Stay informed with the latest news and product introductions with our coverage of the 2014 PGA Merchandise Show!

The team from Morton Golf is back in Orlando this week for the 2014 for the PGA Merchandise Show. Our team is looking forward to providing LIVE blog coverage for the fourth straight year for the entire duration of the 2014 PGA Merchandise Show, including the Demo Day on Tuesday, January 21st. Our team will be walking the convention showroom floor, attending meetings and seminars and visting all of the major manufacuters in golf, including Titleist, Nike, TaylorMade, Callaway, Cobra, PING, Cleveland, PUMA and more. Learn what the hottest products will be in the world of golf for 2014 and check out the newest trends in fashion and footwear too!

This is YOUR chance to get an insider’s look into the world of golf as we constantly update this blog throughout the week of the 2014 PGA Merchandise Show with pictures from our smartphones, user commentary, celebrity encounters, prize giveaways and much more!

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Prize Giveaways

Enter to Win a Dozen Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls ($48 value)
We’re giving away 4 dozen Titleist Pro V1 golf balls, 1 dozen for each day we run show coverage of the PGA Merchandise Show (Tuesday, January 21st – Friday, January 24th, 2014). Want to win? To enter, simply leave a comment below and include your email address so I can contact you. It’s THAT easy! I’ll pick a new winner every day! (Enter up to three times every day to increase your chances!)

Grand Prize Giveaway! Callaway Big Bertha Driver! ($400 value)

We are giving one lucky winner who posts on our blog the new Callaway Big Bertha Driver that will be released on February 14, 2014! This driver features adjustable perimeter weighting, new advanced adjustable hosel technology, and a new high strength, lightweight crown that weighs only 8 grams. Simply stated, the new Callaway Big Bertha Driver is awesome and you have a chance for it to be yours! Want to win? To enter, simply leave a comment below and include your email address. You can enter up to three times per day (contest runs from Tuesday, January 21 – Friday, January 24, 2014). Winner will be drawn after January 25, 2014 and prize will be shipped after the release date of the Callaway Big Bertha Driver (February 14, 2014). Good Luck!!

Check out our Morton Golf YouTube Channel

Meet the Team:

Ken Morton, Sr. (KMS) – Morton Golf CEO and Haggin Oaks Director of Golf
Ken Morton, Jr. (KMJ) – Morton Golf VP of Retail Marketing
Tom Morton (TM) – PGA Director of Player Performance for Morton Golf
Jennifer Morton (JM) – Director of Social Media (ie – the “blogger”)
Mike Woods (MW) – Haggin Oaks PGA Head Golf Professional
Bill Dixon (BD) – Haggin Oaks Super Shop Store Manager
Scott Prenez (SP) – Haggin Oaks Super Shop Store Manager
Marlene Kawaguchi (MK) – Haggin Oaks Golf Super Shop Men’s Apparel Buyer and Soft Goods Sales Manager
Heather Hadley (HH) – Haggin Oaks Golf Super Shop Women’s Apparel & Footwear Buyer
Kelli Corlett (KC) – Director of Junior & Disabled Golf
Mike Pompei (MP) – Haggin Oaks Golf Super Shop Accessory & Glove Buyer
Frank LaRosa (FL) Morton Golf Advertising / Marketing Consultant
Cheri Morey (CM) – Haggin Oaks Merchandiser & Gift Buyer
Roger Clark (RC) – Green Fee Manager
Jennifer Morton (Jen) – Social Media Manager – runs the blog

Saturday, January 25, 2014

I am just stopping by to pick our final winners!

First up, the Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls. This winner was chosen from someone who left a comment on our blog on Friday, January, 24th. The winner is…  Melanie! Congratulations on winning a dozen golf balls! We certainly hope you enjoy them… ~Jen

And now it is time for our Grand Prize Drawing for the Callaway Big Bertha Driver! (Drum Roll Please….) This winner was picked using Random.org from all comments from all days posted on our blog. And our GRAND PRIZE WINNER IS … Dan Fargo! ~Jen

Friday, January 24, 2014

PGA Merchandise Show in the Orange County Convention Center – Day 3 – Final Day

4:00pm – The team is at the airport and getting ready to head back to sunny California. It has been a long week, and I know the entire Morton Golf team is motivated for spring to arrive and for all of these new products to hit the shelves! Thank you to everyone for following us this week! Keep your comments coming. We love hearing from you! ~Jen

2:37pm – It is time to pick another winner of a dozen Titleist Pro V1 golf balls! Our third winner is “Lowell” – Congratulations! I have sent Lowell an email. Do you want to be our next winner? We still have another dozen Titleist Pro V1 golf balls to give away ($48 value) and our grand prize giveaway is the new Callaway Big Bertha Driver ($400 value). To enter, simply post a comment below – tell us what you like from the show, let us know if you have a question, or just tell us that you want to win – it is truly THAT easy! You can leave up to three comments per day! Our contest ends at midnight, January 24th, 2014 and I’ll be picking our final winners soon. All comments made BEFORE midnight on January 24th, 2014, will be eligible. Good luck! ~Jen

1:22pm – Lagila Golf Wipes… pre moistened disposable wipes, textured on one side for deep cleaning of clubs and golf balls throughout your round. Very cool! – BD

1:13pm – Two new iron sets from PING…The Karsten iron has a wide sole and deep center of gravity for a higher launch and greater distance. The i25 iron is a progressive set design with regard to CG, bounce and offset. Machined face and grooves. – BD

