2010 PGA Show Report

PGA SHOW GIVES CAUSE FOR AN OPTIMISTIC BUSINESS OUTLOOK FOR 2010!

The PGA Merchandise Show, held January 28-30 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, was well-attended and set the stage for a successful 2010 business cycle in the golf industry. About 40,400 PGA professionals, retailers and industry leaders from every U.S. 
state and 76 countries attended the 57th annual edition of the Show demonstrating a guarded optimism while using the event as a springboard from recession to recovery.
      In keeping with tradition, the golf car industry had a long list of exhibitors. Many first-timers joined Show regulars in promoting their latest products.

Pictures From Show:

Page 1

Page 2

Page 3

First-Time Exhibitors

      AGT Electrical Cars, of Burlington, Ontario, Canada introduced a complete line of electric vehicles. This includes 2-4-and 6-passenger golf cars, utility vehicles, and sports utility vehicles, as well as 8-11-and 14-passenger shuttle/ personnel carriers. AGT also offers 2- and 4-passenger LSVs that are street legal and EEC approved.  
Rounding out the product line are garbage collection vehicles, police  vehicles, ambulances, wheel chair vehicles, 23-and 29-passenger   trams and several industrial vehicles. For more information call 905-331-0491 or visit: www.agtecars.com.

      Ausco Products Inc. of Benton Harbor, Michigan presented their Ameri- Torque™ brakes that provide more stopping power and parking performance than drum brakes. Ausco’s caliper disc brakes are designed and manufactured using American-made parts and are 100% made in the U.S.A.  Ausco Products uses its 70 years of experience to design and build OEM brakes for  some of the biggest manufacturers including John Deere, Toro, Caterpillar, Polaris, Case New Holland and Agco to name a few. The patent pending brakes are also so easy to install. For replacement there’s no drilling, welding or modifications. Just bolt to existing holes. For more information call
269-926-0885 or visit: www.auscoproducts.com

      Golf Cars Ala Carte of Riverview, Florida introduced the Sleekline cart enclosure and the Vistaire windshield. The unique Sleekline enclosure is an original, patent pending, hybrid design that eliminates problems associated with traditional golf cart enclosures.  The Sleekline is made of ABS plastic panels that can be exposed to all weather extremes and still look new for years. The Sleekline is lighter, much less complex and much more reasonably priced than the typical hard enclosure. And, unlike soft enclosures, mold, mildew, sun, cold and rain have no effect on this innovative enclosure. The Sleekline enclosure does not hide the cart. It makes it more streamlined with arched panels and rounded edges that add depth to project a more flowing and modern style complementing the design the manufacturer intended. It’s as quick and easy to install as a soft enclosure and does not require disassembling the cart. The Vistaire windshield folds up towards the roof of the cart allowing more air to come into the cart at a lower level to make occupants feel much cooler. It comes standard with the Sleekline enclosure or it can be ordered separately. Available for Club Car, E-Z-Go and Yamaha. For more information call 813-677-8720 or visit: www.golfcarsalacarte.com.

   GPS Quick Clip of Pawleys Island, South Carolina displayed their universal GPS or laser rangefinder cart mount. Simply attach the Quick Clip to the windshield frame where it will hold your device securely where you need it. Then just slide your device out quickly to take to your ball. Features a super strong 50 lb magnet and it’s virtually indestructible with no moving parts to break. If mount breaks, GPS Quick Clip will replace it for free (see website for details). A laser rangefinder tripod screw and belt tab are included. 
For more information call 843-235-8405 or visit: www.GPSQuickClip.com.



   Helios Solar Power of Gainesville, Florida unveiled a solar charger. The flexible solar panel is 76 watt with monolithically integrated silicon solar film on plastic and adheres over the cars existing rooftop. The direct stick on application is easy with Peel n’ Stick back adhesive. Available for E-Z-GO, Club Car, Yamaha, Star, Tomberlin, Columbia, Fairplay, Stealth, Bad Boy Buggy and many other makes. For more information call 352-377-9554 or visit: 
www.helioschargers.com.

    J.T.D. Enterprises, Inc. of Warren, Michigan introduced the golf car flagpole and flag. This is a convenient, innovative way to display your favorite college team, military affiliation, club logo, corporate logo, tournament sponsorship, advertising etc. It is also an easy way to designate a ranger, starter or marshall vehicle or even a handicap vehicle. A multi- position bracket allows the flag to be used at a variety of angles.  Fits round or square frame up to 1.25”. It is easy to attach using a bolt and thumbscrew. Can be moved quickly from car to car since it is not permanent. Flags are 12” x 18” and are sold separately. For more information call 888-595-5833 or visit: www.jtdent.com.

