Lessons in geometry at the PGA Merchandise Show

The latest buzzword in golf equipment: geometry.

Specifically, the shape of drivers, the sport’s most alluring club.

Discussions about geometry, and drivers with square, triangular, bullet-like and other newfangled shapes dominated the aisles of the 54th annual PGA Merchandise Show, which moved into the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., on Jan. 25 for a three-day stay.

The trade show, which is not open to the public, serves as an annual showcase for introducing new clubs, balls, apparel, footwear, accessories and other golf-related products for the upcoming season.

With the U.S. Golf Association setting limits on the width, breadth, overall size, springlike face effect and, most recently, a factor called the moment of inertia, equipment manufacturers have been seeking new ways to maximize driver performance.

“If we change the geometry of the club, we can change the inertial properties and the way we drive the ball,” said Tom Stites, Nike Golf’s head of club research and development, in unveiling two new drivers, including one with a square shape.

In simplest terms, moment of inertia represents the stability of a club, as in its resistance to twisting. The higher the MOI, the more stable a club should be. Using a mathematical formula that determines MOI, the USGA has set 5,900 as the limit for golf clubs.

The Nike SQ Sumo2 driver has a retail price of $479.99.

In response, manufacturers are tinkering with ways to boost the MOI of drivers to approach the approved limit.

“A few years ago, the MOI of drivers was about 4,000,” said Stites. “With our SasQuatch driver (which will be phased out), we reached 4,700. Our new Sumo driver is 4,900 and our Sumo2 is in the 5,300 range.”

While the SQ Sumo is more traditional in shape, the SQ Sumo2 is square. Both will begin shipping in February.

Callaway unveiled three new drivers at the show which also begin shipping next month. One of those, called FT-i, is square in shape.

But not all companies, and their engineers, are convinced square is the best way to go. TaylorMade, Adams, Nicklaus, Tour Edge and MacGregor all unveiled new drivers pushing the limits but with somewhat more traditional looks. Down the road, and not at the show, Cleveland, Cobra and Titleist are also gearing up with new drivers.

TaylorMade, for one, has been particularly vocal in not building a square driver, stating that the negatives of a square driver outweigh the positives that can be achieved in boosting MOI in other ways.