As I continue with building my off-season plan, I have been looking at various training aids that I can use during the winter months to help me build a more consistent, repeatable swing. I also figure I’ll be able to get off to a fast start once the snow melts.
As with the rest of the golf equipment industry, training aids have exploded over the last few years and it was a bit maddening to sift through all the various kinds and styles. It seems as if everyone has an idea that will help you correct your slice, find the “slot,” or help you gain twenty yards. After spending a few months looking over the multitude of options, I think I found a few that will help me accomplish my goals.
Last week’s PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando gave me a chance to step out of my semi-retirement from The Sand Trap and check in to see what’s happening in the ever-interesting golf business. I played a couple rounds with the latest and greatest clubs and balls from most of the major equipment companies – at least the ones not named Titleist, Cobra, and Ping, since they are still AWOL from the Show.
I’m not the fastest to catch on to new technologies, but I do my best. That’s why this may not be news to some of you.
My golf season having been officially “over” for two months and the next one still three months out, I will no doubt find the next few months quite maddening. So what can I do? Do I sit around and read the golf magazines looking for the latest tips and drills? Do I drool over the 
Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc. and Golf Galaxy, Inc. have entered into a definitive agreement and plan of merger whereby Dick’s will acquire Golf Galaxy. Under the terms of the agreement, each outstanding share of Golf Galaxy common stock will be converted into the right to receive $18.82 per share in cash, without interest. The Merger Agreement also provides for the assumption of outstanding employee stock options and warrants of Golf Galaxy, except that, the holders of vested in-the-money options and warrants will be permitted to elect to cash out such options and warrants. The Merger Agreement contains a provision related to limited solicitation of third-party proposals and a customary fiduciary out for unsolicited proposals.
Nike will introduce a new golf ball on November 1. The “Juice” is a 312-dimple surlyn-covered golf ball designed for more carry and distance for the low- to mid-head speed player who “needs a little more Juice.”
I never thought to call Sergio Garcia “Tweety Bird” in my 
The downside is that it’s expensive to keep playing the latest and greatest. The upside is that you can quickly realize some terrific bargains on top-of-the-line equipment even as early in the season as June.