10 Cool Things We Saw at the PGA Show: Thursday

More than 1,200 companies are exhibiting at the PGA Show this week, and PGA.com is busily walking the aisles. Some things, and people, stand out from the crowd, though, and here is our list of noteworthy sightings on Day 1 in Orlando.

John Kim, PGA.com Coordinating Producer

ORLANDO, Fla. -- They say that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. But what happens in Orlando eventually spreads everywhere. At least, it does this week with the start of the 55th PGA Merchandise Show. Here, the golf industry's brightest and most innovative companies come prepared to impress the eager but discerning minds of the PGA Professionals and retailers who help promote and grow the game.

Always a big draw at the Merchandise Show are the latest and greatest offerings in equipment. Here is a listing of the top 10 clubs/equipment items that PGA.com saw on the first day of the Show:

10.) The new FT-5 driver from Callaway: Billed as the most technologically advanced driver that peaks at the maximum levels allowed on energy transfer, it makes one wonder if Callaway will call this the best driver they can possibly make and not try to refine it any more. For some reason, I doubt that. But it is one impressive looking club.

9.) Jim Furyk/Annika Sorenstam: Okay, they're not exactly clubs, but they sure know how to swing them. These two figures came on behalf of their equipment manufacturers and livened up the show floor with their presence.

8.) Nike Golf's square-headed fairway woods: Seriously.

7.) Heavy Putter: It's hard to not have a smooth stroke with the Heavy Putter. Somehow, I still manage.

6.) e21 hybrids: The the revolutionary material scandium (the 21st element on the periodic table, hence the name), is the basis for this golf club company that has made quite the reputation for itself as a lighter, stronger alternative to the popular titanium-based golf club (element 22).

5.) MacGregor's Face Off putter: They say no matter where you hit the ball with this club, the ball goes the same distance.

4.) Contour Fitted Putters: Everyone talks about the importance of club fitting, but how many people really fit their putters? I mean, take measures with the intended posture and measure where the arms hang, etc. Contour Fitted Putters do just that and then can make a putter that serves your swing characteristics the best.

3.) Cleveland Golf's CG14 chrome wedges: They are known as the best wedge makers in the business for a reason. They are.

2.) Rife putters: They are marketing what they call the "world's first hybrid putter." Whether that's technically the case might be semantics, but there is no debate that the crowds and the enthusiasm around their booth were large.

1.) The Pelz wedge from Bobby Jones: Designed by Dave Pelz, crafted by Jesse Ortiz, and brandishing the name Bobby Jones. Seriously, how cool is that? I'm sure it's a great club that can help your game, but the names associated with the club make this the best stop of the day.