12:55pm – Check out Robo Golf Pro…a simulator so that we can feel the best swings in the history of the game! – KC

12:03pm – Check out the DJ loft above the Cobra Puma space. Cobra Puma has the right idea…we need to find ways to make Golf more FUN! We have some great ideas about how to make the game more enjoyable for all of
you this year at Haggin Oaks!
WE’D LOVE TO HEAR YOUR IDEAS TOO! See you soon! – SP

11:45am – Hipsi: A new women’s belt. Adjustable fabric belt with a slim design buckle that comes in so many great fun designs. – MK

 

11:39am – Inventor and CEO, Hannah Dupay of Goodie Girl Golf. Designing girl headbands, ponytail, and hair clips w/ ballmarkers on each. Super cute! – MK

 

10:17am – The New Gotham Collection from OGIO…BatCycle not included… – BD

 

10:13am – Even if it’s raining outside, it’s sunny under the Haas-Jordan umbrellas!‏ – FL

 

10:09am  – The New Evo One line from ECCO Shoes…the hybrid is not just for your golf bag anymore! – BD

 

9:22am – PiNG i25 Driver‏ – New from PING. Follow the stripe to driving accuracy! – SP
Ping has received a Gold Digest Hot List Gold Award for their i25 Driver. They are also the only company to earn at least one gold award in every product category that Golf Digest tested for their annual “Hot List”, including drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, irons, wedges and putters. ~Jen

9:14am – The New SELECT Putters will be released on March 15th and the New GOLO’S one month later.. – BD

 

9:13am – The Pro V1 logo ball wall at Titleist‏ – FL
If you need custom imprinted golf balls or beautiful packaging for your next event, the customization options from Titleist are truly superb. They have quick turnaround and can commemorate any special occasion with their wide range of packaging options too.  Learn more: http://www.titleist.com/custom-imprinting/~Jen

9:11am – The New Scotty Cameron SELECT Fast Back and Square Back and the New GOLO 3 – BD

 

7:56am – Travis Mathew continues to do well at Haggin Oaks . I want to buy everything! It’s just cool. – MK

 

7:56am – Travis Mathew is a progressive golf apparel brand that sees golf as part of a bigger picture of a fun and active lifestyle that requires clothing that prioritize both performance and style. ~Jen (taken from the Travis Mathew website)

7:54am – Polo Ralph Lauren, which Haggin Oaks first started carrying last summer, is always impressive. – MK

 

7:53am – Here is a sneak peak at some of the new fashions from Polo Ralph Lauren. Do you see anything you like? -MK

 

7:50am – Fell in love with Bobby Jones. Great colors, classy, fine craftsmanship. This line is worth looking at again. The ladies line was lovely as well. Thumbs up from Ken Sr. and Ken Jr. too. – MK

7:40am – Marlene found this huge map that gives everyone a visual representation of how big the showroom really is. I reported yesterday that if you were to walk up and down every single aisle, then you would cover 10 miles of ground. It is an impressive show, to say the least. We hope you have enjoyed our show coverage this week. Don’t forget to leave a comment below. We are giving away more Titleist Pro V1 golf balls and one lucky person will win a Callaway Big Bertha Driver (valued at $400). All you need to do to enter is leave a comment on our blog. Today is the final day of the show and you can leave up to three comments (and have three chances to enter). Good luck and thank you to everyone for all of your feedback. Our team has enjoyed reading everything you have left for them this week! ~Jen

7:36am – Marlene w/ Clifford DeNicolo and Donn Pierson who together have developed TPI apparel-Titleist Performance Institute, fitness driven apparel w/state of the art technology. You will find this apparel in our Super Shop in the near future. – MK

Thursday, January 23, 2014

PGA Merchandise Show in the Orange County Convention Center – Day 2

9:52pm – Apparently dinner wasn’t enough…On to dessert! – TM

9:48pm – What? It’s Kelli’s birthday again! This is the second time this trip! Happy Birthday Kelli! – MK
It actually IS Tom Morton’s birthday today, so I’d like to wish our PGA Director of Player Performance at Haggin Oaks a very Happy Birthday! Although he couldn’t celebrate with his wife and children today, he did get to enjoy a fabulous day with many of his close friends and family. Happy Birthday, Tom! ~Jen

8:55pm – Heather enjoying a “small” entree on the last full night she’ll be in town for the show. – TM

 

8:35pm – Is it dinner time yet??? – HH
Strange things happen when blood sugar levels get too low. I think it is time to feed these hard working ladies! ~Jen

 

6:34pm – Our second day of the Round Table. Our group gathers at the end of the day to discuss the day’s findings and let the other buyer’s know what they need to go see and find on the final day of the PGA Merchandise Show on Friday. The days are long and it is impossible for one person to see everything.

