The 65th Anniversary of the 2018 PGA Merchandise Show, held January 24-26 in Orlando, FL was deemed a major success as the influx of new technology paved the way through the countless isles in the Orange County Convention Center. Also apparent was the evolution and advancement of the PTV as displayed by Star EV (Sirius), Club Car (Onward), E-Z-GO (RXV), Yamaha (Drive2) and the several other manufacturers – too many to note in this article.

Interesting that a new wave of vehicles were on display at the PGA Show with much interest are the likes of Ellwee, Fat Tire Scooters and Phat Golf, utilizing lithium technology – all with a purpose to create an “edge” to the traditional fleet golf car. Some of the aforementioned are either of the 2-wheel or 4-wheel variety and certainly put themselves in a unique position to add to the golfing experience. And speaking of traditional golf cars – they are transitioning into something other than that. Just take a look at what Streetrod Golf Car or Garia are offering. Certainly not your average golf car! And falling back to the traditional golf cars, Club Car, E-Z-GO, Yamaha, Star EV and others continue to make strides in adapting to better technologies and creature comforts. And if creature comforts are your thing, well then this show was for you. I do not recall seeing in recent years, the entrepreneurial spirit in full “beast mode” – Fresair has developed and begun distribution of a unique air-conditioned system that mounts under the roof top and is easily plumbed in with a hidden reservoir which takes comfort to a new level beyond a traditional fan which was prominently displayed at Stentens booth. Another outstanding product introduced by Climate Caddy, a division of TSI Products was the Fore Aire, a multi-directional fan-cooled system mounted under the roof top. And staying with the theme of creature comforts, a new exhibitor, Cool Ass Seating displayed golf car seating featuring a unique twist. With the push of a button provides heating or cooling of the seating surface using conduction technology. Silver Wolf Motors is apparently in the business of bringing golf car motor technology into the 21st Century with their highly advanced AC Motor, creating higher power, more speed and an increase of 20% more range over conventional AC motors. What we do for an encore remains to be seen but this is looking very optimistic as we move forward into 2018.

About 10 miles of exhibit aisles flanked the Orange County Convention Center with nearly 40,000 golf industry professionals, retailers and industry leaders from every U.S. state and 87 countries in attendance including over 1,000 exhibitors (which included 225 new companies to the event). The 2018 PGA Merchandise Show saw exciting product introductions in every sector of the business, attracting more than 7,500 PGA Professionals from around the world, creating the world’s largest business-to-business golf event, within 1 million square feet of interactive exhibit, demonstration and meeting space of the Orange County Convention Center West Concourse Exhibit Hall. The top five countries (outside of the U.S.) represented in attendance were Canada, United Kingdom, Korea, Japan and Taiwan. The top five U.S. states represented in attendance were Florida, California, New York, Georgia and North Carolina.

“The 2018 PGA Merchandise Show kicked off the new season with enormous energy, strong attendance, major product launches and a renewed optimism for the upcoming year,” said PGA Merchandise Show Event Vice President Marc Simon. “In addition to making important purchase decisions for the new season, PGA Professionals and buyers took advantage of multiple business programs to connect personally with manufacturers and industry leaders to drive golf forward in 2018.” The global golf gathering began on Tuesday, Jan. 23, at the PGA Show Demo Day, when thousands of PGA Professionals and invited golf retailers previewed and personally tested the newest equipment, training aids and accessories from more than 100 top golf companies at Orange County National Golf Center. The newest products were tested within 200 hitting bays, multiple putting greens and the vendor village at the 42-acre practice facility, to create the world’s largest professional golf demo event. In addition, several golf car manufacturers made their vehicles available for demos, as well.

FIRST TIME EXHIBITORS

ICON Electric Vehicles of Tampa, FL introduced their Model i40 electric vehicle, a quality golf car with abundant features such as 4-wheel coil over shock suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes, head, tail & brake lights with turn signals, 10 inch aluminum wheels and a full line-up of accessory upgrades available. Also, on display was their Model i60 which provides a 6 seat capacity as opposed to the 4 seat capacity for the i40. For more information, visit www.iconev.com or call 866-426-6380.

