Live Coverage from the 2011 PGA Show in Orlando, Florida

The Morton Golf team is in Orlando at the 2011 PGA Merchandise Show- the world’s largest golf exhibition show with close to 1200 vendors. Golf vendors from around the world come to Florida to show off the latest and greatest in new and innovative golf equipment. We’ll be updating this blog frequently throughout the week with exclusive video, photos, commentary and equipment updates from everyone on our team.We want to hear from you! If you have comments or questions for our team, leave them here and we’ll try to get the answers you want!

Here is the team that you’ll be hearing from this week:
Ken Morton, Sr. (KMS)– Morton Golf CEO and Haggin Oaks Director of Golf
Ken Morton, Jr. (KMJ)– Morton Golf VP of Retail  Marketing
Mike Woods (MW)– Haggin Oaks Golf Complex Head Golf Professional
Tom Morton (TM)– Morton Golf Director of Coaching & Clubfitting
Bill Dixon (BD)– Haggin Oaks Golf Super Shop Store Manager
Marlene Kawaguchi (MK)– Haggin Oaks Golf Super Shop Store Manager
Mike Pompei (MP)– Haggin Oaks Golf Super Shop Accessory & Glove Buyer
Erin Morton (EM)– Haggin Oaks Golf Super Shop Apparel & Footwear Buyer
Frank LaRosa (FL)– Morton Golf Advertising/Marketing Consultant 
Andrew Wilson (AW)– Head Golf Professional at Bing Maloney GC 

 

Monday, January 31st
The show is over and our staff is back home in California.  I wanted to add one last post to congratulate our third winner in our Titleist Pro V1 golf ball giveaway – Marcia Goss!  Congratulations to Marcia and thank you to everyone who left a comment during our live coverage from the PGA Show blog event.

Saturday, January 29th
Today is the final day of the PGA Show and the Morton Golf team is out in force – scouring the show for new products for our stores and bringing you up-to-the-minute coverage of everything we are seeing and doing!  Follow us for more information and leave us your questions and comments.

3:52p Links Magazine names Haggin Oaks one of the Top 25 Municipal Golf Courses in the United States ~KMJ

3:37p Fairway & Greene is always so beautifully merchandised! ~EM

3:02p Michael Breed, host of the Golf Channel’s Monday night instructional show, The Golf Fix, with our own Andrew Wilson.  ~AW

2:29p Simon from Never Compromise talks about the new Gambler series putters.~FL

2:18p Butch from Leupold talks to Morton Golf about their Sidewinder Rangefinder. One of the biggest challenges with using a rangefinder is keeping it steady and the new Sidewinder increases the stability dramatically with their optional tether for use.  ~FL

2:15p You too can look like you have won 20 majors. ~KMJ

2:07p Mike Pompei gets Nancy Lopez to sign a 2011 US Open pin flag for our charity golf tournament and country concert – Golf & Guitars – to be held at Haggin Oaks on May 17, 2011.  This item will be used for the silent auction.  For more information on Golf & Guitars, click HERE.
Current artists scheduled to appear include Jack Ingram (host), Bryan White, John Berry, Deanna Carter, Love & Theft, Edens Edge, Steel Magnolia, One Flew South, Jimmy Wayne, Chuck Wicks and Ty Herndon. ~FL & Jen

1:59p  More videos on the way… In this video, SPL introduces their Harley Davidson golf line. ~FL

1:45p Here is another video captured on the PGA Show floor.  ~FL

1:37p Ed from Bag Boy talks about his company’s new Quad pull cart. ~FL

1:00p  Bill stumbles onto what could be the find of the show… freshly made hot mini donuts.  Andrew and Bill decide to take one for the team and sample them.  