5:35pm – PGA Merchandise Show Fun Fact! The PGA Show boasts more than 10 miles of aisles for golf pros to shop! (Source: PGA Show News) ~Jen

5:34pm – End of the day… Photo-bomb!!! – HH

5:29pm – How about a hot fresh pizza at the Haggin Oaks Driving Range? It could happen…with the completely mobile John Daly Pizza Kitchen! (By the way Scotty P and I taste tested it…and Its good!) – BD
I can tell we are getting to the end of the day. Bill is pushing it when it comes to showing us “golf” products on the showroom floor – I think he might be hungry! lol ~Jen

5:15pm – The New Tour Edge EXOTICS XCG7 and CB PRO Woods…hit ’em and create a SHOCK WAVE! – BD

4:52pm – Bobby Clampett imitates The Greatest Golfer of All Time Jack Nicklaus! Did he do the Golden Bear justice?
Go see Bobby’s Impact Based training at www.ImpactZoneGolf.com – SP

4:42pm – Bumped into our great friend, Kelly Jackson, with RoboGolf Pro! Could be Best of Show! – SP

 

4:07pm – Heather viewing the Fall 2014 Lizzie Driver collection!  www.lizziedriver.com – HH

 

4:01pm – Ken Griffey Jr. does have a good golf swing! I know we had a few people who asked us about that yesterday and Ken Griffey Jr. posted a video of his swing on his Instagram account which www.CBSSports.com posted. Want to see it? You can check it out here: http://www.cbssports.com/golf/eye-on-golf/24417181/video-ken-griffey-jr-has-a-great-golf-swing ~Jen

3:56pm – Lots of fantastic new products from Golf Buddy, including a Laser Rangefinder and the BB4…the very first Golf GPS Wrist Band… it has Time, Play and Pedometer features plus Distance to the Front, Middle and Back of the Green to over 30,000 Pre Loaded Courses…WOW! – BD
It seems like there are new additions to the laser rangefinder market every year! It is amazing how much this category continues to grow and expand! ~Jen

3:50pm – For those of us with 3 E’s shoes, we are going to be able to have New Balance golf shoes that will fit the bill for our wider sized feet. – KMJ

 

3:42pm – Henry and Magda shiny ladies golf shoes. they would look great on Bill, I think. – KMJ

 

 

3:05pm – The Groove Caddy…the first hand held motorized rechargeable club head cleaner…has a 1350 RPM Motor and a USB Adapter for easy recharging. – BD

 

3:03pm – U.S. Digital Media…Featuring PGA Tour Mobile Accessories…Ear Buds, Ear Phones, USB Flash drives, Portable Power, Bud Bags and more…everything needed for the way you practice and play today. – BD

3:02pm – Local Boy makes Good‏! Spencer Levin rocking the latest apparel from IZOD. – SP

 

2:36pm – Aren’t these LOLO vinyl bags and tags sooo cute? There are so many colors and designs to choose from. Do you want one?? I know I do!
Check out www.lolobag.com for more info! – HH

2:22pm – Yesterday at the show, Kelli and Tom found this great unique apparel line called G Wear. I stopped by their booth today to see what it was all about. I am very eco-friendly, I love to thrift and repurpose things on my spare time. This company, based in Dallas, Texas, does just that with a cute fashionable twist!

They take appliqués cut from recycled vintage tee-shirts and hand-sew them onto garments, hats and tote bags. I love finding new companies like this.

For more info, check out their website at www.mygwear.com – HH

 

2:12pm – Even out here on the East Coast we run into our friends from the West Coast. Rich Bin and team from Palo Alto GC. – SP

 

2:03pm – Bridgestone True Balance Putter‏: So balanced it stands up by itself! Haggin Nation, What do you think? – SP

1:59pm – Executive Director of the USGA Michael Davis and Titleist CEO Wally Uihlein discuss the future of the game. – SP
The “future of the game” seems to be a hot topic at the PGA Merchandise Show this year. Where do you see the game of golf headed in upcoming years? Do you see the sport changing at all? Will it be evolving? There has been a great deal of talk about that this year at the show – I want your opinion – please share your comments with us below! ~Jen

1:54pm – The Oscar Mayer “On the Go” Grill…Maple Pancake Sausage Rolls before you tee off in the morning or a Corn Dough Dog at the turn…can it get much better? Wouldn’t this be great in the MacKenzie Sports Bar & Grille at Haggin Oaks?? – BD

1 :50pm– New artwork from David O’Keefe featuring the big 3, Arnold Palmer Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus. – KMJ

 

1:43pm – NS PRO Zelos 7 golf shaft…brand new technology featuring the lightest steel shaft in golf..as low as 73 grams! – TM

 

1:40pm – Eyeline Golf – See. Groove. Improve.
Practice aids that WORK! – SP

1:30pm – I think it is time we picked our second winner of our Titleist Pro V1 golf ball giveaway! Winning is easy! To win,  simply leave a comment on our blog and you could win our daily prize of a dozen Titleist Pro V1 golf balls! I use Random.org to draw a random winner from all the comments generated every day and I would like to congratulate Tim L! Tim L is our winner for Wednesday, January, 22nd, 2014. I have sent Tim an email and we still have two additional Titleist Pro V1 golf ball dozens to give away this week – one for today and another dozen for Friday, January, 24th, 2014. Anthony from New Jersey was our first winner on Tuesday.
We LOVE your feedback too! Remember, you can enter up to three times EVERY day by leaving up to three comments every day! Don’t forget that we are also giving away a new Callaway Big Bertha driver to one lucky winner too – and all you need to do is leave a comment on our blog – ask a question or tell us what you think of our commentary – it is pretty simple! Thanks for following us and CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN TIM L.! ~Jen

1:25pm – Hey all you Trekkie golfers out there…look whats coming from Creative Covers to a Galaxy near you to cover your clubs for 2014!! – BD

 

12:52pm – Legendary LPGA Golf Pprofessional Jan Stephenson emceeing the ING awards. – TM

12:39pm – I’m very excited about Haggin Oaks Super Shop’s (and Oprah’s too) favorite pants, Swing Control by Lissette. There will be great new colors and lengths available in March. Be sure to get a pair of their pull-on bermuda shorts or a knee Capri’s in fun colors! – HH

12:36pm – Haggin Oaks is a nominee for the Player Development Award from the International Network of Golf – TM