SoloRider of Plano, TX displayed the SoloRider, an extremely versatile vehicle which provides golfers with mobility impairments, the ability to enjoy the great game of golf that they otherwise would not be able to do. SoloRider’s unique designs enables easy entry and exit from a swivel seat, elevates you into a hitting position and is easily operated using one-handed controls. With custom-designed coil-over shocks on all 4 corners, SoloRider provides a comfortable ride on the course. For more information, visit www.SoloRider.com or call 800-898-3353.

Phat Scooters of Phoenix, AZ introduced a revolutionary single rider golf car appropriately named Phat Scooter, due to the extra wide tires and platform for a two-wheeled vehicle, aiding for easy balance and traction. There were over 400 test rides on demo day and the overwhelming consensus was a fun factor unlike the traditional 4-wheel variety. Phat Scooters are powered by an all-electric, zero emissions motor that provides enough range for 36+ holes on a single charge mwith a top speed of 20 MPH utilizing the equipped lithium battery with intelligent charge management. Available for purchase or lease, visit www.PhatScooters.com or call 949-697-7224.

Tomberlin, a division of The Columbia Vehicle Group of Leesburg, FL displayed the Emerge E2 SS Coupe. Tomberlin has taken this superb golf car up a notch  with the introduction of an industry first, all new electric power steering making it that much easier and safer to navigate through winding cart paths. LSV compliant with 3-Point Seat Belts, Smart Park Electric Park braking /on-board override are just a few of the many standard safety features. The Emerge E2 SS Coupe has a distinct style that separates itself from the rest of the pack with unique SS Coupe badging, 14” custom aluminum wheels & PPG painted body w/color matched painted roof. For more information, visit www.tomberlin.net or call 1-844-EMERGE2 (363-7432).

ELLWEE of Sweden (distributed by Range Servant of Norcross, GA) displayed the all new single-seated electric golf car – the next generation golf vehicle. Ellwee is a single person vehicle with all the perks of the two seated ordinary golf car. Enjoy faster golf rounds with less wear and tear. With this new innovative addition to the golf car industry, Ellwee delivers a versatile, agile, and fun to drive experience. From the inside out, Ellwee has reimagined what scooters and utility vehicles should look and feel like. The Ellwee is developed to hold anything you desire, with the ability to attach multiple modular components such as a roof, windshield, two bag caddies and drink coolers. Ellwee is designed and manufactured in Sweden by the award-winning Eduard Gray studio, which has been featured in Forbes Life Magazine, CNN, Top Gear and Auto Build. For more information, visit www.ellwee.com or call 770-448-8055.

Hangzhou AODI Electronic Control Co. of ZheJiang, China introduced their various series of battery chargers that are highly durable and waterproof, operating on any single-phase grid worldwide with a 96% peak efficiency. More than 10 charging profiles are stored with advanced switching buttons and a multi-function LED display, precisely charging to balance the charge time and ultimately prolong the life of the batteries. Applications cover golf cars and utility vehicles. For more information, visit www.aodicharger.com.

Fresair of La Quinta, CA introduced a revolutionary state-of-the-art Air Conditioning unit for golf cars. This unit is eco-friendly, uses tap water utilizing an easy-fill hidden, waist height reservoir, powered by the car’s battery. The installation process is simple, its’ low profile and low maintenance. It’s perfect for dry or humid climates and is compatible with all manufacturers. I don’t believe this type of AC technology has ever been available for a golf car until now. For more information, visit www.fresair.com or call 442-282-1199.

Cool Ass Seats of Park City, UT presented the newest technology in golf car seating comfort, appropriately named Cool Ass Seating. Handcrafted in the USA, Cool Ass Seats utilizes proprietary Cool Ass Technology that features thermal conductive cooling and heating elements that motorcyclists, golf enthusiasts and anyone who owns a golf car can now enjoy the same climate controlled heating and cooling experience found in their luxury automobiles. Now you can have the warmest (or coolest) and most comfortable golf car seats in any climate. For more information, visit www.coolassseats.com or call 949-395-1282.

AlloyGator USA of Blaine, WA introduced a new innovation in personalized wheel protection for Golf Cars. Its’ unique design provides golf car enthusiasts with a solution to virtually eliminate curb damage to rims while at the same time offering a quality accessory to personalize the golf cars appearance. Available in 15 colors, designed and manufactured in the UK, the Gator fits between your rim and tire and when the inevitable happens, the Gator takes the hit, not your expensive rims. For more information, visit www.thegatorgarage.com or call 855-53-GATOR.

