What's hot on the green in 2008

(CNN) -- A belated happy New Year to one and all. 2008 has started with yet more air miles with the golf industry's annual trek to the PGA Merchandise Show -- my first, and boy did it show; my legs were dead by day one.

We saw the equipment testing in an amazing circular setting that was wide enough for people to hit balls from opposite ends.

There were some great gadgets (sorry inventions), like the club that has a mechanism that drops the marker behind the ball and then clasps the ball; then the reverse when it's your shot... wow.

That evening there was a sumptuous dinner at Lake Nona (thanks Gregor) with a who's who of the golf industry.

Thursday was a hectic day, a quick wander around to see if anything stood out for my filming for CNN TV. There were many great collections as far as ladies wear is concerned -- so many young American/Canadian designers -- creative, imaginative and even -- dare I say it -- sexy. Ok, I've said it now.

You may remember that in my last blog I posed the question as to whether golf fashion exists in the U.S. Well, as you may have gathered, I got plenty of replies.

However, you all agreed that U.S. golf fashion is in need of spunking up. I got to meet some of you that replied and must apologize to the ones I didn't get time for.

Pahr 72 was very young and hip, very much for the new breed of golfer. Adidas were launching their version of under armor that has muscle support patches to help when playing your shots.

Justin Rose was on hand to model -- maybe that's why he won the European Order of Merit last year. Not too sure about those pants though, Justin: three stripes on one side of hip?

Adidas also got in touch and sent me details on their ladies collection by Stella McCartney.

I found it interesting because, like me, there was emphasis on true design and cohesion rather than the usual "print some funky images and it will sell" attitude. The only thing is guys, Stella McCartney is from the UK. I want to meet some creative American designers. Call me.

The main brands like Nike, Puma and Adidas all derive their sporting heritage from there roots in soccer, athletics, etc., and focus their designs based around technical fabrics.

All the traditional golf brands like Ashworth, Cutter & Buck, along with The Shark kept in their comfort zone with variations in colors and stripes.

There were a couple of young lads that were very much influenced by the European fashion scene and even had William Hunt's trilby thing going on. Fitted shirts to go with their fitted and bootlegged pants with zipped slits at hems, nice one guys. Sorry I forgot your brand. Email me if you read this.

It seems golf is THE fashion sport. With even Calvin Klein launching a golf range, it appears everybody wants to get on the bandwagon. Their collection was very chic and good quality, but I would put it into the clubhouse wear category.

Congratulations to Stuburt and Darren Clarke on a great shoe collection that combines quality materials, functionality and modern design with good color combo.

By the way hope you all managed to catch 'Mr. Qool' Samuel L. Jackson in the Bob Hope tournament in Q'aja clothing. The big man sent me a text saying "the people is digging the pants, lots of enquiries. They feel great and my game is cool coz of them, thanx."

By the way, Sam's team won -- Q strikes again. Thanks Sam. E-mail to a friend