12:32pm – Real World – Orlando: Golf Edition. This picture is entitled “Trade Show Rage”. Cheri and Heather in a lighter trade show moment in the Channel Leader Lounge during our lunch break. – SP

12:25pm – While viewing the Daily Sports ladies collection, our merchandiser, Cheri, decided to model their beautiful jacket and vest for me! – HH

11:49am – Zombie Power head covers… (Kinda how we all look after a week back here at the PGA Merchandise Show!!) – BD

 

11:44am – Grip-Dry…clip it on the shaft of any club before laying it down, and never have a wet grip again! – BD

11:35am – Extend your LOUD beyond your shirt and pants with LOUDMOUTH club and putter grips! – BD

 

11:29am – How about the new COMBO from Sun Mountain? A Golf bag and Push Cart all in one… – BD

11:21am – The Golf Bike…designed for use during a late afternoon round…brisk pace of play and a workout at the same time…brought to you by “What will they think of next”??

11:14am – Brian Kirhagis Art – Brian paints….with a golf ball!? Check out his amazing work for yourself at http://www.Brikart.net! – SP
Brian is a self taught artist who is committed to pushing the limits of what art can be. I pulled this statement from his website, “They say that the human mind is capable of incredible things; that through our thoughts, we can manifest our own reality.” If this strikes a chord within you, then I invite you to check out his website! ~Jen

11:06am – Butch Harmon Discussing Winn Grips. The Great Debate…Winn or Golf Pride? What’s your favorite?
Come get your clubs regripped at Haggin Oaks… we have a great selection and a quick turnaround time. – SP
Here is a link for our full service Club Repair Department. If you ever have any questions about your clubs, our staff is always there to help. Learn more: http://www.hagginoaks.com/club-repair-center/ ~Jen

10:59am – Ok…here’s the ultimate for all you gadget lovers out there…The Smartender..Automatic Beverage System…pours the perfect mixed drink everytime at the push of a button…no experience or “advice dispensing” required!! – BD

10:54am -Ladies, We want to hear from you? Would you like to see more Après golf attire in the Haggin Oaks Golf Super Shop? What about scarves, shoes or jewelry? These Marc Joseph loafers and flats are to die for! Do you see any you like? – HH

10:25am – The PutterWheel…putting training aid..gets your eyes over the ball and trains your stroke to hit it solid and on line every time! This one’s a keeper! – BD

10:19am – I know I would make a lot more putts with this cup! – KC
This is an 8-inch cup which is significantly larger than a regulation hole which measures 4 1/4 inches in diameter. I think I might actually be able to sink a few more putts too, Kelli! ~Jen

10:06am – Here is what’s new from KBS..the Tour-V…a lighter weight, lower spin, mid launch shaft…there you go Jim M! – BD
“As with the popular KBS Tour, the KBS Tour-V features tight shot dispersion. For players that prefer a lighter weight shaft and less ball spin, the KBS Tour-V is the ideal shaft option. The KBS Tour-V is the newest addition to the KBS line and has already been proven on professional tours.”

10:05am – The Golf Channel is on the air. -SP

 

9:59am – Morning Silliness! Our Haggin Oaks staff is always very helpful! – HH

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

PGA Merchandise Show in the Orange County Convention Center – Day 1

Titleist Pro V1 Winner Update – I did hear back from our winner so I can officially congratulation Anthony from New Jersey. He was our first winner of the Titleist Pro V1 golf balls, but we have three more dozen to giveaway. Who will be our next winner? To enter, simply leave a comment on our blog below and you can enter up to three times a day! Good luck!

I have to add one more photo of the entire team! ~Jen

9:43pm – The team celebrates Kelli’s “birthday” this evening at Tommy Bahama’s Restaurant and Bar. – KMJ

8:18pm – A quick update that I have not heard back yet from our first winner of the Titleist Pro V1 golf balls. As soon as I do, I’ll post the winner’s name on our blog. I’ll be drawing three more winners so keep your comments coming – you can post up to three comments each day to be entered in our Titleist Pro V1 golf ball giveaway (and the same holds true for our grand prize drawing for the Callaway Big Bertha Driver!) I hope you have enjoyed all of our coverage thus far! ~Jen

6:29pm – The Round Table – KMJ
The Round Table is an annual (and daily) tradition. Our team gets together to review their daily finds and let the other buyers know of the show highlights that they discovered during their day. It is a BIG show and this is an opportunity to take notes and bounce ideas off of one another. It isn’t unusual for our Round Table meetings to last an additional 1-2 hours after the doors close on the showroom floors. It is important to be well-prepared for the next day’s events! ~Jen

5:00pm – Haggin Oaks receives the Association of Golf Merchandisers Best of the Best Platinum Golf Shop Award- KMJ

Earlier: Gary Williams with the Golf Channel sat down with Mark King, president of TaylorMade, earlier today to talk about his new initiative called “Hack Golf” which hopes to help grow the game. 25% of core golfers have quit the game over the past ten years and the industry has not been able to introduce new players to the game. Haggin Oaks is mentioned in this interview with our FootGolf initiative. Hack Golf wants to drive people back to the golf course – even if it is in non-traditional ways. Watch the full interview:

4:31pm – Can’t wait for the new FootJoy DNA golf shoes to land in the Haggin Oaks Pro Shop in just a few short weeks. – HH

 

2:42pm – New glove from Zero Friction for men, women, juniors. One size fits all! – FL

 