Ashwood Electric Motors of the United Kingdom presented a variety of electric motors for various applications. Ashwood designs and manufactures smaller, lighter and more efficient permanent magnet electric motors across a range of sectors including materials handling, off highway, automotive and marine including the golf car industry. Ashwoods’ interior permanent magnet motors can be up to a third of the size and weight and up to 15% more efficient than traditional motor technologies. This enables considerable scope for innovative application design while extending vehicle range. For more information, visit ashwoodselectricmotors.com.

Fat Tire Golf Scooter of Phoenix, AZ displayed their single rider 2-wheeled golf scooter at the PGA Show. Adding a fleet of these scooters to your golf course means having something fun and innovative which in turn increases revenue. It’s all electric and easy to ride and powered by a lithium battery which negates the need for typical battery maintenance. With a bag holder and rear suspension for a smooth ride, this promises to add a new and exciting way to play golf. For more information, visit www.fattiregolfscooter.com or call 602-826-0222.

PilotCar of Turkey, a new player in the electric vehicle market, introduced their luxurious model PC-2 golf car with a sporty presence that provides optimum performance with speed, silence and functionality. Pilotcars are designed with extensive studies and developed by Mr. Ahmet Ozkilic, the President of Pilot Seating. With their own integrated production lines comes excellent care and attention. Pilotcar models are designed and produced according to specific customer needs and requests. For more information, visit www.pilotcar.com.tr.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SOME OF THE OTHER EXHIBITORS

Stenten’s Golf Cart Accessories has always drawn crowds to their displays in past years and this year was no different at the 2018 PGA Merchandise Show as they showed off many of their highly popular accessories from Climate Caddy’s multi-directional fan units to Fresair’s Air Conditioning unit to Suite Seats upholstery to Stenten’s 3-Point Harness Seat Belts, it was almost endless with high quality accessories. And with Stenten’s, it doesn’t stop there. Started in 1986, they have become a leading supplier of golf car accessories in the industry, committed to providing the dealer with the highest quality and greatest selection of products. For more information call 1-800-541-8333 or visit www.stenten.com.

Streetrod Golf Cars displayed several of the finest looking hot-rod golf cars with the finest materials and craftsmanship in the industry. Every Streetrod Golf Car is built to order and are built to scale from original vehicles featuring polished stainless steel metal surfaces, marine grade upholstery, hand built fiberglass bodies (not molded plastic) and PPG professional automotive finishes and automobile features. If you want to break away from the ordinary, then a Streetrod vehicle is for you. For more information, call 641-623-5201 or visit www.streetrodgolfcars.com.

Garia showed off their unique and extravagant display of golf cars and LSV’s. Right away you can tell these are not your typical electric vehicles! One of their many vehicles on display, and I might add, for the person who has everything, was a prototype of the Garia Golf Car Inspired by Mercedes Benz. Made from the finest materials such as genuine carbon fiber, genuine leather seating and a 200 amp hour lithium battery, this is unlike any golf car you have ever seen and will be a limited edition, available on a first come first serve basis. This prototype will also be on display at the Geneva Auto Show in March 2018. For more information call their Houston, TX office at 281-923-0291 or visit www.garia.com.

Club Protector displayed the highly popular patented retractable roller enclosure available in a pull chain. Simply pull a chain and they roll up in seconds – no more rolling up by hand. The enclosures are made of the finest outdoor awning fabric available, Sunbrella canvas with durable double-stitch sewing. When rolled up, all you see is smooth, wrinkle-free canvas and with the window vinyl rolled up under the canvas, protection from the sun provides longevity. Also shown were the beautifully designed Valances with easy on/off application and a myriad of choices in colors and styles, it will make it very easy to set your golf car apart from others. For more information call 800-338-8749 or visit www.clubprotector.com.

Club Pro Products always seems to bring new products to the market on an annual basis and this year was no different with the introduction of their zipperless magnetic golf car enclosure. It’s almost reinventing the wheel – with such a wide variety of golf car enclosures on the market today, this product makes a good product great. The ease of which you enter and exit the golf car just got better as it eliminates the hassles of dealing with velcro or zippers. Basically, with the touch of your fingers it opens and closes due to the magnetic seam. It’s a must-see in my book! For more information, call 800-467-2844 or visit www.golfcartsystems.com.