12:42p Coming soon to a Haggin Oaks Golf Super Shop near you… This is a Cleveland Golf point of purchase display that measures the weight of golf clubs.  Cleveland Golf has some new woods that weigh less than 270 grams. We’ll let you know when this unit arrives ~KMJ

12:01p We would like to congratulate our second winner of the new Titleist Pro V1 golf balls.  Yesterday’s winner was Steve who left the following comment, “Steve “still wishes he could tag along” AND would like the chance at some new Pro V1’s!”  We used Random.Org to choose yesterday’s winner.  You too can win!  Simply leave a comment on today’s blog and you’re automatically entered!  (Be sure to include your email address so we can contact you if you are the winner!)  Once again, congratulations Steve! ~Jen

11:30a Beautiful after golf wear from Peter Millar ~KMJ

11:29a “The Gimmee” putting training aid has you focus on an L.E.D. beam to make more putts.  This is excellent!  4 1/2 star rating from Golf Magazine… great review from the Golf Channel and 2 thumbs up from Bill Dixon! ~BD

11:20a The new Bobby Jones wedges begin shipping March 1st.  They have a hardened face and a beautiful new black finish and will retail for $120 ~KMJ


11:20a The fall colors for golf fashion in 2011 will be purple and green with some various shades of red, including pink.  ~KMJ

11:02a Fashion from the Shark ~KMJ

10:25a Smile!  The new “Life is Good” collection is coming your way… ~BD

9:48a The newest TaylorMade “Ghost” putter with new Pure Roll Technology. ~BD

9:34a Be sure to accessorize your new TaylorMade R11 equipment ~BD

9:33a More TaylorMade accessories – belts and belt buckles.  ~BD

9:22a The new Callaway Razr X forged iron. ~BD

9:21a New junior wear from GARB… including rain gear!  All of our kids are going to look so cute! ~BD

9:17a One of several new styles from Callaway’s new men’s belt line ~BD

6:50a Ken Morton Jr. answers some of the questions that have been posted in our comments section.  If you have a question, let us know!  

David- You asked about the new Tour Edge Exotics CB4 Fairway wood. It will be coming stock with the Aldila RIP shaft, will retail for $299.99 and will be shipping in March.

Scott- You asked about new forged golf clubs. TaylorMade has three new forgings shipping in about a month, Callaway’s new RAZR forged irons are beautiful, Cobra has some new S3 forged irons and Wilson has some new FG-62 blades. (Say hi to Tiff for us!)

Tony- You asked about new pull carts- there are lots of new pull carts but perhaps the one you’ll be most interested in is a brand new Sun Mountain Speed Cart SV1 that will be shipping in May or June and will be $229.99 in retail.

Keep the questions coming- we’ll try and get timely answers for you!


6:02a Today is the last day to explore over 1,000 of the best companies in golf, new products, trends and new companies, all under one roof. ~Ed Several

Friday, January 28th
It is Day 2 of the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando and our team is on site and ready to bring you up to the minute coverage of everything we see and do!  We have a busy day planned and can’t wait to share it all with you!

6:34p Congratulations to Haggin Oaks and Tom Morton for being named a top 100 Play Golf America facility in the country. This award goes to the facilities that help grow the game of golf.

6:20p At least some of our team will be going to the Lou Gramm of Foreigner concert tonight. ~KMJ



6:15p – We’ve gotten some really great questions and comments on the blog!  Thanks for taking the time to leave us a message.  Our team is going to sit down later and try to respond back to some of your questions.  I’ll try to get those answers posted either later this evening or first thing tomorrow.  ~Jen

6:02p Former Haggin Oaks golf professional Mike Gibson will be bringing the brand new Titleist Golf Ball Fitting Van to the Haggin Oaks Golf Expo (April 29 – May 1, 2011) Click HERE to see more about the Haggin Oaks Golf Expo – America’s Largest Demo Days!

5:50p Here is a sneak peak at the Never Compromise Limited Release Gambler putters.  These are officially available February 1st and we have them available for pre-order on our online storefront, MortonGolfSales.  Click HERE for ordering information. ~AW & Jen

5:43p For those that like a little history in their game, the Wilson Golf Company has introduced the brand new Staff FG62 Blades.  Pretty! ~KMJ

4:30p SNEAK PEAK: Morton Golf catches up with Cobra Golf’s Jake Vigil to see the new Limited Edition S3 White Driver, available in mid-April 2011.~FL

4:06p Congratulations to Tom Morton, Haggin Oaks Director of Player Performance, for being named a 2010 US Kids Master Kids teacher! ~Jen

4:06p Here is a close-up of Tom and some of the other Master Kids Teachers of the Year!

