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.

Chelsea Piers PGA Senior Teaching Professional John Hobbins recently became one of only two professionals in the PGA Metropolitan Section to achieve certification with Aimpoint Technologies, a revolutionary green-reading method that is utilized on Golf Channel telecasts. AimPoint Technologies is a company focused on the science of predictive putt technology, green reading instruction, and player performance analysis, with the goal of improving golf performance and educating golfers in a quick and efficient manner.

Utilizing this methodology, golfers are able to accurately read greens and develop a skill set that will improve putting statistics. John integrates this method into his teaching technique. Book a lesson with John today to improve your game on the green!