2:34pm – Coming to the Haggin Oaks Golf Expo!…The Taylor Made Mobile Performance Studio and Retail Store…(our own Scott Prenez and our TaylorMade rep Craig Patchin will be there too!!) – BD

2:18pm – “Just as skiing spawned snowboarding, baseball spawned softball, and tennis spawned table tennis, what might golf spawn?”
Taylor Made Golf is asking this question. What are your ideas? Log on to HACKGOLF.ORG and share your out of the box thoughts… – BD

2:16pm – TaylorMade SLDR – This is the first driver to get a perfect score (20 out of 20) on Golf Digest’s 2014 Hot List- SP

 

2:14pm – Very excited for the brand new SNAG equipment…great for transitioning beginning golfers to the next stage of the game & great for all ages! – KC

2:13pm – Can you find our Top 50 Master Coach, Tom Morton?! – KC
“U.S. Kids Golf is pleased to honor these Master Kids Teachers for their perpetual efforts in growing the game of kids golf. These individuals have won the Top 50 Kids Teacher Award three or more times, earning the recognition as Master Kids Teachers by U.S. Kids Golf.”

2:11pm – Leave it to me to find the accessories! Now us girls have plenty of options…on or off of the course! LOVE! – KC
This watch set is from Gala by Daniela Swaebe Jewelry whose jewelry is inspired by nature, the sea and beautiful places. ~Jen

1:57pm – Jen, can you please get someone to open the back door of shipping and receiving?? – BD
Sure, Bill – I’ll get right on that for you! This is EXACTLY what we need. lol ~Jen

1:50pm – 2013 ReMax World Long Drive Champion (427 yards) Tim Burke with his strength and conditioning coach. What’s next… 500 yards? You can’t stop Tim, you can only hope to contain him… – SP

1:43pm – David Leadbetter talks about Golf Pride grips. The #1 grip on Tour! – SP

 

1:42pm – You might remember the Mantis Putter that was introduced at last years PGA Show…it has a patented green color that keeps your eye on the ball, not the putter…now with new blade and left handed models, Mantis will help you make more putts! – BD

12:58pm – GoPro – Be a Hero. The new age of sport video! – SP

 

12:55pm – John Solheim, Chairman and CEO of PING. – SP

 

12:54pm – Currently viewing the new Spring/Summer SanSoleil “Sol Tec” print polos for ladies with my rep Leslie. All have a UPF 50 sun protection. The Tally Ho print is our favorite (shown in pic)! – HH

12:53pm – Love this new technology coming out Fall 14….Adidas ‘Flex Rib’. It will be in Men’s and Ladies apparel. – MK

 

12:48pm – Tom’s Top 50 award for Growth of the Game from the Golf Range Association of America. Congratulations Tom! – KMJ

 

12:22pm – The Callaway Apex and Apex Pro irons…Forged Carbon Steel and Tungsten Sole Inserts..a 2014 Golf Digest Hot List Players Iron…
Speaking of Callaway..dont forget to comment on our blog for a chance to win a New Big Bertha Driver!! – BD

12:19pm – Ken poses with our local Adams rep, Ryan Sasser and our Regional Manager, Tim Williams at Adams Golf – KMJ
Adams Golf has set up a photo booth to tweet out pictures in their booth. Pictures include the hashtag #OwnTheSecondShot and @AdamsGolf – Go Social Marketing! Love it! ~Jen

11:52am – NEW..Callaway SR-Speed Regime Golf Ball…designed for Moderate, Athletic, and Tour Level Swing Speeds…Fly Farther.. – BD

 

11:39am – U.S. Open Champion, Graham McDowell signing autographs at the PGA Merchandise Show. This is definitely the place to be for celebrity encounters. PGA and LPGA Tour Players are on hand for guest appearances throughout the week. – TM

11:32am – Aloha from Orlando (and the Maui Jim booth) – MK

 

11:29am – Another celebrity sighting…no (not Bill)… it’s Peter Jacobsen! – BD

11:24am – This is a partial clip of Ted Bishop plugging FootGolf with a mention of the Haggin Oaks Golf Course in Sacramento and how we utilized FootGolf and built a FootGolf Course to help fill empty tee times on our Arcade Creek 9-Hole Golf Course. FootGolf seems to be a hot topic back at the 2014 PGA Merchandise Show – SP

11:23am – The New Biofusion shoe from Puma is “raining” down on the world of footwear…flexible, supportive, lightweight and includes a 1 year waterproof guarantee. – BD

 

11:19am – The entire family of the new Bio Cell irons from Cobra…tungsten cell weighting and E9 Face tecnology for maximum distance and forgiveness.. – BD

 

11:10am – Bio Cell and Bio Cell + Drivers and Fairway woods from Cobra..Forged E9 Face for Faster Ball Speed…GO LOOOONG!!!! – BD

 

11:02am  – Hey M.Y –  They’re using LIVE models\mannequins at Cobra-Puma this year…wasn’t that our idea?? – BD

 

11:00am – What will Donald Trump say about the future of our Great Game? Do you care? Healthy debate from leaders in golf and business.
Panel discussion with PGA President Ted Bishop, Business Mogul Donald Trump, LPGA Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam, Former USGA Director David Fay and TaylorMade Golf CEO Mark King. – SP

10:48am – Crystal ball has a new color. It is now available in flash green. These golf balls have been very popular in our stores and feature a semi-transparent 2-piece construction. They come in a wide range of colors. – KMJ

10:28am – Catching up with our great old friend Titleist’s Uber Rep Brad Barnett! SP
This is one of the greatest things about the PGA Merchandise Show, you always get to see old friends, former employees and outstanding golf reps – the industry is surprisingly small and it is a close-knit family! ~Jen