Star EV, a division of JH Global Services, introduced the all new Sirius PTV. It was apparent after inspecting the Sirius PTV how much thought and R&D went into this top-tier PTV. It has an Escalade-type feel to it laden with automotive-grade features such as the tasteful touches of the LED Lighting with daytime running lights, the beautifully designed ergonomics of the body, Back-up Camera, detailed automotive-style LCD display, featuring an AC motor with plenty of torque, customized paint and at the same time featuring the golf car essentials needed for the golf course. For more information call 1-877-818-8833 or visit www.starev.com.

Yamaha Golf Cars displayed the very popular Yamaha Drive2 QuietTech Golf Car. Nearly a hybrid in that it rides nearly as quiet as an electric car, yet with all the range, affordability and lifespan of a gas car. And with baby boomers retiring in record numbers to golf communities around the country, the growth of personal golf car sales is increasing. With QuieTech there’s no need to plug-in every night after 18 holes, two trips to the grocery store and then back and forth to dinner at the club. It’s more luxurious, and offers more value than ever, with built-in features and equipment designed specifically for player’s comfort and convenience. For. more information, visit www.yamahagolfcar.com or call 866-747-4027.

US Battery introduced the very popular line-up of Endurance Plus batteries featuring highest initial capacity, fastest cycle-up to full rated capacity and the highest total energy delivered over the life of the battery. Available in 6V, 8V and 12V, the redesigned batteries feature molded-in terminals, re-engineered internal components with an all new look. The Endurance Plus Deep Cycle batteries are handcrafted in the USA, composed of rugged materials and perfect for any application where long lasting deep cycle batteries are required. For more information, call 800-695-0945 or visit www.USBATTERY.com.

Shuran Golf Cart Accessories presented a wide range of accessories for all types of Golf Cars. Whether its light kits, lift kits, wheels, seat kits or almost any other golf car accessory, Shuran has it. And for the Golf Car Dealers, they have their accessories attractively packaged for retail sales. Shuran has been in business for nearly 20 years and over that time have made great progress in building a very successful golf car accessories manufacturing facility, providing parts and accessories for E-Z-GO, Club Car & Yamaha vehicles. For more information, visit www.myshuran.com.

Evolution Electric Vehicles displayed their very popular attractive Classic 2 Golf Car with its’ traditional styling. Whether it’s for the golf course or for local errands, the Classic 2 golf car is a very capable golf car at an entry-level cost, featuring a foldable windshield, enhanced speedometer, head and taillights, rearview mirror and totally customizable, available in multiple colors. For more information call 844-556-6666 or visit www.ev-ev.com.

Pro-Fit featured a wide array of quality Golf Car Accessories compatible with Club Car, E-Z-GO and Yamaha. From the very popular Sound Bar/Bazooka Party Bar to the Halo LED Light Kits, the sky is the limit with what Pro-Fit has to offer for the ultimate in Golf Car customization. If tires and wheels are what you’re looking for, Pro-Fit has a wide selection readily available. Pro-Fit delivers a diverse spectrum of quality products at the best price with exceptional customer service. For more information, visit www.pro-fitparts.com or call 844-360-5524.

Trojan Battery, the world’s leading manufacturer of deep-cycle batteries, displayed their popular line up of versatile golf car batteries including the popular HydroLink Watering System. The traditional time-consuming process of watering deep-cycle batteries can be a much more efficient cost-savings process with the use of the HydroLink Watering System utilizing a single point watering system featuring an easy-to-read independent water level indicator and providing a much safer method of battery maintenance. HydroLink is tested and guaranteed to work with your Trojan batteries in the most popular configurations, and comes with a full 4-year warranty. For more information, visit www.trojanbattery.com.

Nivel Industries, the largest provider of golf car aftermarket parts and accessories in North America, displayed just about everything there is to offer in the world of golf car accessories. From the ever popular Red Dot DoorMax Enclosures to the Madjax Body Kits, from GTW wheel & tire sets to the MJFX accessories, it seemed endless. Nivel offers over 10,000 items in the industry and carries products for all golf car models from the three major OEMs (Club Car, E-Z-GO and Yamaha) as well as for Columbia/Harley Davidson, Cushman, Hyundai, Jacobson, Legend, Melex, Noland, Nordskog, Pargo, Taylor Dunn, and vintage, discontinued golf cars. Nivel also specializes in providing exclusive, hard-to-find and discontinued parts. For more information, visit www.nivelparts.com or call 800-959-0852.