3:56p Morton Golf gives a snapshot of several new 2011 golf equipment items- here they show what the center aisle of the show floor looks like. It’s golf everywhere you look…~FL

3:49p Introducing the golf bag-tag banner.  It attaches to any stand bag.  Hey high schools, how about your team name, logo and player’s name right here??  Cool! ~BD

3:05p Do you like Caddyshack? This is a Cinderella story. ~KMJ


2:48p – Never Compromise Limited Edition Gambler Putters.  We have these available for sale as a pre-order opportunity on our online store – http://www.mortongolfsales.com/.  The begin shipping February 1st.  Click HERE to order yours now! ~AW & Jen

2:39p Erin and Nancy Lopez. ~EM

2:21p Looking like golf jewelry, the new Never Compromise Dinero series of putters will be available in the second quarter of 2011. ~KMJ

2:19p One of the best wedge fitting systems I have seen…a new edition from EDEL golf… ~TM

2:05p The Haggin Oaks Driving Range was named one of the top 100 ranges in America by Golf Range Magazine ~KMJ

2:03p The new Powerbilt Air Force One Limited Edition all white driver. ~KMJ





1:44p Here is a video we just uploaded from yesterday.  Morton Golf’s accessory buyer, Mike Pompei, has a 2011 US Open pin flag autographed by Sacramento’s very own Natalie Gulbis- an item we’re going to auction off at our charity tournament & country concert, Golf & Guitars, on May 17th, 2011.  Click HERE for more information on Golf & Guitars. ~FL & Jen 

1:43p A new putter- Axis, with zero twist at impact ~BD

1:43p Another picture from the Axis1 booth ~BD

12:02p Morton Golf gives a snapshot of several new 2011 golf equipment items- here they catch up with the team from SkyCaddie to talk about the new SGX hand-held golf GPS.~FL

11:22a Sun sleeves from Iconic Sports. Sun sleeves provide protection from the sun and these are definitely stylish by design! ~EM

11:18a Rickie Fowler inspired PUMA wear.  Can anyone say “orange”? ~KMJ

11:13a The name of this company, Loudmouth Golf, says it all! ~EM

11:11a The buzz is on for the new white TaylorMade r11 drivers.  Are you looking forward to getting your hands on this club? ~BD

11:09a Here’s a list of the 100 Best Winners from Golf World Magazine (Haggin Oaks is one of two facilities that has made the list every year since the inception of the award).  Do you see your club on this list?  Congratulations to all of this year’s winners!

11:00a Morton Golf gives a snapshot of several new 2011 golf equipment items at the 2011 PGA Merchandise Show – here we catch up with Daphne’s Headcovers owner Jane Spicer where she shares all of her new designs for the coming year.~FL

10:49a Here is a unique item that I bet you haven’t seen before!  The Mini Zoo Golf Bag Cover.  Cover your entire golf bag (adult or junior sizes) to turn it into a golden retriever, a great white shark and more!  LOL – What do you think about this one? ~BD

10:49a  We had to bring you another picture of the Mini Zoo Golf Bag Cover – this one is a dalmatian, because this is certainly a unique find at the 2011 Golf Merchandise Show!  ~BD

10:30a New headcovers for 2011… Stewy and the gang from Family Guy ~BD

10:04a Sacramento resident Ryan Winther holds the grid record for the Re/Max World Long Drive Championship at 469 yards…. WOW!!!  Congratulations, Ryan! ~BD

9:51a Ken Jr. gives it a go on a new putter training aid – the Putting Cyclops ~BD

9:30a Morton Golf gives a snapshot of several new 2011 golf equipment items- here they catch up with Golf Buddy’s Matt Zarilla talking about the brand new Golf Buddy World.~FL

8:15a For golfers who hit it really far offline, here is an off road golf cart.

7:50a – Congratulations Gregory Hodge, our first winner of a dozen of the new Titleist Pro V1 golf balls. Our winner was chosen from the comments section of yesterday’s blog (we’ll choose two more winners – one today and one tomorrow).  To enter, just leave a comment and your email address!  (Isn’t that easy?!)  Winner was chosen using Random.org to generate a random number.

