If you’ve never attended the PGA Show at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, here’s the most basic way I can describe it to you: Every company in the game (as well as a bunch in pickleball and travel) crams into one wing of the the most ridiculously large building in Mickey World and, over the span of a week, determines the trends for the rest of the year. Oh, and it’s insanely chaotic. Like ants at a picnic, but instead of crumbs, everyone is chasing new clubs and the latest in shoes that can be worn on and off the course.

To be completely honest, the thing that I dislike the most about The Show is the scope of it all. The massive exhibits are downright overwhelming, and they dwarf the smaller brands that are trying to make big things happen. I realized several years ago that what matters most is the products being created and displayed by the brands who want to break in — call them disrupters, intruders, pretenders, or whatever — but they don’t typically get the attention they deserve.

That changes today, as this is the new gear that will be atop my wishlist and, for the most part, taking up precious space in my bags for every golf getaway in 2025.

Blue Tees PlayMaker+ GSP Watch

This was my favorite new item from the PGA Show, so I have been positively percolating to share the news now that Blue Tees has formally announced the release of its PlayMaker+ GPS watch. If you’re not familiar with the brand, or it’s on the tip of your tongue but just can’t place it, this company also created my longrunning favorite golf and travel accessory: The Player+ Bluetooth Speaker. (And, when I’m only bringing one bag, the Ringer takes its place.) Now, this golf watch should elevate Blue Tees to major player status.

For starters, this lightweight accessory isn’t as clunky and bothersome as other watches, and we all know how annoying size and bulk can be when we are trying to swing a club. I’ve worn the same watch for three years, but I have always had to turn it so the face is on the inside of my wrist, as it otherwise messes with my glove, and that’s a complaint that I hear a lot. As such, the PlayMaker+ was designed with this problem in mind, and its slim shape alone will be a welcome reprieve for those of us who constantly have to fix our gloves because of fatter faces.

The other thing that we already know about Blue Tees that everyone else should know is how user-friendly each device is, including the watch. Not only is the speaker as simple as one-touch on your iPhone, but the app is incredibly convenient, too. Given that the PlayMaker+ boasts access to more than 42,000 golf courses, it’s always great to know that you’ll be able to find (and favorite) those that you play the most or the courses you plan to play on vacation — which aren’t always waiting for you on other devices.

Vice Golf VGI02 Irons

While everyone was circling the major club brands like vultures, I was a kid standing outside a candy shop at Vice’s display for their new VGI01 and 02 irons. Now, Vice already has a permanent spot in my travel bag for the Drive balls, as they’re both affordable and fun to hit. Obviously, I am just as excited about the changes they’ve made to each type of ball and the cool designs and exclusive looks that are rolling out, but the irons are literal game-changers.

Having played with a wonderful set of Takomo 101 irons for the last few years, I admit that affordability plays a huge role in my decision-making. A big part of that is because I am traveling internationally and lord knows how my clubs are going to be mishandled at any given baggage carousel, so I might feel a little better about a broken club head if I didn’t dish out four figures for the set. So, for starters, the Vice VGI02 irons are a great new entry-level set based solely on price, but anyone who cares about design and style is going to love the whole package.

What really jumped out at me was that, like Vice’s colorful balls, there’s personality to the irons as well — and that goes for the VGI01 irons as well, which are slightly more expensive. Customize your new clubs with colorful grips and shafts, and there’s no doubt that more eyes will be on you as you show off that effortless swing, made even better by the exceptional balance, big beautiful sweetspot, and forgiveness that you won’t find in most other clubs.

Best of all, affordable irons mean you’ll have extra cash for when the insanely sleek VGD01 driver and VGF01 woods are available. You can thank me then.

Duca Del Cosma Kingscup Golf Shoes

For no reason other than I am a creature of habit, I have worn the same pairs of “course-to-resort” shoes for the last several years, as this style is ideal for minimalist travelers. But here’s the problem with that idea that we don’t talk about enough: Your shoes will start to smell pretty darn funky after a bit. Yes, you can pack a spray or something, but let’s instead consider the better solution of bringing your golf shoes separately (like in your clubs’ travel case, which I figured out way too late in the game). 