10:23am – We finally found some great FootGolf (and knicker) socks!!  They will be arriving soon. There will be so many different colors/options to choose from, you can see I’m so excited!!! – HH

10:18am – Celebrity sighting…The Donald! – BD
It is a bit blurry, but there is no doubt, Bill has indeed spotted Donald Trump! ~Jen

10:09am – We heard that Marc King, the President of TaylorMade Golf, was on the Golf Channel this morning talking about FootGolf and Haggin Oaks. What is FootGolf? FootGolf is a combination of the popular sports of soccer and golf. The game is played with a regulation #5 soccer ball at a golf course facility on shortened holes with 21-inch diameter cups. The rules largely correspond to the rules of golf. FootGolf as a game is played throughout the world in many different forms, but as a sport it is regulated by the Federation for International FootGolf (FIFG). The American FootGolf League (AFGL) is the exclusive member of the FIFG and governing body for the sport of FootGolf in the United States. The AFGL is organizing tournaments throughout the U.S. and working with golf courses to bring FootGolf to their clubs as another avenue for revenue and to develop the game further. We introduced FootGolf at Haggin Oaks in the summer of 2013 and it has been wildly popular. Learn more: http://www.hagginoaks.com/footgolf/

10:06am – Walking the show floor – BD

 

9:50am – Game Golf: The PGA of America is getting behind this technology. Statistical data shows that you can share and compete against your friends and even against the Tour Pros!! – SP
Scott attended the “If not you, who? Business Leadership in Challenging Times Seminar”

9:43am – Greg Norman is back on the Cobra staff. Norman is a two-time major champion and is affectionately known as “The Shark”.

9:34am – Smart Body Golf’s New Performance Pack..stability, core and strength…get fit and ready to score! – BD

9:24am – A little slice of…? The new Heaven Golf Shoe…the innovative sole allows you to “feel” perfect balance in your golf swing or simply walking… – BD
This shoe claims to enhance your performance by giving you immediate feedback on your balance. You can sense if you are well-balance and once your stance, stability and balance are good, then according to the premise of Heaven Golf Shoes, your swing will naturally improve. What do you think? Would you try them?  ~Jen

8:56am – The cool new foot-joy D.N.A. DryJoy Next Advancement shoes‏ – KMJ

 

8:55am – With Gravity Control Adjustability, Advanced Adjustable Hosel and Adjustable Perimeter Weighting, Big Bertha 2014 is a game changer! – BD
I know I mention it every time one of our staff members sends a photo, but somebody who follows our blog this week has a chance to win this club! Leave a comment below and you are automatically entered to win! Good luck! ~Jen

8:54am – Kelli has finally found her dreamboat… it’s Adam Scott! – SP

 

8:53am – Nike Rzn Ball It’s Rznlutionary! – “What is your RZN? Find the right RZN ball to unleash distance and optimize spin.” – SP

 

8:52am – Ladies…check this out! Kelli is very excited for the Nike footwear of 2014. – KC
I need a new pair of shoes, maybe I can have the team pick me up a pair! ~Jen

 

8:51am – Rory McIlroy at the Masters. – KC

 

8:51am – Curious about what Tiger Woods plans to wear at the U.S. Open? Now you know. – KC

8:50am – I have drawn our first winner of a dozen Titleist Pro V1 golf balls and I have sent an email to contact our winner. Once I hear back from our winner, I will post the name here! Keep your comments coming, we have three more dozen Titleist Pro V1 golf balls to give away AND we also have a $400 Callaway Big Bertha Driver for our grand prize drawing. Entering is easy. Ask a question, leave a comment or just tell us what you like or don’t like about the PGA Merchandise Show (or our show coverage!) ~Jen

8:50am – Kelli loves the new technology from Nike. Pictured are the new RZN golf balls. “Interlocking RZN core design delivers more energy between layers for faster ball speed and longer distance.” – KC

8:49am – Great new wedge product for 2014 from Nike – SP

 

8:45am – Remember Sir Issac Newton from the original Big Bertha? – BD

 

8:46am – Well guess what? She’s baaaaccckkk! – BD
This is the PERFECT opportunity to remind our viewers to leave a comment! We are giving away a new Callaway Big Bertha driver to one lucky reader of this blog who comments on this post! Pretty awesome, right? You can enter up to three times every day that we have show coverage – just leave your comments below and we’ll draw a name at the end of the show (on or after January 25th, 2014). This prize has a retail value of $400, so it is a pretty incredible prize. Good luck! We are also giving away a dozen Titleist Pro V1 golf balls every day, so don’t stop leaving your comments. I’ll choose our first winner from yesterday’s comments soon! ~Jen

8:40am – New Titleist SM5 Vokey Wedges – KMJ
“Spin Milled technology with deeper TX3 grooves produce maximum distance and trajectory control. TX3 grooves channel away grass and sand for improved contact between the ball and groove edge. Every Spin Milled 5 wedge face is milled to the tightest tolerance and 100% inspected.”

