PGA Show: Entrepreneurial golf spirit alive with Cleatskins

WINTER GARDEN, Fla. – The PGA Merchandise Show’s Demo Day was like a state fair, only without a Ferris wheel and bumper cars. Still, amid the crowd’s hum and cracking noise of the latest drivers and fairway metals, how could you not overhear this conversation at the Cleatskins Golf exhibit.

“Has anybody told you before that looks like a condom?” said somebody who should have been home taking his afternoon nap.

“Hard to believe, but that’s not really the first time I’ve heard that,” company spokeswoman Rachel Kay said as nicely as possible.

The Cleatskins I saw fit so perfectly and looked so natural, I thought the company was unveiling a new shoe line. The shell resembles the rubber galoshes your Mom made you wear on rainy or snowy days so you wouldn’t ruin your new school shoes.

“Only cooler,” says Marianne Kay, who with husband Rick owns Cleatskins Golf (Rachel is not a relation) and was here for the first time.

On a shoe, it looks like a two-tone design, and allows you to “Take Your Cleats to the Street,” or so the company motto goes. It certainly makes sense in inclement weather. It might also save you that uncomfortable moment of changing your shoes while leaning against your car in the parking lot; instead, you could put your golf shoes (and Cleatskins) on at home and go from there.

Obviously, it could cut down on damage to floors and carpet at your clubhouse. Or living room.

Whatever, the Kays’ enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit is what makes for a great Show. And a great pair of shoes.