I like to start these newsletters with a reminder about how we should support our growing list of sponsors. Starting this month, I'll single out a couple of sponsors to give them the plugs they deserve and give you a bit more information about them.
The first sponsor I'll talk about is Geek Golf. I attended a golf expo last year that featured a long drive hitter by the name Mike Dobbyn. When someone from the audience asked him who he recommends for players with swing speeds comparable to his 145 mph, he announced Geek Golf as the provider of such equipment.
Now fast forward to several days ago while I was shopping at my local WalMart. I meet a golfer I know from the next town and we talk a little about golf equipment. He tells me that his Ping G-5 driver is now “history” because he’s now driving the ball 20 yards farther – even with his sub 90 mph swing speed. Can you guess what his replacement driver is? It’s the Geek Golf “DOT COM THIS”! Listening to both a professional long driver and a golfer who normally plays OEM equipment both brag about one of our sponsors is “priceless” as the commercial says.
Give Steve a call at 888 422 8899 or send email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Next up this month is Golf Shop Rates owned by “The Mad Honk”, aka Dave Hohnke. Not only does Dave serve on the technical committee and is currently developing the ICG Clubfitting Certification exam, but he is also a sponsors with the Golf Shop Rates Manual that can be found at http://golfshoprates.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=1.
Dave’s package includes the Golf Shop Rates software and a copy of the Flat Rate Manual. Give him a call if you’re interested in operating a successful business.
Our last sponsor this month is Al Dilz of Sports Sensors Inc. Al’s website is located at http://www.swingspeedradar.com/.
Every clubfitter should have one of his swing speed radar units in their shop. In fact, while Mike Dobbyn gave his long drive demonstration, the Zelocity unit he was using failed. There was no problem because Mike carries a Sport Sensor swing speed radar unit in his bag and used it for the remainder of his exhibition. By the way, I carry Sports Sensor radar unit in my golf bag.
Next month I’ll feature three more sponsors, but please look for the links list of all ICG Sponsors at the end of this newsletter. Click on their links, give them a look, or call them and thank them for their continuing support.
I also would like to mention that any members who own Zelocity Pure Launch units make note of the article under "Product Review" towards the end of this newsletter. An effort is being brought forth by group of Pure Launch owners whose purpose and intent is to resolve the critical issues and system flaws in the Pure Launch system.
They have spent many hours with testing, analysis and system comparisons with the sole purpose of correcting the flaws in the system so that owners of these systems could rely on the data and information produced.
If you are an owner of the Pure Launch and would like to get involved with this cause please follow the link listed in the article. More information can be found in the Guild members private folder listed here. http://www.clubmakersguild.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1841
Thank you
Ron Rizio
Membership Committee Chairman
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
The ICG Equals Value-Added Peak Competitor
I was reading an article a while ago about the different levels of competitiveness that exist in business and industry. The author labeled this competitiveness into the following categories: equalizer, differentiators, and value-added peak competitors.
He stated that the equalizers want to be as good as everyone else and they are more likely to seek ways to close the gap between themselves and everyone else in the industry.
The differentiators will seek ways to expand or widen the gap between themselves and everyone else in the industry. These competitors want to be better than the rest and often make claims to be the "best of the best."
The highest level competitor is the value-added peak competitor. Rather than focus on the gap between themselves and the competition, they concentrate instead on bridging the gap between potential and reality. Value-added peak competitors pride themselves on teamwork, treat each other with respect, build each other up and not down, and place their organizational emphasis on "we is greater than me" mentality.
In many ways I see the ICG as The Value-Added Peak Competitor by seeking to harness the potential of bringing together golf clubmakers, club fitters, club repairmen, PGA Professionals, swing teachers, suppliers, equipment designers, engineers and golf scientists from every aspect of the golf industry.
Whether your a professional or a hobbyist; whether you build golf clubs for a major OEM name brand supplier, a big box retailer, a mom-and-pop corner golf store or simply build a few clubs in your garage, basement, kitchen or bathroom; if you build for profit, for friends or to pay your greens fees.....the reality is that ICG has a place for you!
