The 69th Anniversary of the 2022 PGA Merchandise Show was held January 26-28 in Orlando, FL and after an unfortunate two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the PGA Show with protocols in place, went off without a hitch. I was pleasantly surprised, as well as most exhibitors were at the number of attendees as everyone was extremely busy networking throughout the day. No matter who you spoke with, the common theme was in regards to the quality of attendees and the net results spoke for themselves. Most of the Golf Car/LSV manufacturers have backlogs in production as they do their best to fill orders as the uptick in our industry has increased significantly in the last two years with no sign of letting up and the dreaded supply chain shortages certainly don’t help, although that seems to be slowly improving.
It was great to see several first-time exhibitors in the industry in addition to the usual ones, further cementing the continued growth the industry has been experiencing. Yes, there were a few less exhibitors, which was to be expected as we are still working our way through the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, everything seemed to be getting back to a normalcy we haven’t seen in quite some time.
Nearly 15,000 PGA Professionals, golf leaders, industry executives and retailers sourced new products from more than 600 exhibitors, attended high-level industry presentations, learned timely business solutions and connected in person with peers and golf leaders to drive forward participation and the business of the sport. The 2022 PGA Show began with Demo & Fitting Day at Orange County National Golf Center on Jan. 25 and continued at Orange County Convention Center, Jan. 26-28.
“It’s incredible to think that we haven’t been together as an industry for two years,” said PGA President Jim Richerson. “With what is going on in the golf world, as well as the world itself, for all of us to be back together in Orlando, driving the business of golf forward, is significant. It is a pleasure to have been here promoting not just the PGA of America and PGA Golf Professionals, but also the game of golf.” PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh added, “It was great to be back in person at the PGA Show. The energy was great and a real platform to showcase innovative ideas and products, as well as countless learning opportunities for the many PGA Professionals who were able to be here. It made for a very collaborative, social environment and a great reminder of the importance of the golf industry getting together and connecting through an in-person Show.”
“It was especially gratifying to bring the golf community back together, to see important business taking place on the Show Floor and to feel first-hand the positive energy that came from the reunion,” said PGA Golf Exhibitions Vice President Marc Simon. “The cross-industry collaboration on programming resulted in tremendous resources for PGA Professionals to adapt, learn and grow through the increasing demands and rising popularity of the sport. While the PGA Show transformed this year under the challenges of COVID, it became a bridge to help many in the industry drive their business forward in 2022 and beyond.”
More than 500 media professionals attended and reported from the 2022 PGA Show, including several media outlets with studios on the Show floor. Golf Channel interviewed industry leaders and covered more than 60 product innovations during live Golf Today programming. CBS Sports HQ interviewed industry leaders and shared dozens of product innovations during multiple live features each day and SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio network broadcast more than 15 hours from the event. Additionally, SI Golf, PGA.com and Fairways of Life produced extensive content from the Show Floor to share with their engaged golf audiences.
FIRST TIME EXHIBITORS
ECOXGEAR of Poway, CA displayed their popular sound bars and new-to-market ExtremeSub, a 500 watt peak powered 8” active subwoofer providing a significant kick to your Golf Car/LSV. The ExtremeSub is plug and play with the ability to connect to any brand soundbar or stereo and can wirelessly pair to any ECOXGEAR SoundExtreme soundbar. With the combination of the ECOXGEAR SoundExtreme soundbars and ExtremeSub with party lights and multiple modes allows for the ultimate in personal customization to fit your style. ECOXGEAR products are IP66 Certified dustproof and waterproof – durable and long-lasting for any environment. For more information, visit www.ecoxgear.com or call 720-343-6851.
Inventus Power of Woodridge, IL displayed their high-performance lithium-ion batteries specific to the Golf Car Industry. Inventus Power is a global leader in advanced battery systems specializing in the design and manufacture of Li-ion battery packs, smart chargers and efficient power supplies across a broad range of portable, motive and stationary applications. While Inventus Power may be a newcomer to the Golf Car industry, they have been in business for over 60 years, developing Lithium-Ion power for many other industries. The intelligent battery management system can characterize the battery pack and monitor the State of Health to assist in optimizing runtime performance and extend battery life. For more information, visit www.inventuspower.com or call 877-423-4242.
