Last year during the PGA Show my last product interview was with Sumi-g, a very hip golf accessory company which had just launched. As I talked to the president of the company Marius, I’d found out that we had a lot in common. First, we’re both golf junkies with similar handicap levels. Second, we lived in the same town. Third, we’d been playing the same course every Thursday for years, our tee times about 45 minutes apart.
Over the last year I’ve done numerous posts and product reviews about Sumi-g head covers, belts and other accessories. I’ve played dozens of rounds of golf with Marius, and our friendship developed over the year.
Toward the end of 2009 I’d started looking for a new gig, as my other business world, the media duplication industry, was on life support. Technological advances (digital downloads etc) and the economy were putting that business model to sleep. I knew I had to jump ship before the boat sank. Then one day Marius approached me and asked if I’d join Sumi-g. I guess he’d gotten to know me well enough and through seeing how excited I was about the product line in person and on my web sites, saw some value in what I could offer. I decided to take a leap of faith and jump from my sinking ship into a new position as national sales manager for the company.
Not To Worry
My web ventures like Hooked On Golf Blog and The Golf Space are happy and healthy and it aren’t going anywhere.
As far as a conflict of interest goes that is an interesting thing to ponder. If some company who competes with Sumi-g sends me a head cover or a belt or accessory to review, what will I say? I’ve gone over that in my head for a while. It really comes down to what I’ve always done, which is call ’em like I see ’em. If the thing is awesome, I’ll write about it. If it sucks, then I’ll write that too.
2010 PGA Show
Yes I’ll be at this year’s PGA Show. But most of that time will be spent working the booth. I’ll throw my press credential on a run a round a bit, but this year I won’t be able to do the massive coverage I’ve done in previous years. I will be blogging about the show regardless so there will be plenty of info to chomp on. I’ll also have other insights on what it is like behind the scenes and what is up at the Wednesday demo day. I’ll be attending that for the first time.
So if you want to come by and say hello, ask for me me in booth #3629. That’s where I’ll be most of the show.
In preparation for the 2010 PGA Show, I’ve now removed the 2009 PGA Show blog module from the home page here. I’m saving the listing of all the blogs I did at last year’s show here for easy access. Click the links below to get to each individual post.
PGA SHOW PHOTOS
Sumi-g
Casey Jones Interview
Vicarious Golf
4 Video Interviews
EEZ-READ
Nuru Training Aids
Bobby Jones Golf
Nicklaus Golf
Mibrella Umbrellas
Gogie Girl Golf Hats
OGIO Booth
Rough Start
Chicago
Travel Day
I’ve confirmed that Rife Putters will continue to sponsor HOG SPACE Fantasy Golf in 2010.
One of the fantasy top winners for the season will receive an awesome RIFE PUTTER!
I have TWO Rife putters and they’re awesome.
Do we take care of our patrons or what?
JOIN HOG SPACE FANTASY GOLF NOW! The season starts soon. For more info visit the HOG SPACE FANTASY PAGE.
When FootJoy announced the end of their Classic shoe line, I knew people on suicide watch. They were stocking up, like back when Coke changed their formula. Well fear not those of you standing on the ledge, the new FootJoy Icons are worth living for.
Icon Leathers
The Icons are made from fine calfskin and full grain leather. Calfskin leather is attractive and is highly resistant to stretching. Full grain leather is breathable, durable and is highly waterproof. FootJoy is so confident in the waterproofing that they warrant it for two years.
The leather “fit bed” (what your foot rests on) morphs to the shape of your foot and provides comfort.
Last but not least in the leather department are the linings, which provide padding and more comfort.
Memory Foam
“Memory foam” (can I get some for my brain?) in the tongue and collar of the shoe produce shaping and custom fit.
Other Technologies
Other technologies the FJ Icons employ include the “Dual Optiflex Zones” which produce walking comfort and the “Torque Bar” (the silver dotted thing pictured right, in the bottom of the shoe between the heel and front of the foot) which increases stability and just plain looks cool.
I could go on and on with all the tech stuff but I’m going to just move to the next and most important heading…
On The Course
My Icons are so good looking I don’t even want to wear them for fear of scuffing them up or getting them dirty. But I was a trooper this past season and did manage to play about 40 rounds with them. After 40 rounds, they look the same as new when I clean them up.
I still remember the first few rounds I played with the Icons. The pros and hot players around were all drooling over my shoes. “Are those the new Icons?!?!” Yup, they are. “Ohhhhh.”
I’m not much of a “dress shoe” guy. I prefer Vans. Actually I’ll take that a step farther. I’m not much of a shoe guy. In the summer the ONLY shoes I wear are golf shoes. Other than that it is typically bare feet or sandals. Yes I have FJ sandals.
The Icons took a few rounds to really break in, and for the memory foam to gain consciousness I suppose. But after that I’ve hardly been aware that I’m wearing golf shoes. They’re molded right to my feet and comfortable. Walking a full 18 holes is no big deal. I do need to air them out though, as my feet can get sweaty. Thats a good reason to own two pairs Icons, so you can alternate them every other day. 🙂
Conclusion
Though I’ve typically been more of a fan of the cushier types of golf shoes like the Contour series I reviewed here, I’m thrilled with the comfort and performance of my Icons. Most surprising of all perhaps, is their durability and the way they look so great even after so many rounds.
Related Links
FootJoy Web Site
FootJoy Gallery (Icon gallery inside)
MyJoy Contour Review
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