The Maxwell Media Awards for the Fall PGA Show

It is that time of year again, where the golf gods come together in Las Vegas, or at least a sliver of the business and this year we gathered at Mandalay Bay on September 13 and 14.

The Fall PGA Expo has been hailed a success by the PGA as always and while I can report that there was a nice buzz of excitement on the floor, more than a few of my equipment side friends reported slow traffic and few buyers…whereas on the specialty side, traffic seemed brisk and fun.

The Why Didn’t I Think of That? Award

Las Vegas is the land of beauties and sun, so why shouldn’t golf highlight the same thing? Play Golf Designs is now offering high-level corporate clients who can have a day of golf with such babes as Ashley Prange (Big Break 5 winner) and others. Their motto; “spend a day with a lady that can play” and why not? For only $1,250 to $2,850 … you can have the lady for a round of golf or for the whole golf outing and party afterward with other guests! Let me see … pay out thousands AND get your butt kicked. Nice!

The Devil Made Me Do It Award

While it is not my style to go negative, I can’t ignore the straight up “rip-off” of one of my favorite companies. While walking the isles I couldn’t help but notice the counterweight system being offered at the Winn Grip booth by one man (I won’t even give him publicity by naming him) and Winn offering a grip with a pre-cut hole. He said he had invented the item “about 5 or 6 years ago” which coincides precisely with the work on Tour of Balance-Certified Golf, the leader in Motion Balancing™. Of course, no one has ever heard of this guy or seen him on Tour.

His product is a cheap knock-off and the thread system for keeping it in place in a shaft could result in damaging shafts. So beware … not only is this product a clear patent infringement … it can ruin your clubs! Ain’t the golf business great! Put your heart and soul into building a company so some sleaze can try to rip you off. Stay away DEVIL!

The Hottest Seller, or The Shag Bag is Dead Award

Brian Eagan of Pro Sleeve Golf was so dang busy selling product he didn’t have time to talk to me! It was amazing, no matter what, after each presentation of how this ball placement and collecting device works for you around the green (holding up to 14 balls in a slick plastic sleeve) he would have to bundle up a dozen or so and sell them.

The customer simply wouldn’t walk away without them. Never seen anything like it. It can be made with your logo’s to match your colors and is super high quality … and with a click of the trigger you can place a ball, or pick up a ball. Nice!

The How To Make a Cart Bag Like a Stand Bag Award

Pete Juricic of Chicago, invented the Kart Kaddie only a year ago which allows us who ride to place the bag at a 45-degree angle with a handy plastic brace that angles the clubs back. It allows easier access to your clubs and your clubs stay nicely in order.

This product won the “Best New Product of Show” award by the PGA Expo folks, so my award may not be as prestigious, but I am always on the lookout for young entrepreneurs who are trying to make a difference. Congratulations Pete!

The “I Love New Putters” Award

Every year at Orlando there is 50 new putter entries with the likelihood that we will never see them again. Rick Hamilton an 18 year veteran of putter design for the likes of Carbite, SeeMore, Ray Cook and others decided to give us a sneak preview of his own design, the Hamilton Putter in Las Vegas. He has brought to bear all of his experience in this traditional looking putter, but with some key distinctions. First, he has produced a Microdome™ insert which features a mysterious material with very small “domes” which grab the ball and give it precise directional control.

Second, he has added a variable weight option on the toe and heel. Finally, he worked with Tour players on its appearance to have very soft lines on a Gun Metal steel finish. The putter has a “perfect” sound which adds to the feedback and based on the looks on people’s faces after putting with it … a new winner for sure…and oh yeah, one more thing … this high quality putter is going to retail for $129. I am sure the industry will just LOVE that price point. Go Rick.

CB Maxwell
President, Maxwell Media Marketing