Although we obviously have the potential to become a great organization, the reality is that we need your help. As an independent, member-owned and operated organization, we determine the benefits, programs and deliverables of the organization for all our members but in order to have continued success, we all need to contribute.
How can you contribute? Here are some suggestions.
We need more articles and videos in our libraries and Wiki.
We need you to participate on the discussion forums by asking a question or answering a question.
We need more members to step up and join our working committees.
Search the ICG Resource Libraries and Wiki and check out the articles and videos submitted. Ask yourself, what are we lacking? What needs to be there? Help us fill the voids.
Log on to the discussion forums, and read through the postings. Submit a shop tip, voice your opinions and thoughts in the Guild business folder, or tell a sponsor how much you appreciate what they are offering.
Become a proactive member of the Guild’s future. It's not hard work, and your commitment will only involve an hour or two a week.
2010 PGA Show
Thank you
Ron Rizio
Membership Committee Chairman
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
The ICG Equals Value-Added Peak Competitor
I was reading an article a while ago about the different levels of competitiveness that exist in business and industry. The author labeled this competitiveness into the following categories: equalizer, differentiators, and value-added peak competitors.
He stated that the equalizers want to be as good as everyone else and they are more likely to seek ways to close the gap between themselves and everyone else in the industry.
The differentiators will seek ways to expand or widen the gap between themselves and everyone else in the industry. These competitors want to be better than the rest and often make claims to be the "best of the best."
The highest level competitor is the value-added peak competitor. Rather than focus on the gap between themselves and the competition, they concentrate instead on bridging the gap between potential and reality. Value-added peak competitors pride themselves on teamwork, treat each other with respect, build each other up and not down, and place their organizational emphasis on "we is greater than me" mentality.
In many ways I see the ICG as The Value-Added Peak Competitor by seeking to harness the potential of bringing together golf clubmakers, club fitters, club repairmen, PGA Professionals, swing teachers, suppliers, equipment designers, engineers and golf scientists from every aspect of the golf industry.
Whether your a professional or a hobbyist; whether you build golf clubs for a major OEM name brand supplier, a big box retailer, a mom-and-pop corner golf store or simply build a few clubs in your garage, basement, kitchen or bathroom; if you build for profit, for friends or to pay your greens fees.....the reality is that ICG has a place for you!
Although we obviously have the potential to become a great organization, the reality is that we need your help. As an independent, member-owned and operated organization, we determine the benefits, programs and deliverables of the organization for all our members but in order to have continued success, we all need to contribute.
How can you contribute? Here are some suggestions.
We need more articles and videos in our libraries and Wiki.
We need you to participate on the discussion forums by asking a question or answering a question.
We need more members to step up and join our working committees.
Search the ICG Resource Libraries and Wiki and check out the articles and videos submitted. Ask yourself, what are we lacking? What needs to be there? Help us fill the voids.
Log on to the discussion forums, and read through the postings. Submit a shop tip, voice your opinions and thoughts in the Guild business folder, or tell a sponsor how much you appreciate what they are offering.
Become a proactive member of the Guild’s future. It's not hard work, and your commitment will only involve an hour or two a week.
2010 PGA Show
By Jim McCleary
Golf professionals from around the world gather in Orlando each year to network, see new products, attend education classes, and make deals with suppliers. The PGA Merchandise Show consists of the demo day, a time to test new equipment, listen to sales pitches from the vendors and maybe get a sun burn. The remaining days are indoors at the Orange County convention center, a monster of a complex that holds nearly 10 miles of display aisles when the PGA Show comes to town.
Each year I have heard that the show has diminished a bit in size, and 2010 was no different. Although there is a return of some OEMs to the show, I believe the weak economy has stifled the attempts of new companies to get a piece of the golf industry’s “pie”. Overall attendance this year was much lower than last year. That is bad news for the show’s promoters but great for folks like me who need more “face time” with suppliers to let them know about McGolf. The theme or feel this year was not about equipment or clothes, but rather on training and fitness equipment. The PGA seems to have realized that moving away from the lessons to management practices may need some tweaking.