7:00a Bright and early each morning, the Morton Golf team meets for round table discussion meetings.  This is our chance to share finds from the show and to discuss the day’s plans and meeting schedule. ~KMJ

Pictured here (left to right): George Steffes, Erin Morton, Tom Morton, Bill Dixon, Frank LaRosa, Andrew Wilson, Ken Morton, Jr. (standing), Ken Morton, Sr. Mike Pompei, Mike Woods, Marlene Kawaguchi

6:01a The 2011 PGA Merchandise Show floor officially opened yesterday with tens of thousands on hand to experience even more new products & trends from nearly 1,000 of the best companies in golf ~Ed Several

Thursday, January 27th
Today marks the official start of the PGA Merchandise Show.  We’re bringing you live coverage as it happens on the showroom floor.  Have a question for the Morton Golf team?  Leave it in the comments section and we’ll get back to you! 

6:08p  Golf World awards Morton Golf (operator of Haggin Oaks Golf Super Shop) the national award for Best Use of Social Media.  This was one of three national awards presented at the annual Golf World 100 Best Golf Shops award ceremony. Yeah for Jennifer Morton! ~TM

6:05p Ken Morton, Jr. is featured in a full-page article in Golf World Magazine.  This picture is tough to read.  I’ll try to provide a direct link to the article soon! ~Jen

5:00p A new exciting offering similar to the Scotty Cameron workshop only now for Bob Vokey wedges. Get up to five custom options. ~TM

4:10p Seems revolutionary… the new Tornado Tee… Mike Pompei will be so excited!  ~BD

3:41p They’re baaaaccckk… two tone golf balls from Nitro Golf. ~BD

3:38p Morton Golf talks with Adams Golf’s Greg Brown about the new Speedline F11 driver during the PGA Outdoor Demo Day on Wednesday. ~FL

3:36p The team is meeting with Cobra / PUMA discussing bringing the “cube” excitement to the Haggin Oaks Golf Expo in Sacramento, CA April 29th – May 1st, 2011. ~TM

3:32p Here is another new video upload that we took yesterday during the PGA Outdoor Demo Day.  This video features talks with Cobra Golf’s Jake Vigil about the new ladies Cobra Sapphire set which will be available in early February. ~FL

3:21p NEW VIDEO: This video is VERY windy, but it illustrates the 360 degree range that was used in yesterday’s PGA Outdoor Demo Day during the 2011 PGA Merchandise Show.  Turn your volume down for this one. ~FL

2:24p The brand new Titleist Pro V1 balls coming soon! ~TM

 1:11p Legendary putter designer Bob Bettinardi will be coming to the Haggin Oaks Golf Expo (April 29 – May 1, 2011)!  Sweet! ~BD

12:10p Watch out Tom. Matt Kuchar has captured Erin’s heart! ~EM

 11:31a Newest design from Club Glove… woven plaid… Made in America! ~BD

11:26a Peter Jacobsen and Natalie Gulbis at th Sky Caddie booth. ~TM

 11:11a Here is a sneak peak from Erin of the fall 2011 ladies Abacus apparel line. ~EM 

11:09a Hey all you Natalie Gulbis fans… She’s here and signing autographs! ~BD

11:04a   Callaway mens and ladies fashion show. ~MK

10:51a New packaging for the new Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls. ~BD

10:39a Orange and Yellow balls are back, this time in true high performance balls-  Bridgestone e-6 and Tour B330 RX. ~MW

10:16a Because little people are golfers too… Cleveland Golf introduces their new junior club line. ~BD

10:15a New custom themed head covers…  Bing Maloney Golf Course has already placed their order for some.  ~BD

9:59a New Titleist ProV1 balls introduced today!  Click HERE to join Haggin Oaks Team Titleist. Haggin Oaks Team Titleist benefits may include:

• Educational Product Content 
• Golf Ball and Golf Club Test Panels
• Advanced Product Announcements, Insider Info
• Invitations to Special Events, Webinars, Fitting Days
• Community Forums
• Surveys for Feedback 
• Rewards (ie. extended warranties, custom shop offers)