Kandi America of Dallas, TX introduced the Kandi Kruiser 4 Passenger golf car with a heavy duty UTV frame and chassis. An attractive, rugged looking vehicle featuring an AC motor with an estimated range of 50 miles, top speed of 25 MPH and a 300 lb. towing capacity. To smooth out the bumps, all Kandi Kruisers come standard with Independent MacPherson Strut front suspension and hydraulic disc brakes. Available in blue, red, silver and white and a 12-month limited warranty. For more information, visit www.kandipowersports.com.
Vantage Tag Systems of Fairfield, CA displayed the Vantage Pro L105 fleet golf car as well as the Shelby GT500 Cobra Golf Car. The Vantage Pro L105 has extended range with its’ lithium-powered battery pack. Included is Level 1 GPS Fleet management included in lease or rentals providing features such as pace of play alerts, geo fencing, security lockdown and more. Other features are a regenerative braking system with auto park brake system and an automotive McPherson strut front suspension system as well as other features and available options. Available in multiple colors to choose from with a 7-year bumper to bumper warranty. The Shelby GT500 is uniquely styled with color options and officially licensed Shelby GT500 Golf Car with a lithium battery pack powering a 6.3kw AC motor with an onboard integrated battery charger. Some of the features are a 9” Bluetooth touchscreen display enabling hands-free phone calls, audio & video streaming w/back-up camera and built-in stereo and 14” alloy wheels. For more information, visit www.Vantage-Tag.com or call 877-589-8806.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM SOME OF THE OTHER EXHIBITORS
Cheeta Golf displayed the newest innovations in personalized golf transportation, the Cheeta Golf Ninja Single Rider. 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 comes with a speed control feature, removeable storage bin, LED display for speed and battery charge, and more. For more information, visit www.cheetagolf.com or call 310-318-2885.
Club Car introduced the all-new Tempo Lithium-ion, Gen2. Officially launched in August 2020, the Gen 2 version is a Lithium-ion powered fleet golf car with best-in-class range, performance, and safety that is low-maintenance, reducing electricity costs by 50% while saving time, increasing reliability and conserving energy which results in an overall performance of operations. The Tempo Lithium-ion boasts 25% more range than other fleet Li-Ion golf cars on average. 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.
Club Pro Manufacturing displayed a variety of enclosures, designed to fit all models of E-Z-GO, Club Car and some Yamaha models. These enclosures are made in the USA and feature an over-the-top design for a quick install and zippered doors for easy access as well as marine grade fabric and zippers to withstand the elements with its’ patented roll-away front windshield and a 3-year warranty. They are available in green, black, tan, red or navy blue. For more information, visit www.clubpro.com or call 800-467-2844.
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.
Eagle Parts & Products displayed a wide variety of some of their high-quality specialized products including 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. Eagle Parts & Products 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.
Evolution EV unveiled the all new D3 LSV at the PGA Show. With its’ exceptional styling, it’s apparent this was developed from the ground up. The futuristic look visually sets the D3 apart from anything else, showcasing a sporty and athletic look. It’s not just about the looks either. Standard is EPS (electric power steering) providing more comfort and ease-of-control, Four-Wheel Hydraulic Piston Disc Brakes which equates to less weight and a lower maintenance cost, multi-function dashboard with a Bluetooth touchscreen, LED lighting throughout, built-in removeable refrigerator and is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack with an integrated management system. With many more standard features and a host of colors to choose from, Evolution EV has just hit a homerun! For more information, please visit www.evolutionelectricvehicle.com or call 909-393-6800.
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.
Fullriver Battery displayed their EGL Series AGM golf car battery. Made from 99% recyclable products, maintenance-free, requires no BMS due to the nature of AGM technology and rated for 1,250 cycles makes this one of the longest-lasting traditional golf car batteries on the market with double the cycles when compared to other lead-acid batteries. Unlike other battery manufacturers, Fullriver controls the entire process from grid casting, plate pasting and final assembly completed in their own facility, ensuring quality control. For more information, visit www.fullriverbattery.com.
Green Energy Battery, 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.
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 place in the market is a welcomed solution to give customers exactly what they need. The presence of their luxurious model PC-2+2 lifted golf car with a rugged look and feel 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.
RELiON Battery displayed their maintenance-free lithium powered solution, the Insight Series lithium batteries designed specifically for Golf Cars, LSV’s and utility vehicles. 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 its’ unique BMS and user-friendly software, ensuring maximum capacity for the life of the battery. RELiON’s backlit plug-and-play InSight Fuel Gauge is a very simple installation process and provides an easy way to tell when it’s time to charge. For more information, visit www.relionbattery.com/GCA or call 855-931-2466.
