel and was a truly amazing effort.

Click on the image and see if you agree.

Dave Petlz seminar

I was lucky enough to be able to attend a seminar by Dave Peltz, a short game coach to some of the top players in the world. Phil Mickleson is one of Peltz's students. He trained as a scientist at NASA and, you will not be surprised to hear, brings to golf coaching an extremely analytical mind. One piece of information that I can pass on to you is that Peltz's analysis has shown him golfers under read putts they do not allow enough break when putting. You may have heard this before but it is fact, the old adage of missing the putt on the professional side is actually a factual phrase.

Survey results.

I would like to thank you for a great response to my customer survey over the last few weeks, I am told that we had an above national average return. We gleaned equipment analysis, preferred brands and sizing information that will help when trying to provide the services and products you would like to see from your Pro Shop. Hopefully by this time next week I will have gathered all the names from the respondents and then will carry out the draw for the Macgregor cart bag and let you know the winner. Once again thank you very much for taking the time.