Club Car displayed their popular Onward PTV. With the increasing demand for Personal Transportation Vehicles, this was apparently designed to fill this need and it’s apparent that Club Car produced a very attractive vehicle. Personalization is part of the package with Onward and it’s highly unlikely you will see another one just like yours. From windshields to wheels, canopies to tires and everything in between, there are literally hundreds of ways to personalize the Onward PTV including a variety of metallic body colors. For more information, visit www.clubcar.com.

Eagle Parts & Products displayed a wide variety of some of their high quality specialized products including the introduction of the E-Coating system, a state-of-the-art treatment system that is environmentally friendly that accommodates large parts by ensuring superior corrosion protection. Eagle Parts & Products is a Georgia corporation established in 1996. The company was started to be a leading manufacturer of Electric Convenience Vehicles and OEM/aftermarket parts for a variety of markets and industries. Today the company is located in Augusta, Georgia and headquartered in an over 100,000 square foot manufacturing facility with multiple production capabilities. These capabilities provide products to such companies as E-Z-GO Textron, Yamaha, John Deere, Sea World, Costco and many others. For more information call 706-790-6687 or visit www.eagleproducts.us.

SilverWolf Vehicles introduced their advanced AC Motor creating higher power and more speed with a 20% increased range compared to stock OEM motors. This motor includes a Smart Phone app for real-time adjustments. Navitas controllers is another product that was on display and the upside for this controller is tremendous with On-The-Fly Programmer and Lock-Out Key providing the ability to adjust vehicle range, top speed and acceleration as well as an available Bluetooth controller App for diagnostic information. For more information, call 888-398-7078 or visit www.silverwolfmotors.com.

E-Z-GO presented the redesigned Cushman Hauler 800X, featuring the increased functionality for which the Hauler line has become known, with a truck-inspired design, spacious dash, customizable bed, and affordable accessories. The new Hauler 800X offers a durable, sound-dampening, 8.4-cubic-foot cargo bed which incorporates integrated divider slots to allow for increased organization and customizable storage. The Hauler 800X model is also equipped with a spacious, highly functional dash that places vehicle controls within easy reach and is available in electric or gas-powered models. The electric models feature a 48-volt AC powertrain that delivers unparalleled energy efficiency. Gas models are powered by a reliable 13.5 hp Kawasaki® gas engine which generates superior torque for hill climbing while providing competitive fuel economy and performance. For more information, visit www.ezgo.com.

Flight Systems Industrial Products is a provider of new and remanufactured electronic products for golf cars, such as motor controls, battery chargers, conversion kits, performance speed and torque motors. FSIP is also the exclusive distributor of the Xtender Battery Regenerator which was on display. The Xtender is an all-in-one machine designed to restore lead acid batteries and is fully automated with touchscreen programming providing the user many advantages requiring less attention during the process. Essentially, the Xtender restores and prolongs the lifespan of all sizes and types of lead-acid batteries. For more information call 800-333-1194 or visit www.fsip.biz.

Climate Caddy, a division of TSI Products, Inc introduced the Fore Aire, an electronic rooftop fan system for 12 and 48 volt golf cars. The Fore Aire is markedly different than any other fan system with its’ energy management that utilizes infrared sensors to reduce power consumption. Enter the golf car and it turns on – leave the golf car and it turns off, preventing unnecessary battery drain as the Fore Aire only operates when passengers are detected – simply ingenious! Air flow control is another main feature allowing complete customization of air flow direction and adjustment controls from a gentle breeze to a powerful blast. For more information, visit www.ClimateCaddy.com or call 800-521-2997.

FUTURE SHOWS

The 2018 PGA Fashion & Demo Experience is scheduled for August 13-15, 2018 at the Venetian Hotel and Casino during Fashion Week in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 66th Annual 2019 PGA Merchandise Show is scheduled for January 22-25, 2019 in Orlando, FL at the Orange County Convention Center. The 2019 Golf Industry Show will be held February 6-7, 2019 in San Diego, CA at the San Diego Convention Center.