WELL - ATTENDED PGA SHOW UNDERSCORES THE RESILIENCY OF GOLF IN TODAY’S ECONOMIC CLIMATE!

Walking the crowded aisles of the 56th edition of the PGA Merchandise Show, resplendent with lavish displays and many new products, one would never guess that the country is in a recession. Held January 29-31 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, the Show had over 41,000 industry professionals from all 50 states and 74 countries. This represents only a 4 1/2% decline from last year. PGA Professional Keith Bach of Players Golf Academy, Hilton Head Island, SC said, “I’ve been coming to the Show for the past 10 or more years, and this is as good or better than any in recent memory. I was happy to see how crowded the Show was today (Thursday). It just proves that the golf industry is strong. People still want to play, and the Orlando Show remains the best place to see everything in golf under one roof.”

Ed Several, PGA Shows Group Vice President said, “Our goal was to create an event that would help energize the golf industry as it goes forward in 2009, and judging by the strong traffic on the Show floor, the reports of orders being written, and the business relationships being made, it seems the business of golf is off to a fine start for 2009. The PGA Merchandise Show this week certainly underscores the resiliency of the golf industry and speaks to the industry’s commitment to growing the game under all circumstances. New innovative products, fresh approaches to business in this economy and programs such as Get Golf Ready, show that golf is continuing to press forward.”

The golf car industry comprised a sizable segment of the Show with displays that were impressive and second to none. Three new exhibitors joined the ranks of the many companies that annually utilize the Show to market new products or tried and true ones.

First-Time Exhibitors

CT&T Electric Motor Cars, Inc. of Toronto, Ontario, Canada,
introduced their uniquely styled c-ZONE golf cars, c-ZONE utility cars and e-ZONE electric vehicles. The word ZONE in the model names stands for Zero Oil No Emissions. All of the vehicles are manufactured in Korea. The golf cars and utility cars have many highly innovative features that include: a supersonic sensor for safety that automatically senses other golf cars as well as people and obstacles to guard against accidents; a remote controller that brings the car to the user with the push of a button; a safety bumper that stops the car automatically with the slightest pressure; heating and cooling seats; a golf bag carrier that adjusts to different angles; and a lattice type, integrated steel frame. The golf cars are available in 2-and 6-passenger versions. The 6-passenger car has wide width seats that accommodate three people across in two rows.

e-ZONE electric vehicles provide ergonomic design and eco-friendly technology. Available in either door type, bar type or wide open versions, the e-Zone goes about 35 mph and has a range of 30 to 45 miles per charge with a lead acid battery or 62 to 70 miles per charge with a lithium battery. For convenience, the car’s charger can be plugged into any household outlet. Charging costs about $10 per month for electricity. For more information call: 416-383-0208 or visit:
www.ctnt.co.kr.

E-Way Electrical Industry Co. Ltd., of Longwood, Florida, displayed their new HM2 golf car. Made by the largest golf car manufacturer in China, the HM2 features an energy absorbing front bumper, fold-down windshield, large dash compartment with deep cup holders and basket, sand bottle, rearview mirror, large comfortable ergonomic seats with armrest, bag holder, sweater basket, soft-grip steering wheel with optional wood grain design, headlights, taillights, scuff guards, canopy handle and six 8-volt Trojan deep cycle batteries. E-Way also offers utility vehicles and classic design vehicles. For more information call 407-788-1699 or visit:
www.ewaycar.com.

GolfCar.TV of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, demonstrated their golf car that makes golfers better players. This revolutionary creation performs just about every type of technology imaginable. It provides electronic scoring and leaderboards and has a USGA on-car/web based handicapping system. It also records video of a player’s golf swing, which can then be analyzed by PGA professionals, and shows video golf instruction from PGA teaching professionals. GolfCar.TV even features a personalized golf portal on the web to view golfer’s favorites, make purchases, access email, get stock quotes, etc. And since golfers spend a great deal of time waiting, there’s live streaming TV so golfers can watch NFL games, the PGA Tour or other sports and news. This technology even allows simultaneous tournament play with players on other courses or in different states. GolfCar.TV is great for golf course owners too, because it allows them to purchase golf cars for less. With all that GolfCar.TV can do, it is not surprising that it won the “Most Innovative Product Award” at the 2009 PGA Show. For more information call 954-332-2444 or visit: www.GolfCar.TV.

Highlights From Some Of The Other Exhibitors

Club Car, Inc. introduced the Guardian System which operates based on GPS technology. The system, which can be accessed from any computer with an Internet connection, is capable of limiting vehicle access, controlling vehicle speed, reviewing the history of where a golf car has been driven and monitoring and diagnosing vehicle performance. The Guardian System is offered on Club Car’s 2009 Precedent models equipped with Club Car’s Excel drive system. It can also be installed in the field on existing 2008 Precedent i2 and i2L Excel models.

Garia A/S displayed their new golf car which was designed to be the most exclusive golf car in the world. Garia, which is headquartered in Denmark, went public at last year’s PGA Show and received a warm welcome from potential buyers and golf courses world wide. Since then they have continued to thoroughly test their golf car at a local golf course. They have also partnered with Valmet Automotive in Finland, who will manufacture the Garia golf car. Valmet Automotive is a highly experienced provider of automotive engineering and manufacturing services. They manufacture the Porsche Boxter and Porsche Cayman for Porsche AG, and since 1997 over 200,000 Boxter and Cayman sports cars have been produced at Valmet Automotive.
Production of the Garia golf car will begin this summer. It will arrive on the market in September and be introduced at the PGA Fall Expo in Las Vegas, September 1-2.

Stenten’s Golf Cart Accessories presented many new products, among which were a seat back cap for the Club Car Precedent and an arm rest cushion with cup holder designed for all golf cars. The seat back cap can be used when installing a rear seat kit to conceal the exposed foam. It is also ideal for covering staples from installed seat covers. The arm rest cushion with cup holder is an attractive and convenient addition for rear seat kits. It comes with a template and stainless steel fasteners for easy installation.

Red Dot Enclosures introduced some of the hottest fashions to hit the cart path, streets or beaches with their “Tropical Patterns” line of matching enclosures and seat covers. Made of the highest quality materials, the enclosures and seat covers are just as practical as they are stylish, and they are available in a variety of patterns and colors with designer names like Tommy Bahama.

GMT, Inc. exhibited their new, patent pending dash for the E-Z-GO RXV. Like all of GMT’s dashes, it’s available in a wide range of custom finishes. Select from Buckskin Tan Soft Touch, Carbon Fiber, Cruiser Burl, Dark Charcoal Black Soft Touch, Mahogany, Regal Burl, Teak, Turned Titanium or Black. GMT also has a new line of accessories for JH Global’s Star Car.

Curtis Industries debuted their Climate Control System golf car enclosure for the E-Z-GO TXT. This unique door system increases the comfort and utility of golf cars and is ideal for community, private, sport and fleet use. The Climate Control System is a compact panel system with parallel opening doors that glide open for easy operation and convenience. Doors can also be locked in the open position while the car is in motion for fair weather operation and greater ventilation.

Silverline Tops has added another option to their ultimate top system. In addition to the Sunbrella soft top, they now also offer a hard top. The Silverline top system is comprised of oversized aluminum support tubing with welded construction that encircles the car and provides a full brush guard, front and rear grab rails, a large rear bumper with full sized platform, and top supports with personalized name plates.

PLAN FOR FUTURE SHOWS
The PGA Fall Expo will be held September 1-2 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The 2010 PGA Merchandise Show will be January 28-30 in Orlando.

Pictures from show.
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