golf gear

SHOW

stoppers

The 73rd annual PGA Golf Show showcased merchandise from over 1 100 companies and brands. We highlight some sectors that caught the eye

BY BEN KARPINSKI

There can be no escaping the fact that digital is accelerating in all walks of life. Golf is no exception, and at the PGA Show in Orlando the amount of technology on display was noteworthy. There was a lot of focus on AI-driven game improvement, advanced launch monitors, and embedded sensor technology to enhance player performance. Key innovations included pimped-up launch monitors, ceiling-mounted sensors, AI coaching and, for the first time, battery-free shot tracking sensors directly embedded into an iron's grip.

The Golf Mag has taken elements from a variety of reviews and put together a compilation of what stood out.

drivers

The Cobra OPTM Driver was highlighted as one of the most outstanding drivers at the Show, praised for straight distance and forgiveness. The OPTM line (Max-D, Max-K, X and LS versions) offered options for slicers to skilled players.

Ping G440 K was lauded as PING's best driver yet with modest gains in distance and added forgiveness, while the Callaway Quantum Max Driver received strong attention from reviewers for elite distance and consistency.

FAIRWAY WOODS & HYBRIDS

The Callaway Quantum Fairway and Hybrid Concepts were praised. New offerings expanding the Quantum family with advanced geometry and launch characteristics.

Mini-driver and fairway concepts also drew demo day attention,
including some new mini driver designs (though in some cases
technically closer to woods / long clubs) gaining real-world
performance plaudits. Generally, woods emphasised high
launch and forgiveness with advanced face construction
and launch profiling.

IRONS

Callaway again, this time with their Quantum Irons. The new Max, Max OS and Max Fast models were highlighted for forgiveness, high launch and consistent ball speeds especially for mid-to-high handicappers.

PXG 0311 XP GEN8 Irons were one of the most talked-about new iron sets at the Show, with remarkable distance, feel and consistency according to reviews and breakout coverage.

Vice VG103 Forged Irons were noted for clean aesthetics and strong performance in a crowded field.

Cobra's 3D-printed irons attracted attention for new manufacturing methods allowing strategic weight placement to boost forgiveness and feel.

WEDGES

Titleist Vokey SM11 Wedges were widely reviewed at the Show
and noted for their expanded grind and turf-condition options, continuing the Vokey legacy of spin and control.

New wedge offerings from PING'S S259 series were also oraised for strong turf interaction and spin control. Generally, reviewers applauded versatility across different turf conditions and expanded loft ranges to bridge gapping issues.

BALLS

The Bridgestone
Tour B Series (2026)
was widely spotlighted
for improved ball speed and performance, even eliciting praise from equipment team reviewers.

Novel designs like Vice Moon Rock golf balls grabbed eyeballs for their limited-edition appeal (less about performance, more about collectability).

Generally, balls with enhanced mantle layers aimed at gaining slightly more ball speed and yards were a key talking point.

PUTTERS

The SeeMore SBx Putter was high on many reviewers' lists for stability and feel thanks to its RST zero-torque design.

The LAB Golf DF3i Putter was noted for refined stability and a firmer insert for better feel.

Runner Golf Customisable Putters received accolades for personalisation and fitting flexibility. Of the established brands, new offerings from Cobra, Scotty Cameron and Bettinardi also drew interest.

POPULAR 'BESTS'

Drivers:
Cobra OPTM Driver

Fairway Woods/Woods:
Callaway Quantum Fairway Woods

Irons:
PXG 0311 XP GEN8

Wedges:
Titleist Vokey SM11 Wedges

Putters:
SeeMore SBx Putter

Balls:
Bridgestone Tour B Ball Lineup (2026)

Shoes:
True Linkswear Antigravity Shoe

Technology:
Shot Scope LM1 Launch Monitor

MOST-TALKED ABOUT

The personal launch monitor – and topping the talk was the Shot Scope LM1. It's slightly smaller than an iPad, with a 3.5-inch colour display that delivers instant feedback without requiring a phone, tablet or app connection. To set up, just turn on the power, place it six feet behind the ball, and start hitting. Ball speed, clubhead speed, smash factor, carry distance and total distance appear on the screen within seconds. Price? A scarcely beliveable $199.99.

SHOES

TRUE Linkswear Antigravity Shoes were widely featured as one of the most innovative shoe debuts, with a Pebax superfoam midsole delivering lightweight comfort and energy return for walking golfers.

PAYNTR Reserve Classic Tour RS is mentioned for combining classic looks with high-performance construction at strong value.

Under Armour Drive Pro Clone was highlighted as a comfortable, performance-focused option available in both spiked and spikeless versions

BY THE NUMBERS

There were 1 195 brands exhibiting golf equipment, apparel, technology and services.

More than 34 000 industry professionals attended from across the globe.

Some 90 countries were represented by attendees, underscoring the event's international scope.

8 200+ PGA Professionals, LPGA & international professionals were in attendance.

1 300+ VIP buyers representing 910 golf facilities and retail outlets attended to source products for the coming season.

$975m in purchasing power was brought by VIP buyers – a major indicator of business intent.

$2.4bn in retail sales potential tied to buyer and retailer orders from the show.

1.1m square feet of exhibit, demo and meeting space used across the Orange County Convention Center.

15km of show aisles filled with products, from drivers and irons to shoes and golf technology.

400 new exhibitors making their PGA Show debut, adding to golf innovation and competition.

03/03/2026 07:59:59