      Polaris Industries of Medina, Minnesota exhibited the new Polaris Breeze™,  the only electric vehicle with the exclusive MyChoice™ rear seat-conversion capability. Switch effortlessly from golfing to riding to carrying in less than 60 seconds. The seat folds up and down to change on the fly. Other features include: plush, contoured passenger seating, advanced suspension for a smooth, confident ride, robust perimeter vehicle bumpers, automotive-style design, 12-volt utility outlet in dash, 48-volt system and 10” tires. The Polaris Breeze™ has up to a 50-mile range, retractable seat belts for all riders and a top speed of 19.6 mph. For more information call 763-542-0500 or visit:
www.polarisindustries.com

Highlights From Some Of The Other Exhibitors

      Club Car, Inc. demonstrated Visage, golf’s first mobile information system that transforms the golf car’s role from basic transportation to business solution. This joint development of Club Car and GPS Industries LLC puts a robust set of features and benefits at the fingertips of golfers that include: 3-D flyovers with audio, tee-shot distance stats and scorecard and tournament management features that make it easy to keep up with scores of other players during a competitive event; improved two-way cellular communications between golfer and course including the mobile beverage vehicle or grill thus increasing the potential of food and beverage orders; golfers are also able to book their next tee time; courses are able to send weather alerts and promote sales, special offers and lessons; real time positioning keeps the golf shop aware of each group’s exact location, making marshalls more effective and improving pace of play; provides ability to limit golf car access to sensitive areas, reducing labor time and costs for mowing and staking. Visage is available on Club Car’s Precedent and DS electric and gas powered golf cars.

      E-Z-GO introduced the TXT® 48 fleet golf car which features the exclusive TruCourse Technology system. This new system allows golf course operators to change the performance of the car to fit the unique terrain and typography of their course. Other features of the TXT® 48 include: 48-volt DC drive train, improved regenerative braking, downhill speed control, enhanced battery life, charger lockout feature and handheld diagnostics for more precise customization of vehicle performance. The TXT® 48 retains the unique styling and many of the proven features of the classic TXT fleet golf car including: scratch resistant body panels, a tubular, welded steel chassis with powder-coat paint, rack-and-pinion steering, a one-piece front axle, slip resistant floor mat, center-mounted cup, ball and tee holders, double-walled canopy with handle and walk-away braking alarm.

   GMT Golf Car Accessories introduced new fender flares and an under seat storage tray for the E-Z-GO RXV.  The patent pending fender flares feature a new underbody mount design that maintains the full wheel opening and factory body lines. Approximately 2” wide, the fender flares work well with standard or lifted carts. They also install easily with included hole templates and plastic push fasteners. The under seat storage tray is so convenient for storing golf balls, tees, etc. It fits in securely with no installation.



   Red Dot Enclosures displayed their new Black and White enclosures and seat covers. Available in Polka Dot, Cheetah, Paisley and Zebra patterns, the seat covers convey the ultimate in simple sophistication for your golf car. Made of high-quality, durable materials, the seat covers are available for a wide range of golf car models. Matching enclosures are also available.

      Star Electric Vehicles, a division of J.H. Global Services, introduced the Star Stalker 4 x 4 that lets you hunt in silence. The Star Stalker features brush guards, clay basket, 4,000 lb winch, trailer hitch, flip/utility seat, camouflage body and roof and camouflage seats, 3-point seat belts, gun rack, 4-wheel disc brakes, 4-wheel drive independent suspension for the roughest terrain, 18 hp motor and Curtis controller. A 2-wheel/4-wheel switch option and eight 6-volt Trojan batteries provide maximum range.

  Stenten’s Golf Cart Accessories presented a number of new products among which were a reat seat/cargo box combination kit, and a light kit package for the Yamaha Drive. The rear seat/cargo box combination easily converts from seat to cargo box with latches on tail gate. It’s available in diamond plate aluminum or black powder coated aluminum and includes all mounting hardware. The light kit package is available in basic, deluxe or ultimate versions. The deluxe model includes a pair of headlights and taillights in bezels, amber running lights in the headlight bezel, three wire for brake lights and running lights, timer control module and stop switch for brake lights, wiring harness with inline fuse, deluxe horn button, steering column cover to hide wires, push-pull switch and instructions and fasteners.

TRY TO ATTEND FUTURE SHOWS
      The PGA Fall Expo will be held August 16-18 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas. The 2011 PGA Merchandise will be January 27-29 in Orlando. The 2011 Golf Industry Show will be February 9-10 in Orlando.

  Home   Previous Issues   Industry Update   Subscribe   About Us Copyright © 2008
logo