The 67th Anniversary of the 2020 PGA Merchandise Show, held January 22-24 in Orlando, FL over-flowed with crowded aisles, especially on the first day where the cold snap in Orlando seemed to drive more people inside the Orange County Convention Center with temps starting out the day in the mid-30’s – cold by Central Florida standards. Navigating the busy convention center aisles, the major takeaways were further refinements by the Golf Car manufacturers and more features becoming standard rather than options, due to a highly competitive marketplace. The other noticeable takeaway was more lithium battery manufacturers, an obvious growing trend in our industry.
With nearly 40,000 golf industry professionals, retailers and industry leaders from every U.S. state and 80 countries in attendance, the 2020 PGA Merchandise Show saw exciting product introductions in every sector of the business. As the world’s largest gathering of PGA Professionals, the 2020 PGA Merchandise Show attracted more than 7,800 PGA Professionals, an increase of five percent over 2019. This 2020 PGA Show delivered exciting product and industry announcements that energized the industry for the New Year. PGA Professionals and buyers uncovered the newest products, trends and technology from more than 1,000 exhibiting golf companies and brands which included more than 250 companies new to the PGA Show, 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 U.S.) represented in attendance were Canada, United Kingdom, Japan, Korea and China. The top five U.S. states represented in attendance were Florida, California, New York, Georgia and North Carolina. A focused marketing campaign by both the PGA Show and buyers attending the PGA Show ended up creating a more valuable business to business environment with more qualified buyers to impact exhibitor business.
“The 67th PGA Merchandise Show kicked off 2020 with an exciting showcase of the latest golf innovations and merchandising strategies for the year ahead,” said PGA Merchandise Show Event Vice President Marc Simon. “In addition to making important purchase decisions for the new season, PGA Professionals and buyers connected face-to-face to foster business relationships that will help to grow the business of the game moving forward.” PGA President Suzy Whaley said “The PGA Merchandise Show brings the global golf industry together each year to drive forward our careers, our businesses and the health of the sport.” “We thrive off the energy here at the PGA Show, as we collectively learn about golf’s newest innovations, share best practices and connect as a community in the game.”
FIRST TIME EXHIBITORS
RELiON Battery of Rock Hill, SC introduced the next generation of lithium golf car batteries. Lithium technology has been on the doorstep of battery technology and RELiON takes it one step further as there is no conversion kit necessary to swap out your flooded lead acid batteries for the RELiON InSight Series lithium batteries. An industry-first, it’s simply a drop-in replacement battery making for an easy install by simply using the existing connections. InSight Series also eliminates the concern regarding cell imbalance between batteries due to the SuperSmart BMS providing Bullseye Balancing, ensuring maximum capacity for the life of the battery. For more information, visit www.relionbattery.com or call 1-803-547-7288.
Green Energy Battery of Guandong, China, a manufacturer and solution provider of high-energy lithium-ion batteries presented several variations. The DT smart lithium-ion battery is a specially designed high-tech battery pack with built-in BMS and accompanied with the function of a wireless mobile app, supporting live monitoring. The visible advance integrated lithium-ion battery pack is specifically designed for golf cars and LSV’s due to its’ compact system. With the highest capacity LFP technology, it provides more energy in a smaller footprint with longer cycle runtime and lifetime. For more information, visit www.dt-energy.com.
Newmax Battery of South Korea introduced their premium line of golf car batteries. Newmax Battery is a Premium Battery Advanced VRLA battery manufacturer that is a registered member of BCI (Battery Council International) and is the first Korean company to successfully commercialize GEL electrolyte technology in VRLA batteries and has been exporting to more than 50 countries worldwide for over 30 years. The GEL VRLA batteries are designed specifically for storage and deep cycle applications. Combining proprietary MaxPress™ grid technology and ThixoPure™ GEL technology, SG series batteries provide stability and longevity needed for emergency power reserve and extreme cyclic applications. The BM series batteries are built to provide ultra-long life and durability with proprietary anti-moss post processing technology and DenseMax™ casting technology making this possible. For more information, please visit www.newmaxbattery.co.kr or call 864-704-9479.
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 2020 PGA Merchandise Show as they showed off many of their highly popular accessories from rear seat flip kits with quality saddle seat skins to LED light kits to a very unique new-to-market electric to gas conversion kit for the Club Car Precedent, 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.
Evolution Electric Vehicles displayed their very popular and attractive Classic 4 Plus Golf Car with its’ traditional styling. What makes this different from the competition are the standard features that are typically an option with others such as a 48V Lithium Battery pack and a 5-Year warranty, all at an entry-level cost. Upgraded features are 2-tone luxury leather seating, 14” Radial Tires with Color Matched Wheels, 9” Bluetooth Touch Screen w/Back-up Camera, folding rear seat with storage compartment plus many more features, available in multiple colors. For more information call 909-939-6800 or visit www.evolutionelectricvehicle.com.