Star EV, a division of JH Global Services, displayed several of their vehicles, one of which was the Sirius PTV. The engineering and refinement of the Sirius is obvious as you notice right away the high-end design laden with automotive features such as the LED lighting with daytime running lights and the beautiful ergonomics of the body styling. Optional factory-installed STAR-smart lithium battery power features top-rated LifePO4 LFP technology with built-in battery management allows a much longer range and is maintenance-free. For more information, visit starev.com or call 864-297-8833.
Stenten’s Golf Cart Accessories always draws crowds to their displays and this year was no different at the 2022 PGA Merchandise Show as they showed off many of their highly popular accessories from rear seat flip kits, LED light kits, Gussi Italia steering wheels, rubber diamond floor mats, folding windshields and so much more, 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 800-541-8333 or visit www.stenten.com.
Textron Specialized Vehicles presented the E-Z-GO Liberty Links which was recently launched in August 2021. With unique features such as four forward facing seats and a very nice amount of storage space makes this a sensible way to get around the golf course or your neighborhood. Integrated aluminum “gutter struts” was a very well, thought-out feature, funneling any water or rain off the hardtop and through a specific strut system. And adding the sustainability of the maintenance-free Samsung SDI Lithium powered battery pack with an 8-year warranty provides the additional range you just can’t get with FLA batteries. With multiple packages available and 6 body colors available to choose from, you can customize the E-Z-GO Liberty Links the way you want. For more information, visit www.ezgo.com.
Tomberlin, a division of the Columbia Vehicle Group displayed the 2022 Limited Edition Tomberlin Beachcomber. Taking design cues from high end boats with a bit of retro flair, the Beachcomber is designed for customers with a maritime state of mind, whether you live on a beach or just wish you did. Featuring a new for 2022 color “Ultramarine”, custom seating for 6, custom flooring and featuring our industry leading EVOLVE® Lithium Battery pack the Beachcomber will take your crew on long trips in style. In addition to Tomberlin’s long list of industry-first and exclusive features the Beachcomber includes custom-embroidered Beachcomber seats featuring Lazy Life CoolTouch technology to keep you comfortable on hot sunny days, custom non-slip floor mats with a teakwood plank pattern and Tomberlin logos, ultramarine teal automotive paint with clear coat and custom decals, XL rear seat for even more room for your crew – or flip it down for coolers, beach chairs or other gear, 6” Lift with A/T tires for a commanding view of the road and ability to go off the beaten path and a headliner with integrated audio, logo dome light, map lights and rear seat lighting. For more information, visit www.tomberlinusa.com.
Trojan Battery, the world’s leading deep-cycle golf car battery manufacturer, displayed the new Trojan® GC2 48V Lithium-Ion Golf Battery with an IP-67 rating and an 8-year warranty. One of the many unique features of this drop-in solution is a battery status push button with an indicator light. A simple press of this button displays the battery’s state-of-charge and operating status. While there are features that are easy to see on the surface, the technology behind the battery is what separates this from most of the competition. Each lithium cell is welded at multiple points with redundant current paths for optimal performance. There are also no heat sinks necessary to dissipate heat as the Battery Monitoring System (BMS) can monitor and detect any changes in temperature and voltage, providing a safer lithium alternative. For more information, please visit www.trojanbattery.com.
Yamaha Golf Car presented the all-new Yamaha Drive2 PowerTech Li, the only lithium-powered golf car with an independent rear suspension. In order to ensure that the Drive2 model maintained one of the smoothest and most comfortable rides, due to the lighter weight of the RoyPow lithium battery pack (compared to the FLA batteries), the Yamaha engineers tweaked the car design to accommodate for this change – maintaining a prefect balance of ride quality with the independent rear suspension and longer range with no more battery maintenance requirements. The Yamaha Drive2 boasts a 5-year warranty with an 8-year warranty on the RoyPow lithium battery. For more information, visit www.yamahagolfcar.com or call 866-747-4027.
FUTURE SHOWS
The 70th Annual 2023 PGA Merchandise Show is scheduled for January 24-27, 2023 in Orlando, FL at the Orange County Convention Center. The 2023 Golf Industry Show will be held February 8-9, 2023 in Orlando, FL at the Orange County Convention Center.