8:35am – Your favorite Scotty Cameron, from start to finish…- BD

8:26am – TaylorMade will be sending this in during the Haggin Oaks Golf Expo and we’ll have a whole bunch of tour specific and special edition product available only through this studio. More information on the Haggin Oaks Golf Expo can be found here: http://www.HagginOaksGolfExpo.com – KMJ
TaylorMade’s Tuned Performance Studio is an innovative mobile golf experience where golfers will be able to demo TaylorMade’s newest products and technologies with the assistance of a TaylorMade Technician, get fit using TaylorMade’s new Tuned Performance fitting application, featuring TaylorMade R&D logic and watch as their clubs are built onsite by a TaylorMade Technician. We can’t wait to host the TaylorMade Tuned Performance Studio during the Haggin Oaks Golf Expo April 25, 26 and 27, 2014 in Sacramento, CA.

8:22am – Sneak peak of the prototype MO-AD TaylorMade Wood – KMJ
According to the ad, “What if there were no rules for driver club head design? That’s the question we asked ourselves as we developed the first MO-AD prototype in 2006. More recently, we have taken innovation ideation farther, as seen in design renderings featuring internal reactive club head technology, providing corrections to variables in the users’ swing.”

8:19am – Here is a sneak peak of the new prototype MO-AI irons from TaylorMade – KMJ
The ad states, “”Pushing the boundaries of contemporary club design, the MO-AI Iron is bound by no rules. It features an optimized sprung face for the most tunable, fastest face refex possible, to generate the fastest possible ball speed. Architectural trusses were the design inspiration for the bold skeletonized back and hosel.””

8:10am – Callaway is invading Orlando, or at least the Orange County Convention Center with their new Tank Putter… and a REAL TANK! – SP
Should we replace our Callaway truck for this instead in the Haggin Oaks Super Shop? ~Jen

8:05am – PGA President Ted Bishop, LPGA player Annika Sorenstam, and Michael Breed kick off the beginning of the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando Florida.

 

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Outdoor Demo Day at Orange County National Golf Center

Agenda – Our team is splitting up today. Half of our team is attending the AGM Educational Conference that is being held at the Orange County Convention Center while the other half of the team will be heading out to the annual demo day over at the Orange County National Golf Center. We’ll bring you pictures and updates as they become available from the team members.

7:34pm – Moments away from the BIG TaylorMade New Club Launch Party! There is a ton of anticipation for the event to begin. Lots of lights, music and hundreds are in attendance at this event! – SP and MK

6:54pm – Our buyers are letting their hair down at the TaylorMade-Adidas cocktail party this evening. The party is being held at the Rosen Centre Ballroom. (Pictured are Morton Golf Buyers Marlene Kawaguchi, Heather Hadley and Cheri Morey) – HH

5:49pm – Team Haggin Oaks Super Shop making it happen at the AGM reception! (In this photo: Tom Morton, Kelli Corlett, Mike Woods, Bill Dixon, Frank LaRosa and Mike Pompei) – SP

5:42pm – AM&E at the AGM Product Preview Party and Reception. Scott thinks these customizable headcovers are looking good! If you are interested in getting a custom headcover set, come into the Haggin Oaks Golf Super Shop or call us at 916-808-2527 and we’ll be happy to help you custom order your set today!- SP

5:37pm – Our team having fun and discussing the day at the AGM Product Preview. (Pictured is Tom Morton, Kelli Corlett and Ken Morton, Jr). – SP
The AGM product preview allows attendees and exhibitors and opportunity to see what trends and product lines will be unveiled on the show floor over the next three days in a more relaxed and social setting.

5:25pm – Bill and Frank holding court with Nancy Lopez at the AGM reception. – SP

5:17pm – Tom takes advantage of his photo opportunity with LPGA legend, Nancy Lopez, during the Association of Golf Merchandisers’ (AGM) Product Preview and Reception. – TM
Lopez won 48 LPGA Tour events during her LPGA career, including three major championships.

4:12pm – Our buyers arrive at the last Tour of Clubs stop – The Legends of Orange Lake. This resort features four championship golf courses and every course features its own full-service pro shop. (Mike Woods is featured in this photo) – KMJ

3:27pm – Ken stops to take a photo of the merchandising at the Reunion Resort in Orlando, Florida. Look at Heather photo-bombing my shot. :) – KMJ

3:16pm – The second stop on the AGM Educational Conference Tour of Clubs – Reunion Resort – KMJ
This resort features 54 holes of golf with three signature golf courses. According to Kevin Baker, Director of Golf, PGA Professional for Reunion Resort and Club, “Golf at Reunion is unlike anywhere else in the world. In fact, it’s the only place where you will find Signature Design courses by three of golf’s greatest legends: Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Arnold Palmer. And when the phenomenal Annika Sorenstam decided to open her first golf school, it was Reunion that became home to her one and only teaching facility – ANNIKA Academy.”

3:06PM – Marlene, our Men’s Apparel Buyer for Morton Golf, noticed the branding on the collar at Mystic Dunes and has a question for our customers. What do you think of the branding on the collar? Please leave your comments below. We want to hear from you! – MK

2:49pm – The first stop on the AGM Tour of Clubs is Mystic Dunes. This is an amazing opportunity for golf merchandisers and PGA professionals to get an insider’s look into other golf facilities and to take back tips and tricks to help improve retailing and merchandising at their own facilities. (Morton Golf buyers Heather Hadley and Cheri Morey are pictured at right)  – KMJ

2:07pm – As the buyers leave the AGM Educational Conference to embark on the Tour of Clubs, it is RAINING! Can you believe it? Clubs on this year’s tour will include the Orange Lake Resort, Mystic Dunes and Reunion. (Pictured on left is Mike Pompei and Mike Woods) – HH

1:39pm – Our friend, Emmy Moore Minister, President of Moore Minister Consulting Group and Host of Voice of the Valley TV Show, poses with Ken Morton, Sr., Morton Golf CEO and PGA Master Professional at the Orange County Convention Center.

