Editors' Picks From The 2015 PGA Merchandise Show
ThinQ Golf app
"Coaches usually just tell their students to focus better," ThinQ CEO Tim Suzor says, "but there's nothing out there that actually trains people to focus better." That's where the ThinQ App steps in. Users play games that fall into five different categories -- awareness, adaptability, attention, intention and synchronicity. The games get increasingly more difficult the more you play them. It's essentially the same as people doing crosswords puzzles to keep their minds sharp, only the crosswords are instead video games specifically designed to improve your golf. Subscriptions to the app are $8 per month or $80 for a year. -- Luke Kerr-DineenThinQ Golf App
The Perfect Putter
Sometimes -- and by sometimes, I mean most times -- the best training aids don't look all that glamorous. Case in point: Players can use this stimpmeter-looking device ($239) to find exactly how much a putt breaks. Once you've found out what the perfect putt looks like, you clip on the accompanying alignment aid and remove the stimpmeter-thing. Now, you can practice putting knowing if you hit it with the right speed, it'll roll straight into the hole. Plus, there's something therapeutic about seeing the ball go into the hole over and over. Justin Rose is using this in his practice routine. Remember how he putted at the Ryder Cup? -- L.K.D.The Perfect Putter
SwitchGrips
Every year, something pops up at the PGA Merchandise Show that's so weird it's actually cool. SwitchGrips is so named because they're designed to screw on and off through a plug that sits at the top of the grip. But that's not the only thing that's a little unique about them. In addition to polyurethane and traditional-leather models, which retail for $35 and $64, respectively, SwitchGrips offer an exotic line made from real animals. Some of the more popular selections so far? Snakeskin, Stingray, Alligator and Pigskin. Again, all real. Prices for the exotics range from $90 to $200. -- L.K.D.Switch Grips
Izzo Swami GT
It felt like every other booth at this year's Show was a technology company offering either a GPS distance-measuring device or a tour-grade stat-tracking gadget that calculates how far you hit each of your clubs. What made the Swami GT stand out is that it offered both functions in one, and at a reasonable price point ($200). The integration of the two comes into play with its E-Caddie feature, which suggests what club you should use from certain distances based on your personal stats history. The Swami GT is expected to be in stores by the summer. -- Ryan HerringtonIzzo
Aeroe GolfPod
The square, hard-shelled design looks a bit clunky, but the functionality of this hybrid golf bag, available at retail later this year, is hard to argue with. Less than a foot wide and deep, the bag fits on a golf cart or can be attached to a push cart with little fuss. It's waterproof and has plenty of room for clubs, balls, accessories and apparel. When you're done with the round, put on the top and it doubles as a travel bag that can be checked as luggage at an airport. The $595 retail price is roughly what you'd pay separately for a quality cart bag and a travel bag. -- R.H.Aeroe
Arm-lock Converter Putter Grip
Ed Klein, a stockbroker from Aberdeen, Wash., and club professional Ronnie Espedal created this grip as an alternative for those who use an anchored-putting stroke, which will be banned starting in 2016. The converter grip ($30) replaces a regular grip on a putter, with the bore in the grip angled so that the shaft can aligned with your forearm. The design increases the effective loft of a putter by 2 degrees, alleviating the need for a forward press. The company also has a counterbalanced grip for those who prefer to use a traditional stroke. -- R.H.Arm Lock
Bushnell Tour X
Why (and how) could any golfer play without a laser rangefinder? I'm addicted to mine. That's why the Tour X ($500) caught my eye. It vibrates when the laser locks in on a target, and it comes with two faceplates: a black version that restricts the device to measuring actual yardages to conform with the Rules of Golf and the red version, which reads the actual yardage, slope percentage and calculated yardage. Also, a toggle on the Tour X allows you two switch between reading red numbers (which are easier to see early/late in the day) and black numbers (which are easier to read under sunny skies).-- Ashley MayoBushnell
GoPro 3-way camera mount
This is like a Swiss Army knife for golfers who love to snap crazy-cool photos on the course. The $70 device contorts into three main positions: a follow stick (Want to capture steady video as you walk down a beautiful fairway? Done.), an extension arm (Want to snap photos from way up high? No problem.) and a tripod (Want to record your golf swing or capture photos of the ball going in the hole from really cool, low angles? Easy.). -- A.M.GoPro
Arccos Stat Tracker
If you really want to improve your game, you have to track your stats. Luckily, Arccos ($399) does all the heavy lifting for you. It's a system of 14 sensors (one that pairs to each club) that instantly tracks every shot in real time using GPS and Bluetooth technology. It's as simple as this: attach the sensors to the grip-end of each club, download the free Arccos app, pair the sensors to your phone, then play. The app track stats like average and longest drives, club usage and distance, greens in regulation and putts per hole. You can glance at your phone during the round if you'd like to see these stats in progress. -- A.M.Arccos
Sun Mountain Two 5
I love the idea of a Sunday bag because it's so light. But laying one on the ground is inconvenient, and when the grass is dewy, everything gets all wet. The Two 5 bag seems to have the best of both worlds: super lightweight (2.5 pounds) and a kick stand. The handle and hard plastic ring around the bag's top are super sturdy, with the entire top flared to make it easier to take clubs in and out without making the bag bigger. It will be available in June for $229. -- Keely LevinsSun Mountain
DST Golf Compressor club
The DST ($99) isn't your typical warm-up club. For one thing, it's not weighted like most others in the category. Oh, and it has a bent shaft, which is what makes it truly unique. The bend mimics the position that a traditional shaft takes at impact, helping you naturally align your hands forward. If you're able to get into that position, it means you'll be hitting down on the ball, the best way to make solid contact. -- K.L.DST Golf
Big Max I Dry
Having worked in a bag room for five years, I still have nightmares about how golfers who used push carts on rainy days would come in with the bottom half of their bags soaked because theirs umbrella didn't cover them. We'd have to take out the clubs out to dry the grips and let the bags dry, annoying stuff. It's probably why I like the I Dry ($90), which fits over the entire bag, attaching directly to Big Max's push carts. The cover's top is see-through, making it easy to find the proper club being picking it out. Where was this when I was cleaning clubs?!? -- K.L.Big Max