2012 PGA Show Report – January 2012

In this Edition:

1) 2012 PGA Show Report – Golf Lab video blog

2) Edel wedge and putter fitting

3) Video Shoot at the PGA Merchandise Show

The PGA Show was better this year. The deep depression in the golf industry is over. The show had an upbeat feeling. Foreign buyers arrived with checkbooks open.

Our Golf Lab video project gained access to the highest level executives. We talked to presidents instead of sales reps. The camera sucks the stories out of people. It took me four 1500 word articles to cover the best products and ideas at the Show. It was an amazing experience.

My PGA Show articles will come out over the next three weeks. I’m going to mix in some videos to show what we have in mind for 2012. It’s a preview of the Golf Lab video blog.

That will be a lot of email – but just for three weeks. Our goal is to find devoted golfers who want a deeper level of golf knowledge. At the end of the three week test period we’ll send out an email so you can evaluate the work.
Then, we’ll make some decisions.

You can see from the personal tone that this is the natural voice of the Golf Lab video blog. I’ve been a story teller for a long time. There are a lot of stories to tell. I’m looking for the players who want to hear them. (You can opt out of Golf Lab email any time. Or you can request a monthly digest to keep your inbox uncluttered. Call Bob for that – 650-654-1770).

Demo: Writing Compared to Video

A year ago I was excited about the new Edel wedge line that included a unique fitting system. Edel “fits for bounce”. The test of a properly fitted Edel wedge is a wedge shot off the green without leaving a scar.

To accomplish that, the new Edel custom wedge line includes eight bounce angles for each loft. It is unique. Here’s a link to that article: http://calgolflab.com/blog/2011/03/16/2011-pga-show

This year we found David Edel with Mike Adams on the tee line on Demo Day at the Show. Here’s a link to that video:
http://www.youtube.com/devotedgolfer

See what I mean? For product descriptions, strategy and personalities, it’s hard to beat video. And now you’ve met our “new best friend” – David Edel.

I’ve admired David Edel and his company from a distance for years. Edel putters are in a class by themselves. Who would imagine interchangeable face plates so your putter can be optimized for local green conditions?

David brought that same attitude to wedges. Eight bounce angles per loft? Titleist just beefed up their Vokey line and went from two bounce angles to three.

I’m hoping that you’ll look at the Edel video and consider testing Edel wedges yourself. Our fitting system (24 wedges and 11 shafts) will be shipped this Friday. We’ll be ready to go with Edel wedge fittings next week. Check out the “early bird special” and give Bob a call to schedule – 650-654-1770.

A video on their fitting system is here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53A1JtPfsCc

Special Offer for Edel Wedge and Putter Fittings

Edel wedge fittings can only be conducted outdoors. We have a fabulous location lined up.
For the first ten Golf Lab clients who call Bob Pegram, schedule both Edel putter and wedge fittings for $125. Two fitting sessions. That’s a very cool half price offer. Wedge fitting only? $75.

Special Offer on Shaft Fittings

If you haven’t been fitted with radar, your shaft fitting is obsolete.
We changed scheduling this year. An hour is not enough time for a detailed fitting. We now schedule an hour and half for each fitting – driver and fairways or irons and hybrids. All of our fittings now include outdoor range testing. It’s much fun to choose your own golf clubs. Still $150.

February special: the second fitting is free.

Driver and irons are best fitted in two sessions. Book an irons fitting for $150. Driver fitting is free. The free second fitting offer can be any Golf Lab fitting – including “Optimizations” with Tour Lock counterweights, Harrison Shotmaker and Balance-Certified Accurizer and Power Transfer Inserts.
Links: http://tourlockpro.com/
http://www.harrison.com/product/shotmaker-golf-shaft-insert
http://www.balance-certified.com/

2012 PGA Show Articles

Here’s what’s coming in my show coverage.

The first article should appeal to everyone. What did I buy for myself at the PGA Show? Hint: I spent $149, $2.99 and $350. Beyond the gizmos, the article describes three products that could make a significant impact on your improvement. None of the purchases were golf clubs. I also make the argument that practice should start at home.

The second article answers a big question. Should I buy any new golf clubs in 2012? Which models by which manufacturers? Taylor Made, Titleist and Adams stand out for hybrids wedges and fairways. I’ve studied the Hot List and felt the buzz at the show. No buzz, just the facts. Three specific recommendations.

Article number three covers shaft news in depth. The article is written for golf geeks and players who take a technical interest in shaft technology. Includes a description of the new Balance-Certified inventions.

Number four names my top product choices – some companies you’ve never heard about and little guys ready for a breakthrough.

If you would like to stay in touch but would rather not receive frequent newsletters please send Bob Pegram a message. (bobpgolf@dslextreme.com) He’ll put you on our “monthly digest only” list.

Golf Lab Video Shoot at the PGA Show

We were in Orlando to master “next generation” communication technology – expert, high definition, professionally edited video.

Results were way better than expected. Russ Ryden created a “60 Minutes” format to express his vision for DevotedGolfer.TV – his “Internet Video Magazine”. DevotedGolfer.TV provides “intelligent, in-depth coverage” of important subjects and events.

My goal was to shoot video that captures personalities and explains products.

Our band of reporters and videographers included Russ and Cynthia Ryden, Chris Como and Mark Maness from Dallas, Biv Wadden from Chicago and John Taylor from San Francisco. The cameras – and professionalism – opened a lot of doors. Everyone wants to tell their story.

TV stations think feature length is a minute. The Golf Channel allows two minutes. We conducted several interviews that lasted thirty minutes and some extended over an hour. We are editing them down to the essentials.

We recorded 240 gigabytes of video files. That’s a semi-load of tape. 64 gigabyte chips at $50 and Terabyte drives $200 help. The essence of breakthrough technology is that motivated amateurs can obtain professional results. The reality is professional video takes lots of practice.

The Best Videos from the Show

Preparation paid off with Bob Vokey. Mr. Vokey said his interview was “the best I ever gave” the next day in a speech. Vokey fans are going to love it. The uncut version is 16 minutes long. It’s more than a powerful sales pitch. It’s a record of history from the most important wedge designer in the world.

Here’s a link to an edited version: http://blog.fit2score.com/

John Taylor conducted a detailed interview with Daniel You – the Chief Designer, President and CEO of Matrix Technologies. Daniel provides a deep look at Matrix technology and strategy. He used his internal presentation to explain his technology and strategy to his customers. I have never heard a CEO laying everything on the table. After watching the interview in person, Matrix is a company I want to support.

Final edits are in process. DevotedGolfer.TV – the Internet Video Magazine will be out when it’s ready. Soon.
Meantime, we have the raw Orlando PGA Show video at the Golf Lab. We’d be happy to show it off by appointment. We would like to know any Golf Lab clients who might have video editing skills who would be interested in getting acquainted by barter. Call Bob Pegram to schedule. 650-654-1770.

Keep watch on your inbox.

Best regards, Leith Anderson and the Golf Lab Gang
John Ruark, John Taylor, Bob Pegram, Clint Smith, Joel Whittom, Dian Terova, David Balbi.