But innovative products can be found in Las Vegas. While none of these smaller offerings will rival in attention an announcement like Orlimar's unveiling of a new golf ball line Tuesday, some are particularly noteworthy.
*****
Xpunge ball cleaner The Xpunge is a ball washer that clips on your belt or shoe and lets you clean your ball anywhere without taking a towel along. Inventor Dan Gannon came up with the idea after reading that golf course fertilizers and chemicals adhering to golf balls were making some players -- those who use hands or even mouths to clean their balls on the green -- ill.
"I used one of those rubber coin holders that banks sometimes give out, stuck a sponge in it and attached a clip from an old eyeglass case," Gannon said. "My friends said, 'You ought to patent that.'"
And after a year-long process of finding the right, lightweight plastic and following the steps to bring the product to market, Gannon is introducing Xpunge. It's only been available for five weeks, and Gannon said the response from PGA International Golf Show-goers was strong.
The Xpunge ball washer also comes with a metal ball marker and can be made with custom ball markers to personalize it for a corporate or club tournament. Suggested retail is $7.95. For more information, see the company's Web site at www.xpunge.net or call 1-877-4xpunge.
*****
Soft Swipe isn't a brand new product, but it is available in a new incarnation. Now, says company spokesman Bruce Petillo, the rubber soft spike cleaner can be found in a cart-mounted version.
Soft Swipe portable spike cleaner Soft Swipe first made a name for itself with its portable soft spike cleaner, a 6-inch synthetic rubber disk that can be clipped to a golf bag and removed as needed to wipe away debris caught in soft-spiked golf shoes. Its heavy rubber bristles range from 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch.
The cart-mounted version, which Petillo said will soon be available as an option in many top cart manufacturers' golf cars, is an inch larger than the portable model and attaches to the floor of the cart.
Soft Swipe is also available in a tee-box model. Visit www.softswipe.com or call 1-888-61-SWIPE for more information.
*****
Fairway Industries' Safety Spike Tools started when Don Langford, a disabled golfer, had trouble changing his own spikes. The company makes attachments that fit on power drills to make changing spikes a snap, whether on golf shoes, soccer or football cleats.
Newly introduced attachments work on all types of soft and hard spikes, including Champ Edge and Black Widow spikes. Even if the spikes are rusted in, said Langford's daughter, Donna, the Spike Tools will work to remove it.
"You don't even have to clean the spikes first," Donna Langford said.
The tools have a safety shield of sorts, an outer ring that prevents cutting into the operator's hands or the shoe itself. There's also a quick change adapter that fits on the end of the drill and allows the user to snap in and out the different spike tools available. And for those who do a lot of spike changing, the company also offers changing stations with adjustable shoe forms to make the job even quicker.
Retail cost of the tools ranges from $14.95 to $19.95. Check out the company's Web site, www.fairwayindustries.com or call 800-411-7481 for more details.
*****
Find yourself leaving clubs behind on the greens or losing them in other places? Try the ClubAlert, a system of small radio transmitters that push into the butt end of each club and a receiver that clips on to a golf bag.
When the receiver and transmitter are apart more than 60 feet, a light flashes on the receiver, said Peggy Berry, president of ClubAlert's maker, JONANN Corp.
"And if you don't notice that right away," Berry said, "the receiver starts making noise to let you know you've left a club behind." Fortunately for the other golfers in your foursome, the beep is somewhat subtle.
Berry said the transmitter on each club would not effect a golfer's grip or swing.
ClubAlert can be contacted at www.clubalert.com or by calling 713-785-3502.
*****
Putter 9 Golf Club Caddy Rest Another new product that will lessen your chances of leaving a club behind is The Putter 9 Golf Club Caddy Rest. The concept is simple but ingenious: A tall metal spike with a rubber-coated "arm" at the top can be stuck into the ground and used to hold your clubs upright while around the green. When not in use, it attaches to the side of your golf bag.
The tip is rubber-coated to prevent injury to the golfer or golf bag. Putter 9's rest sells for $24.95.
Visit www.putter9.com or call 800-539-7073 for details.
*****
BrellaGreen BrellaGreen is an interesting idea: A golf umbrella that can be turned upside down and used as a chipping target.
As an umbrella, the BrellaGreen is on the heavy side. But it has a specially designed tip that enables it to be turned over and used for short game practice. The handle telescopes out and comes with a miniature flag, which can be customized with a corporate or golf course logo.
Suggested retail is $49.95 and additional information can be found at www.brellagreen.com or by calling 801-583-5883.
*****
Finally, one of the show's most unique products -- flavored golf tees. While no one will argue that these are a vital addition to your golf bag, cinnamon-flavored Hot Tees and mint-flavored Cool Tees are the kind of thing that brings a smile to your face. Chew on the tee until you're ready to use it -- both flavors are pleasant and act as decent breath fresheners.
A vial of nine tees retails for $2, and the vials can be imprinted with a logo. Call 877-HOT-TEES to get ordering information.