In addition, the PGA was beating the “economy is turning” drum. I could not pass an OEM booth without hearing how good a custom fit each company can do or how much it’s needed. I am riding that wave of their marketing wave by saying “see, the OEMs are catching up to our way of thinking”. I think of the Staples commercial with the barber and the big chain hair cut place where a large chain moves in directly across from a local barber and offers $6 hair cuts. The barber goes to Staples and buys a banner that states “WE FIX $6 HAIRCUTS” to hang over his door. The commercial ends with the large chain going out of business in 6 months. The analogy to many ICG members is obvious.
Here are my quick thoughts on the 2010 PGA Merchandise Show.
· Don’t be afraid to ask the larger grip companies for displays; they are more than willing to get some presence in your shop.
· White is the new black for grips.
· If you find a shaft under a $100, let me know. They were not there at the show.
· The golf ball race is slowing. All the good stuff is already out there.
· I need to get lesson gadgets and get in good with my local fitness instructor.
· I found a great cap maker that will do an initial min order of 48 and prices starting at $3.99ea to $5.99ea with embroidery.
· Custom fit is the new mantra of the OEMs.
· Forget about multi-shaft drivers, but multi-shaft fitting centers will be commonplace.
· Got to see Eric at Infiniti, Charlie from SK Fiber, Jack from Jumbo Max grips, Jamie at UST, Gregg at Lamkin, Todd from Optimal Flight. We missed Bruce at Aldila, Sean and Mike from Zelocity and Jeff from Hireko. Thanks to all that put up with me on this trip.
· Many thanks to my wife, Robin, who kept me on track meeting with suppliers and reminding me that the ocean is not inside!
From The Technical Committee
Congratulations 
go out to Manuel Guzman of TShotGolf located in Lemoore, CA s our 1st ICG Certified Clubmaker.
go out to Manuel Guzman of TShotGolf located in Lemoore, CA s our 1st ICG Certified Clubmaker. We currently have 3 members taking the written exam. Gary Tozer, Don Johnson, Ivan Goh.
The Technical Committee encourages all Guild members to apply for and obtain whatever level of Certification would be applicable to that member when Certification in that particular discipline becomes available. To apply for certification, a member must be current and in good standing.
Boston Golf Expo
When? March 5-7 2010.
Where? Seaport World Trade Center at 200 Seaport Boulevard, Boston, MA 02210
The ICG has been invited to attend this event, and we will be positioned along with Golf Pride. Golf Pride will be giving one grip to each person who attends the show, and Guild members will offer to install the grip free of charge. However, patrons MUST bring their own club in to take advantage of this offer
We still need volunteers to help man the booth, so please volunteer a portion of a day if you plan to attend. You will get a chance to rub elbows with O.E.M. reps, and you will have the opportunity to meet and talk to people from your geographic area. If you come, please locate us, introduce yourself, and sit and talk about golf and your membership in the Guild.
Further information on the Boston Golf Expo can be found at http://www.paragonexpo.com/213.html?flash=1. Contact Jim Cook at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you can volunteer some time. You can also contact Jim through the members’ directory, by private message or in the guild forum under http://www.clubmakersguild.com/forum...ead.php?t=1688
Product Review – Zelocity’s Pure Launch
A small group of Pure Launch owners has been working for some time in an attempt to understand the seemingly flawed data coming from the Pure Launch system. We have spent many hours in testing, analysis and system comparisons with the sole purpose of understanding the data so we could rely on the information produced. We have presented our findings to Zelocity which has been unable and/or unwilling to address these issues. We are in the process of gathering and publishing the information on our blog located at msgolf.wordpress.com and will be adding much more in the next few days.
Located on the blog now are …….
1. A link to a video that convinced a major retailer to credit the full price of a used unit to a Pure Launch owner.
2. Optimal Flight data comparisons between Pure Launch and Track Man. According to the technology page at Zelocity their measurements are very accurate so we tested it against a Trackman using software that is widely respected in the industry.
3. Coming soon more detailed data and tests you can run using your unit. Exactly how is the Pure Launch getting the output you, and your customer, see on the screen? You might be surprised!!
Sincerely.......