Yamaha Golf Cars introduced the gas-powered U-Max Utility Vehicle. Yamaha has taken the best of power, performance and comfort and incorporated these key elements into an outstanding lineup of premium golf utility vehicles. With six color options to choose from, four-wheel brakes, super-comfortable luxury seating, premium LED Headlights, large 20” tires and an under-hood storage compartment are just a few reasons the U-Max separates itself from the competition. And you get the quietness of a golf car with Yamahas’ well-respected motor technology. For more information, visit www.YamahaGolfCar.com or call 866-747-4027.
Star EV, a division of JH Global Services, displayed the very popular Sirius PTV. After inspecting the Sirius PTV you can begin to imagine how much thought and R&D went into this top-tier vehicle. Right away you notice the high-end design and elements, 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.
Club Pro Products presented the Golf Car Cooler, a fully insulated cooler for keeping beverages cool in the hot summer sun. Constructed with marine grade vinyl, it’s durable, easy to clean and takes seconds to secure or remove. It holds 18 drinks plus ice with multiple pockets for snacks and custom embroidery is available, as well. For more information, call 800-467-2844 or visit www.clubpro.com.
Textron Specialized Vehicles presented the E-Z-GO TXT with the all new EX1 gas-powered fuel injection engine. The EX1-powered TXT is a first-of-its-kind gas engine custom-designed for the unique requirements of a golf car, delivering a refined driving experience. With a best-in-class fuel economy, a smooth quiet ride and more responsive acceleration, the EX1 power-plant is sure to be a winner. For more information, visit www.ezgo.com.
Club Car introduced the all-new Tempo, constructed with proven engineering, industry-leading durability and reliable comfort. This flagship fleet golf car recently won a Golf Digest award as an Editor’s Choice, marking the 3rd consecutive year that Club Car has earned high marks. With Tempo Connect, Visage Fleet Management and Shark Experience is included, enhancing the on-course experience. The Tempo is available with an electric motor and fully loaded with automotive styling and featuring a lifetime frame warranty. For more information, visit www.clubcar.com.
Trojan Battery, the world’s leading manufacturer of deep-cycle batteries, displayed the all-new Trillium Series, Trojan’s intelligent lithium-powered solution. With life expectancy over 5,000 cycles, Trillium maximizes total energy throughput and lowers lifetime operating costs. Trillium is ideal for meeting demanding deep-cycling requirements across a wide range of stationary and motive power applications and delivers the best in class performance Trojan batteries are known for. Trillium is designed to be a replacement for existing lead acid batteries. The built-in battery protection system guards the battery from the extreme demands of various motive and stationary applications. Aftermarket customers without Lithium battery experience are now able to switch to this advanced energy technology without the need for sophisticated expertise in Lithium-ion technology or system integration. For more information, visit www.trojanbattery.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.
Caruca displayed their single-rider golf cart that’s different than what you’ve seen in the past. When you think single-rider golf carts you may have questions about the stability – until you try the Caruca – comfort, safety, stability and ease-of-use are obvious once you try it out as you will notice the long wide platform making it comfortable for riders of all heights and sizes. Caruca is about safety, stability, comfort, ease of use, and increasing profitability for your course. Caruca is so intuitive that anyone can just hop on and go, and more importantly, feel safe and comfortable while doing it. For more information, visit www.thecaruca.com or call 1-919-436-1000.
US Battery displayed the very popular line-up of XC2™ Flooded Lead Acid batteries. Engineered and proven to provide the fastest cycle-up to full rated capacity, they have the highest total energy delivered over the life of the battery. A better battery cell design, hand-made construction, and attention to details make US Battery a proven leader. Made in America, U.S. Battery utilizes the company’s exclusive XC2™ formulation and Diamond Plate Technology®, allowing them to reach peak capacity in fewer cycles, higher total energy delivery, and an extended battery life. The high charge efficiency design also meets new California Energy Commission regulations for combined charger/battery charge efficiency. And because of U.S. Battery’s unique design and variety of sizes in 6, 8 and 12-volt applications, the XC2™ batteries offer the most compatibility with the wide range of chargers used in the field. For more information, call 800-695-0945 or visit www.USBATTERY.com.
Tomberlin, a division of The Columbia Vehicle Group 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. Plus the seating comfort doesn’t get any better in these Tomberlin vehicles, using customized options by Lazy Life Seats. The Emerge is 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.tomberlinusa.com or call 1-844-EMERGE2 (363-7432).
SoloRider Golf Carts 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.