After all, keeping your packing light is a great concept, but don’t let it happen at the expense of your golf style. And I don’t think there’s a more stylish shoe and apparel brand out there as Duca Del Cosma, which was admittedly never on my radar because of my bland dad vibes, but as soon as I tried on the Kingscup golf shoes, I was sold. And it’s not just about comfort, as this look is stylish enough to stand out but also simple enough to match your basic shirts and shorts/pants. 

In fact, that’s why I like them so much, because if I’m just rocking the plain shorts and navy polo, the shoes do the speaking, and so far every random golfer I have played with has asked for the link. The word is out on the shoe, and it’ll only be a matter of time before the new apparel follows suit.

Jondo Sandy Sunglasses

When it comes to sunglasses, I am insanely picky. This is where I will rarely break from brand loyalty, because I always need the right style, and unlike stanky shoes, it needs to be great for golf and dressing up a little for dinner. So, while I do have some quirkier brands and styles in my massive closet display, I am always drawn to the simpler looks, and that’s the first thing that I loved about Jondo’s Sandy sunglasses.

If you haven’t heard of Jondo yet, you probably will very soon. After all, this is the brand that Ernie Els has been wearing since late last year and he has four Top 5 finishes in six tournaments this year, having kicked it all off with a win at the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai. And if you know anything about playing in Hawaii, a great pair of sunglasses is a necessity, and Els won with Jondo on his face. Now, does that mean he would have lost with any other brand? Maybe!

I’m confident in this brand because of my own results more than anything. I was sold on the idea of a lighter frame even before I knew what Jondo’s “KRISP” lens technology was all about, but even that was evident from the first tee box. There’s no glare — it’s so great. Looking out at the fairway with the Caribbean sun blazing above or down at the green with sweat dripping from your brow, it doesn’t make a difference, because you see everything so clearly. And I have also had multiple styles that slid right off my sweaty face, but not these. The rubber grips on the temples keep the fit snug, but it’s never annoying or irritating. 

This is an all-around exceptional style that does a little bit of everything, very well.

Johnnie-O Welsey Performance ¼-zip Hoodie

Raving about Johnnie-O’s quality and the versatility of almost everything they make is one of the most unnecessary tasks I can imagine. If you know, you absolutely already know. However, unlike many golf apparel companies, this brand keeps everything simple yet stylish and doesn’t ever stray too far from the purpose of providing “best bang for your buck” gear that can accomplish the incredibly important task of going from the resort to the course and back again.

While I could probably write an essay about how much fun it is to piece together outfits from all the new arrivals from Johnnie-O this season, I’m focusing on the one piece that falls under the crucial “Most Trusted Things in My Bag” category, and that’s the Welsey Performance ¼-zip Hoodie. For starters, it’s light enough to roll up and tuck away in my backpack for those spur of the moment trips to the Dominican Republic, but it’ll also keep you warm enough when those morning Caribbean breezes come rolling in and you’re first off the tee. Most importantly, again, it is a simple yet effective style that works in any casual situation, as it can go over a polo or even the performance tee and save you the steps of heading back to your room to change before meeting the crew back at the clubhouse. 

(But maybe bring a stick of the Dove Men+ Whole Body Deodorant and spare the bros from your golf course odors.)

Batcaddy EVO II Remote

As a Floridian, the thought of walking my local courses is a tad unappealing, what with the nuclear summer months approaching. However, with wellness a top priority, it’s an ideal strategy. Carrying my bag, though? Nah. If I’m doing this, I am doing it in style, with a top of the line remote control electric golf caddy, and the model that caught my eye at this year’s big show is the Batcaddy EVO II Remote, which is a lightweight, minimalistic style that will be any solo golfer’s best friend.

How do you know if something is as good as advertised? It’s sold out. That’s a bummer for anyone looking to grab one right now, so you can certainly do no wrong by picking one of the other models — the X8R, X3R, and X4R are all currently discounted — but good things come to those who wait, and anyone who can be patient and wait for the restock will be making a wise decision. Not only is this a lighter model at jus 23 pounds, but the way it collapses and packs into any size vehicle is a marvelous design feature.

This was truly developed for golfers who don’t want to be burdened by the gear they need to be better at this game, and the remote control experience means one hand will be open for a delicious marg at the turn.