International acclaim for Dunedin design

A hard-shell golf bag designed by Dunedin-based sports start-up company Aeroe has been named one of the 12 ''coolest products'' at the PGA merchandise show in Orlando this month.

The GolfPod, believed to be the world's first hard-shell golf travel case and cart-bag combination, was launched on the US market at the show, which is the biggest of its kind in the world.

Aeroe chief executive and founder Pat Maguire was thrilled with the response from the international golf and travel media.

In addition, the ''throngs'' of enthusiastic attendees from Asian markets, as well as buyers from European and North American golf outlets were overwhelming, he said.

Golf Digest named the GolfPod one of the 12 coolest products at the show, while another industry analyst said it was one of the few products at the show he would call ''a game-changer with true merit''.

The GolfPod was essentially two bags in one hard-shell pod, with no need for a separate travel bag as, with the simple addition of a lid, it instantly became a travel pod.

There were no pockets or zips, but internal compartments that folded out and presented balls and tees, drinks and other items.

The bag, which had wheels, could easily be attached to a vehicle.

Aeroe was establishing a worldwide network of distributors for the GolfPod, as well as other products it planned to bring to global markets under the Aeroe brand.

The company was having discussions for licensing and joint venture arrangements with prominent golf, travel, automotive, luggage and other luxury brands, Mr Maguire said.

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