Z Managers Group
http://msgolf.wordpress.com/
New Members
Please welcome our newest members this month: Bobby Chestnut, Vinnie Racaniello, Antony Ng, PETER WISE and William Edwards
FYICG Publication
Do you have something you want to sell? News you want to share? The FYICG publication is the Guilds monthly classified section and is free to all members listed in out databases. Take advantage of this free advertising and submit your news to me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Membership Renewals
By Tim Hewitt
Membership Renewal emails have started to go out. Thank you for your patience in this effort.
The renewal process is not exactly as I would have liked, but it should work while I continue to work with the subscription software provider on the outstanding issues I have identified with their system.
The initial email that went out had a broken link, so many of you will have a link to renew that does not work. I apologize for that. Somehow the editor decided to remove the actual website from the link so it's missing the www.clubmakersguild.com piece. That problem has since been repaired in the new round of emails going out, but those of you who have already received emails will not get another one.
If you cannot follow the link in the email, do not despair. You can simply go to the Join the Guild link on the Home Page in the Main Menu and renew. Make sure you are logged into the website before you try to renew or it will ask you to create another account. Don't do that, just log in and then renew.
If you renew and lose access to the Private forums or the Committee forums, please let us know via email. There's a strange bug we're still tracking down that occasionally drops people from certain forums and we're working on correcting this. We'll grant you immediate access to the forums you are blocked out of, as soon as you let us know!
If you forget to renew, the world does not end. Just sign up again! Be sure you are logged into the website, and things will work great.
Again, thanks for your patience. Please report any issues to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Please send your Comments and Suggestions to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Please patronize our sponsors every chance you get and tell they how much you appreciate their support
New Members
Please welcome our newest members this month: Bobby Chestnut, Vinnie Racaniello, Antony Ng, PETER WISE and William Edwards
FYICG Publication
Do you have something you want to sell? News you want to share? The FYICG publication is the Guilds monthly classified section and is free to all members listed in out databases. Take advantage of this free advertising and submit your news to me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Membership Renewals
By Tim Hewitt
Membership Renewal emails have started to go out. Thank you for your patience in this effort.
The renewal process is not exactly as I would have liked, but it should work while I continue to work with the subscription software provider on the outstanding issues I have identified with their system.
The initial email that went out had a broken link, so many of you will have a link to renew that does not work. I apologize for that. Somehow the editor decided to remove the actual website from the link so it's missing the www.clubmakersguild.com piece. That problem has since been repaired in the new round of emails going out, but those of you who have already received emails will not get another one.
If you cannot follow the link in the email, do not despair. You can simply go to the Join the Guild link on the Home Page in the Main Menu and renew. Make sure you are logged into the website before you try to renew or it will ask you to create another account. Don't do that, just log in and then renew.
If you renew and lose access to the Private forums or the Committee forums, please let us know via email. There's a strange bug we're still tracking down that occasionally drops people from certain forums and we're working on correcting this. We'll grant you immediate access to the forums you are blocked out of, as soon as you let us know!
If you forget to renew, the world does not end. Just sign up again! Be sure you are logged into the website, and things will work great.
Again, thanks for your patience. Please report any issues to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Please send your Comments and Suggestions to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Please patronize our sponsors every chance you get and tell they how much you appreciate their support
http://www.golfworks.com
http://www.myostrichgolf.com
http://www.smtgolf.com
http://www.infinitigolf.com
http://www.geekgolf.net
http://www.qualitygolfstats.com
http://www.billybobgolf.com
http://www.wesztygolf.com
http://www.flightscope.com
http://www.flightscope.com
http://www.skfiber.com
http://www.balance-certified.com
http://www.golfshoprates.com
http://www.hirekogolf.com
http://www.hirekogolf.com
http://www.puregrips.com
http://www.louisvillegolf.com
http://www.markit-golf.com
http://www.jumbomaxgrips.com
http://www.wishongolf.com
Addendum
Fellow members and non-members,As there has been some concern expressed regarding the current issue of the ICG Newsletter, I would like to insure that all readers understand that the content in the article regarding Zelocity is solely the opinion of the author and not that of the ICG. While I believe the facts as presented are accurate, in no way should it be construed an official position of the International Clubmakers Guild.
If anyone would like further clarifications or details, feel free to contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Thank you,
Ron Rizio
Membership Committee Chairman
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
