Products at the 2011 PGA Show


January 28, 2011. It's no secret the golf industry, like the rest of the country, took a hit as the economy drifted into a slumber over the last few years. But at this year's PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando one thing was clear: The golf industry is back and walking with a swagger. As we strolled through the aisles where the game's biggest and best displayed their products, a few stood out from the crowd:

Evan Golf - Last year, Fred Couples created a phenomenon when he wore ECCO's Street Premier golf shoes during the Masters. Couples' kicks left many wondering, "Why isn't there more apparel that is stylish both on and off the course?" Well, now there is. Evan Golf was launched last August and the American-made line has been turning heads ever since. The company debuted its Spring/Summer men's and women's lines at the show, featuring fashion-forward designs that blur boundaries of performance wear and style without compromising on function. The clothing infuses new blood into the game, empowering golfers to take their style beyond fairways and greens. www.evangolf.com

AB Golf Designs - Head covers are a cost effective way to protect clubs and add a little personality to a golf bag. AB Golf Designs' 2011 collection features a wide range of new products that not only stand out, they also help the environment. AB Golf Designs' "The Throwback" collection has the look and feel of a traditional knit head cover, but is made with polyester fibers constructed from recycled plastic bottles. The collection is available for woods, hybrids and putters. (MSRP: $28.00) AB Golf Designs also unveiled their expanded range of Patriot Boxing Glove head covers. This year, Canada, Ireland, Italy and Japan join Australia, England and American flag designs. (MSRP: $25.00) www.abgolfdesigns.com

Ansai Heated Clothing - The battle to stay warm on the course is one many "climate-challenged" golfers know all too well. This year, Ansai Heated Clothing debuted jackets and vests featuring "MobileWarming" Technology, ensuring golfers remain comfortable during even the coldest days. Here's how it works: Three heating panels (back, right chest, left chest) are built into the jackets and vests. The panels are powered by a rechargeable battery pack (about the size of a small cell phone) located in a pouch within one of the pockets. The battery pack lasts as long as nine hours depending upon the setting and can be removed, allowing the pieces to be washed like normal clothes. (MSRP: $190 for jacket, $150 for vests) www.mobilewarminggear.com

Bloom Designs Stationary - It is rare to find a golf-themed gift perfect for everyone. Clubs, clothes and equipment come in different shapes and sizes. One company at this year's show literally has something for everybody -- Bloom Designs stationary. Six years after unveiling their expansive array of golf and tennis stationary, the company is expanding its line to include travel mugs, candles, bag tags, coasters, recipe cards, organizers, cooler totes and note pads. Bloom Designs offers a custom design service where illustrations can be done for a specific event, theme, course hole, etc. and placed on their products. Retail prices range from $8-$30. www.bloomdesigns.com

Hirzl Gloves - What golfer doesn't like a soft durable glove? One of our favorite products from this year's show is a glove that provides the kind of supple feel and secure grip that results in better shots and lower scores. Hirzl, a Swiss company, has developed what they call "GRIPPP technology." Through an extensive tanning procedure they deliver a golf glove with unparalleled levels of control as well as ultimate breathability, form consistency, sweat absorption and water repellence. All of Hirzl's gloves are made using a 45 degree pre-curved finger system designed for the natural curves of the hand. The result is glove that won't bunch and fits perfectly. http://www.hirzl.com/en/

UST Mamiya - A golf club shaft is one of the most vital pieces of equipment in the game and UST Mamiya is once again setting itself apart as the industry's leading shaft company. The Texas-based brand unveiled three new lines of shafts, including the next generation of the popular ATTAS models, the ATTAS-T2, and the new MP5 and MP6 lines. It makes perfect sense the game's leading shaft maker also makes superior grips. UST Mamiya launched a new line of multi-compound grips available in two different styles. http://www.ustmamiya.com/

KENTWOOL - USA, USA U…S…A...! With more than 180 years of American textile heritage, KENTWOOL Performance Golf Socks combine a unique blend of natural and high-tech fibers to create a micro-climate system for superior moisture management and odor control. Bubba Watson and a host of PGA TOUR stars sport KENTWOOL Golf Socks on and off the course. Hewn from fine merino wool for ultimate foot comfort, each sock is designed to boost energy levels and increase on-course golf performance. At this year's show, KENTWOOL expanded the line of colors to include lime green, blue, and purple. KENTWOOL Golf Socks are 100 percent Made-in-the-USA in Greensville, South Carolina. www.kentwool.com

Quagmire - Golf is supposed to be fun. Many apparel companies seem to have forgotten that teeing it up is also about having a good time. Not Quagmire. True to its "Not Fit for the Fairway" motto, the company is highlighting 2011 with a slew of polos and t-shirts for men, women and kids featuring its unique ColorFusion technology. A throwback to Hypercolor from the early 90s, these leading-edge shirts feature fabrics or screen prints (depending on the style) that change color from body heat or sunlight. The Canadian brand is also debuting Quagmire Kids - keeping kiddos looking good as they head to the first tee or the first day of school. www.quagmiregolf.com

Boccieri Golf - With an oversized booth transformed into a boxing ring, visitors of Boccieri Golf at the 2011 PGA Merchandise Show were asked to "Take the Heavyweight Challenge." Maker of the Tour-proven Heavy Putter, Boccieri has introduced several new offerings including the Heavy Driver, Heavy Fairway Woods, Heavy Hybrid and Heavy Irons, with additions planned for its popular Heavy Putter and Heavy Wedge. Boccieri Golf focuses on its exclusive counter-weight technology in each product. By incorporating a back-weight under the grip to raise the balance point, Boccieri Golf induces a smooth and steady swing. The Heavy Irons are available now and the Heavy Driver, which received stellar reviews during Demo Day, will be available mid-February to early March. www.boccierigolf.com

Adams Golf - Fresh off four "Gold Winners" on the "2011 Golf Digest Hot List", Adams Golf displayed the latest and greatest at this year's PGA Show including the new "Speedline F11 Driver." The award-winning club features patent-pending Velocity Slot Technology visible on the crown and sole, keeping the airflow attached throughout the swing. Ultimately, it reduces the amount of drag while increasing the speed of the swing. Recognized as one of the world's top golf brands, Adams Golf continues to serve as an industry leader for hybrid clubs as the most played on professional tours. Adams Golf develops high-performance and technologically innovative golf products, committed to helping players of all abilities enjoy the game of golf. www.adamsgolf.com