1:30pm – Tom Morton sits in on the PGA of America’s Executive Director Meeting where they are discussing player development. It was just announced by Mike O’Donnell, Senior Director of Player Development for the National PGA, that the team at Haggin Oaks are leading the way for growing golfers and the game. – TM

1:29pm – The 360° Range at the demo day, means room for everyone who wants to try the latest and greatest. The weather has been beautiful. It is sunny and 68° – BD

 

12:17pm – Future Hall of Fame Baseball player and Nike Athlete Ken Griffey Jr. – SP

 

11:37am – Nike Athletes at the Nike Tent – This picture includes future Baseball Hall of Famer Ken Griffey, Jr. along with Ken Griffey, Sr.
We need a picture of Ken Griffey Jr. & Sr. with our very own Ken Morton Jr. and Sr. Just a thought… – Scott and Kelli out!

11:36am – It has been an interesting morning thus far. Ken got a call about 10 minutes before he left for the AGM seminar that Vicki Bernstein was sick and that he would have to do a program for her at 9 a.m. this morning. Nothing like getting an hours notice on doing a seminar for 150 people. But the team is having a great time learning lots so far! Here is a picture of some of the team that skipped the Demo Day and went to the AGM Educational Conference instead. (This photo features Mike Pompei, Marlene Kawaguchi, Heather Hadley and Cheri Morey) – KMJ

11:35am  – Peter Jacobsen and Dave Pelz host a clinic for Cleveland\Srixon. – BD
Peter Jacobsen has won seven events on the PGA Tour and is a commentator on the Golf Channel and for NBC. Dave Pelz is a renowned golf coach, primarily known for his book, Pelz’s Short Game Bible. They attracted quite the crowd this morning for their clinic!

11:31am – Bio-Cell…GO LONG! – BD

11:26am – The new Big Bertha and Big Bertha Alpha are coming. – BD
I am SO glad that Bill snapped a picture of these clubs because this is what we are giving away to one lucky winner who posts a comment on the blog during our live coverage of the PGA Merchandise Show this week. I am so excited to be offering this contest as it is our biggest giveaway EVER! The driver doesn’t come out until February 14th, 2014, but it is easy to enter. All you need to do is leave a comment on the blog. You can enter up to three times EVERY day – you can post a question or just tell us what you like (or don’t like) about what you are seeing. Be sure to leave your email address and I’ll pick one random winner after the show ends (contest ends at midnight on January 24th, 2014). Awesome, right? ~Jen

11:25am – An overview of the Demo Day at the Orange County National Golf Center. Golfer Magazine has called it, “The Best Golf Driving Range in America” and close to 5,000 PGA Professionals are expected to attend this year’s event where they will get a sneak peak at the newest golf equipment for 2014. This driving range is massive. It features putting greens, a short game area and a 360 degree driving range that is absolutely massive in scope. It is estimated that a half million golf balls will be hit out here today.

11:24am – A photo from the outside of the Nike Golf tent. Have you seen the new golf commercial from Nike yet?  – SP

11:05am – A look inside the Cleveland Golf “Lounge”. – SP

11:03am – This giant Rickie Fowler / Puma inflatable hat is also on display in the Cobra/PUMA section. They certainly do a great job knowing how to “WOW” the crowd visually!

 

10:52am – Scott has made his way over to the Cobra tent which always proves to be full of high energy and excitement. Here is a shot of the outside of their “booth” at this year’s show. This is one pretty incredible blow up tent, isn’t it?- SP

 

10:46am – Whats up at Taylor Made? LOFT, thats what! More loft more distance…stay tuned… – BD

 

10:25am – The gang makes their way over to the Nike tent. (Featured in this picture, Mike Woods, Kelli Corlett and Bill Dixon). Nike Golf is introducing their new VRS Covert 2.0 drivers for 2014 which promise more distance, more forgiveness and faster ball speed.  – SP

 

10:23am – Scott captures this photo of Kelli checking out the SNAG golf equipment. SP

 

10:22am – New SNAG equipment….love the the brush attached to the putter! – KC  (Kelli is in charge of The First Tee programs for our Morton Golf facilities here in the Sacramento area. It is no surprise that she would definitely gravitate toward the wonderful new introductions from SNAG this season! ~Jen)

10:08am – Welcome to the 2014 PGA Merchandise Show Demo Day! – BD

10:04am – Mitchell has introduced the first bending machine that sets up on a golf cart to make club adjustments totally mobile. Now we can offer adjustments on the 1st tee, at the range, behind the Haggin Oaks Super Shop or outside the MacKenzie Sports Bar and Grille. – MW

 

 Monday, January 20, 2014

Our team travels from Sacramento, California and arrives in Orlando, Florida

8:32pm – Tom Morton attends the Nike Golf Swoosh Elite Event over at the Hyatt Regency and meets Nike athlete and baseball legend, Ken Griffey, Jr. – TM

4:52pm – The Haggin Oaks team has arrived safely in Orlando! After early wake up calls and flights that took off from Sacramento at 6:00am, the majority of our team arrived in the early afternoon. After checking into the hotel, the afternoon was free other than dinner reservations at Magginano’s Italian – annual favorite for our traveling team!

8:26am – Ken Morton, Sr., Tom Morton, Mike Woods and Kelli Corlett flew into Orlando on Saturday in order to attend the inaugural PGA Youth and Family Golf Summit which was focused on getting more family and kids playing golf. This event was held at the Orange County Convention Center.