9:57a Scotty Cameron with Andrew Wilson at 2011 PGA Merchandise show ~AW 

9:55a Oooooohhhhhh….a new TaylorMade R11 staff bag!! ~BD

9:54a Fidler… I am bringing you home a gift ~BD

9:48a You don’t see two woods or thirteen woods too often. Here are the Maruman Shuttle. ~KMJ

9:34a The new Callaway Razr Metals and the Sesto Elemento Lamborghini are made with the same forged composite. Amazing! ~MW

9:33a Are you aware of the highly collectible Scotty Cameron putter covers?  Andrew shot a picture of the wall and I recognize a couple here that I have in my personal collection ~AW & Jen

9:32a Winners Play Callaway ~BD 

9:31a Another picture of the Callaway booth at the 2011 PGA Merchandise Show ~BD 

9:31a New DART technology from Odyssey ~BD

9:17a Did you know there were so many customization options for your Scotty Cameron putters? ~BD

9:16a – Tiger Shark Powerpod II… slices beware!  Designed by Jim Flood who developed the first graphite golf shaft and founded Aldila and also founded Odyssey and is the inventor of the White Hot insert.  The Powerpod II has a slice proof design with a 45 degree shaft angle. ~KMJ

9:14a What do you think?  Do we need this to advertise our Haggin Oaks Golf Expo – America’s Largest Demo Days (April 29 – May 1, 2011)?  These ‘blimps’ fly 200 feet up and can be seen for 4 miles ~BD

9:00a Seemore One Putter-  Really clean lines and overall a very pretty putter ~MW

8:48a – New bobby grace amg 4 diamond putter with radial face‏ ~KMJ

8:39a PGA Merchandise Show opens with a focus on new products, global golf ~KMJ

8:35a PGA Tour star Matt Kuchar being interviewed right after he kicked off the show by hitting a ceremonial tee shot into the crowd ~TM

8:30a Let the games begin! ~TM




6:02a “The PGA Merchandise Show kicked off to a great start yesterday at the 9^th annual PGA Show Outdoor Demo Day. Thousands of golf professionals and members of the media had the opportunity to preview & test the newest golf equipment, training aids, performance wear and golf accessories from more than 90 companies. Attendees experienced first-hand, all the newest: drivers, woods, irons, wedges, putters, golf balls, shafts, grips, club fitting best practices, scoring clinics and instructional aids and more.” ~Ed Several

Wednesday, January 26th
The Morton Golf staff is split today with half of our team at the PGA Outdoor Demo Day and the other half gaining insights in the golf business at the Association of Golf Merchandisers Conference.  The Outdoor Demo Day is expected to draw 5000 PGA Professionals and invited VIP guests today.  We’ll bring you an insider’s look at both events throughout the day!  Questions?  Comments?  We’d love to hear from you!

6:00p LPGA Tour Star, Suzann Petersen at the Nike Golf Advisory Staff Reception with Tom and Erin Morton. ~EM

3:33p The PGA Merchandise Show officially starts tomorrow.  Here is a glimpse of the front of the building today. Open.. Open.. Open.. ~TM

3:15p Ken Morton, Jr. with Mari Smith – the world’s foremost expert on social marketing and Facebook marketing. ~KMJ

I am pleased to add that Mari spent ~20 minutes with me over the phone today as well, giving great advice and assistance on how to improve our social media efforts for the benefit of our fans! I can’t wait to implement some of her tips and techniques. ~Jen

2:56p While walking the Product Preview Show, Andrew Wilson snapped a quick picture of the Bettinardi putters.  Does anyone see anything new here?  ~AW

2:52p New Canterbury belts and buckles, featuring new colors and buckle styles.  Do you see any here that we should carry?  There are a lot of colors to choose from! ~AW

2:35 Check out the new Cobra Women’s Set – the Sapphire.  We’ll need to try to get some pictures without the headcovers as the week continues.  ~BD

2:30p This photo may be a little tough to read – click on the picture to enlarge.  Congratulations to Bing Maloney Golf Course (operated by Morton Golf) for winning the Renovation category in the 2010 Front Nine Awards, sponsored by the AGM. ~AW

