As I wander the vast expanse of the Orange County Convention Center, it is amazing how much equipment is being offered. As an equipment junkie, it's like being a kid in a candy store. However, I  also firmly believe that while equipment can help your game, you can't buy a better game.

With that in mind, my focus has been on using the technology we have at Chelsea Piers to better instruct our students. I've been spending time with Tomi and K-Vest, both of which we use at the Golf Academy. Tomi is a motion sensor that we use in putting instruction and K-Vest is a 3-D motion analysis system that we use to analyze the entire swing. Both technologies help the student improve their game.

The first day of the PGA Merchandise Show is the Demo Day. This gives the manufacturers a chance to display their products and an opportunity for golf pros from around the country to test them out.

Of interest to me were the new products offered by Cleveland Golf. A new driver with a retro look is a definite winner, as well as a set of forged irons. Additionally, Cleveland reintroducing their 588 wedge line, which was the all-time best selling wedge. I was able to spend some time with Flightscope, the launch monitor we use at the Golf Academy. If you haven't had a session on a launch monitor, it's something you should do as you get ready for the season.

The Golf Club is joining Full Swing Golf’s SuperShot Closest-To-The-Hole Challenge! Opt in for the contest when you play a round on the Simulators ($2 for one hole, $5 for 3 holes) & you could win prizes and up to $2,000.  During your round on the Par 3's, you have a chance at winning prizes. If you get a hole in one, you'll automatically win $2,000! If you're close to the hole, you may also win prizes. The 5 closest shots during the month from around the entire country will also win prizes. To learn how it works, visit http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=c5bcf566cb95b8c9388c1d9e8&id=2c5ffe68ff&e=cf14730761

Congratulations to two of our junior golfers, Luke Sample, 8, and Andrew Sample, 6, on their recent achievements – you guys are awesome!

Luke Sample, a student of Golf Club pro Chris Stoudt, accomplished the following:

• Won the US Kids Hartford Section Tour Championship at Westover Golf Club for the 8 year old age group. The tournament was played on 10/29/2011 and Luke posted a score of 41.

• Won US Kids Hartford Section Player of the Year honors for his age group

• Qualified for the US Kids World Championship at Pinehurst in 2012

Andrew Sample, a student of Golf Club pro John Battaglia, accomplished the following:

• Won the US Kids Hartford Section Tour Championship at Westover Golf Club for the 6 and under age group. The tournament was played on 10/29/2011 and Andrew posted a score of 45.

• Won the US Kids Hartford Section Player of the Year honors for his age group

• Qualified for the US Kids World Championship at Pinehurst in 2012

Congratulations again and keep up the great work!