Pro-Fit featured a wide array of quality Golf Car Accessories compatible with Club Car, E-Z-GO and Yamaha. Whether you are looking to accessorize for Street or Off-Road Vehicles, Pro-Fit has it all. From the very popular Sound Bar/Bazooka Party Bars and Rockford Fosgate Head Unit 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 1-888-438-3946.
Mister-Comfort presented their patented misting system, appropriately called CartCool, which provides a cool dry refreshing mist designed for golf cars. Mister-Comfort has been providing cooling relief since 2006, primarily in the marine industry and the transition to the golf car industry was a no-brainer as the refreshing mist is such a pleasure to use, especially in the hot, humid climates of the South and the summer heat in the North. CartCool easily installs with an adjustable mounting bar which will fit most Club Car, E-Z-GO and Yamaha golf cars, plus several other manufacturers, as well. CartCool is also available with a Rechargeable Battery for those who want to be able to move the CartCool unit from one vehicle to another. For more information, visit www.mister-comfort.com or call 1-888-647-8370.
Eagle Parts & Products displayed a wide variety of some of their high quality specialized products including a new product to their line-up, an 80” Hard Top that is compatible with E-Z-GO, Club Car & Yamaha. This Hard Top features an enclosure track, valance track & accessory track. 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.
Cheeta Golf displayed the newest innovations in personalized golf transportation, the Cheeta Single Rider, Cheeta SUV and Cheeta Runner. The Single Rider differs from a traditional golf car in that it’s a single person golf car that enables golfers to stand or sit and the seat swivels and comes standard with several features that caters to seniors and people with disabilities that allows them to play the game of golf. It’s also packed with cool features golfers want and need. The removable lithium-ion quick-charge battery pack keeps the Cheeta in play nonstop and charges in just two hours and comes with a built-in cooler, two USB ports, Bluetooth speakers and more. For more information, visit www.cheetagolf.com.
Desert Fox Golf introduced the Phone Caddy, an innovative phone holder for golf cars designed to keep your phone safe and at your finger tips. Phone Caddy is fully adjustable due to an intelligently engineered, patent-pending side wings and faceplate that accommodates all popular smartphones with or without protective cases – whether you have an Otter Box or LifeProof case – or any other of the many cases in the marketplace – or no case at all. Leaving your phone in the cup holder or misplacing it is now a thing of the past with the Phone Caddy which makes it the perfect golf car accessory. For more information, visit www.desertfoxgolf.com or call 1-480-290-4876.
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.
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 Blade Seat Skins to Madjax Lift Kits, from GTW wheel & tire sets to the MJFX branded Alpha Brush Guards & Alpha Grills, it’s 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 1-800-959-0852.
PilotCar Electric Vehicles displayed their line-up of Pilotcar Electric Vehicles. Offering a unique driving experience with superior comfort, attractive, utilizing high quality components, convenient on-board charger and very competitive pricing, Pilotcar EV’s entry in the market is a welcomed solution to give customers exactly what they need. The introduction of their luxurious model PC-2 golf car with a sporty presence 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.pilotcarev.com or call 239-243-8023.
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.
Etech Electric Vehicles presented the Etech M-Series golf car, recently released to the US marketplace. Etech EV is very popular in China and is also exported in Italy, Russia, Israel and now the U.S. Visiting their booth at the PGA Show, there was a definite buzz as it was apparent the amount of interest based on the attendees reaction and comments. Simplistic in design, yet attractive and well constructed, the frame is welded high-yield strength tubular steel with corrosion proof coating, rack and pinion steering, heavy-duty leaf springs with hydraulic shocks, LED head and taillights and Hoppecke maintenance-free batteries. The Etech M-Series is available in multiple configurations and a wide choice of colors. For more information, visit www.etechevus.com or call 1-970-460-6188.
Sun Mountain Motor Sports displayed the Finn Scooter, a two-wheeled transportation scooter that appears to have a fun-factor unlike that of a traditional golf car. Set-up to play the course and speed up the game, the golf bag is mounted on the centerline of the scooter, providing riding comfort and stability with great maneuverability. The low center of gravity and lightweight aluminum frame make the Finn scooter well-balanced. With front and rear suspension, independent hydraulic disc brakes and a 48-Volt brushless motors, its’ simplicity and well thought-out design is aimed at adding fun to your next round of golf. For more information, visit www.finnscooters.com or call 1-833-FINN-DOG.
FUTURE SHOWS
The 2020 PGA Fashion & Demo Experience is scheduled for August 18-19, 2020 at The Venetian Hotel, TAO Nightclub and Top Golf in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 68th Annual 2021 PGA Merchandise Show is scheduled for January 26-29, 2021 in Orlando, FL at the Orange County Convention Center. The 2021 Golf Industry Show will be held February 3-4, 2021 in Las Vegas, NV at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