10:59a  LPGA tour star Suzann Pettersenexplaining how the new 2011 NIKE club line has improved her game. http://bit.ly/dTXXlQ – TM

9:49a – The new Cobra S3 irons.  We’ll have these in stock soon, but you can see them here first. ~KMJ

9:40a Here is a group picture of our team at the AGM Conference! ~KMJ
Pictured left to right:  Ken Morton, Sr., Erin Morton, Mike Pompei, Marlene Kawaguchi, , Andrew Wilson, Mike Woods, Bill Dixon and Bobby Siravo.  Behind the camera: Ken Morton, Jr.

9:35 There has been a lot of buzz on this new Bushhnell GPS and point and shoot rangefinder- all in one…get the best of both worlds!  The Bushnell V2 Hybrid Laser & GPS Golf Rangefinder is debuting at the PGA Merchandise Show and will be in stores February 1st.  We have them available for pre0-order on MortonGolfSales.com http://bit.ly/gZ3RFD ~TM & JM
 

9:21a Have you seen the new 2011 Callaway Razr Hawk driver? ~TM

9:17a The new 2011 cleveland golf driver and fairway woods featuring a 39 gram graphite shaft ~TM

9:10a The new Cobra / Puma brand is making a big statement at the demo day with the giant cube featuring all of the new 2011 products. They have talked to us already about featuring the cube experience at the 2011 Golf Expo ~TM

8:37a Here’s a sneak peak of the new Tour Edge CB4 Tour fairway wood launching March 1st. ~TM

8:15a Our own Ken Morton, Jr., President of the AGM, introducing Mari Smith, Facebook Marketing expert, during the AGM Social Marketing Mastery seminar. ~EM

8:10a Here is the top view of the Adams F11 Fairway Wood – launches in stores on February 1st ~TM

8:08a The new Adams Golf F11 fairway woods with the velocity slot technology acting like a trampoline effect.~TM

Tuesday, January 25th
Mike Woods and Tom Morton are at the National PGA Teaching and Coaching Summit at the Faldo Institute in Orlando, Florida and the rest of the team are flying out today.

5:13p Our accessory buyer, Mike Pompei, and our Head Golf Professional at Bing Maloney GC settling down for dinner in Orlando. ~BD

4:30p I had to pull up a Doppler image to show the weather that is hitting Orlando this evening.  I’m glad our team is all safe and secure! ~Jen

3:25p Due to the overnight weather forecast in Orlando, the PGA Outdoor Demo Day will be pushed back to 10am  ~Ed Several

1:57p The rest of our team just touched down in Orlando where a terrible lightning storm is expected tonight and there is a tornado warning in effect now.  That is definitely at odds with the sunny skies I currently see outside my window here in California.  Erin sent a picture of the slushy snow falling in Salt Lake City from their layover there earlier today. ~EM

12:08p Bobby Clampett discussing the “impact zone” at the PGA Teaching and Coaching Summit.  ~TM

11:07a Legendary golf instructor Bob Toski arriving to take the stage as the keynote speaker at the 2011 PGA coaching and teaching summit. ~TM

10:51a  Michael Breed is talking putting. According to Michael, -3 degrees of loft will make the ball roll farther and break less. Michael likes -3 degrees of loft at impact for putting. Do you know what your putter loft is at impact? ~MW

7:39a  Top 100 teacher Mike Bender working with a Canadian tour player and past Stanislaus State collegiate golfer at the National PGA Teaching and Coaching Summit at the Faldo Institute in Orlando, Florida. ~TM

5:04a Day 2 of the PGA Coaching Summit getting ready to start.  Michael Breed, Bob Toski, Annika’s coach Pia Nilson, Bobby Clampet, and Dr. Gary Wiren set to speak. ~MW

Monday, January 24th
Mike Woods and Tom Morton are in Orlando, Florida for the National PGA Teaching and Coaching Summit

12:33p Famous Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz shares his coaching thoughts @ the National PGA Teaching and Coaching Summit ~TM

7:00a Over 500 PGA pros from around the world attending the National PGA Teaching & Coaching summit @ the Faldo Institute in Orlando, FL