Judges Stina Sternberg, Fulton Allem, Bill Harmon, and Golfsmith CEO Jim Thompson were heartbreakers and dream-makers on Tuesdays episode of Fore Inventors Only, when they narrowed the field from 10 to five finalists. The decision did not come easily, as a lengthy debate which inventions should advance to the finals kicked off the seventh episode of the series.
Im more confused than ever, said Harmon when the judges began their deliberations.
Actually, Im not; Im loving this, retorted Allem.
When the smoke cleared, five inventions stand tall and will advance to the live season finale on Tuesday, Sept. 4 at 10 p.m. ET, taking place at the GOLF CHANNELs studios in Orlando, Fla. Actor/comedian George Lopez will serve as co-host of the season finale alongside GOLF CHANNELs Rich Lerner.
The inventions advancing to the finale include:
Hill Shot Golf Trainer: A sloped hitting tee used for practicing uphill, downhill and side hill lies. Inventor: Brandi and Larry Koch, Prospect, Ky.
Club Glider: A golf travel bag that integrates extendable legs with caster wheels, making the bag easy to push or pull. The wheels fold back into a locked position for easy travel. Inventor: Gary Sherrell, Maple Valley, Wash.
Z-Factor Perfect Putting Machine: A portable putter training aid that guides the user through proper path, face, angle and pendulum swing of the putter. Inventor: Dean Thompson, Boise, Idaho.
Pro Play Golf Performance System: A small digital recording device that can be used on the golf course to record golf swings for instant feedback. Inventors: Marcus Bohn, Chandler, Ariz., and Tim Kipley, McKinney, Texas
Club Caddy: A clip that that resembles a clothes pin that attaches to a golf club around the green allowing it to become free-standing in an upright position. Inventor: David Jones, Martinez, Ga.
It was difficult for us to hear the decisions, said Victor Camaj, as his Strike N Swipe invention did not make it to the finals. Looking back, I dont think we could have gotten any more out of it. It was such a wonderful experience.
The judges now have wiped their hands clean, as the final decision to crown the Fore Inventors Only champion is up to Americas votes. Immediately following last nights show, voting began via text messaging and online voting through the Fore Inventors Only Web site, www.GolfChannel.com/foreinventors. Voting will continue for one week, leading up to the live finale on Sept. 4. Voting will close after the third segment, with the winner announced at the end of the show. The winner will receive shelf space at golf retailer, Golfsmith, for one year, a fully-developed infomercial and $50,000 worth of commercial and promotional air time on the GOLF CHANNEL.
After being named as the finalists, they had no idea what was in store next.
On the driving range at ANNIKA Academy at Ginn Reunion Resort, the inventors were posing for a publicity photo shoot when 69-time LPGA Tour winner Annika Sorenstam made a surprise visit to test the final five inventions and provided feedback to the inventors and, more importantly, GOLF CHANNEL viewers.
Im always looking for stuff, said Sorenstam. Im not a big believer of a lot of gadgets, but when I find the right thing I use it for sure.
Sorenstam listened to each of the inventors presentations and was very impressed with the uniqueness ' and sometimes simplicity ' of the inventions.
I can see the passion just from them talking about their products, she said. I have a lot of great ideas myself but Im not as brave as they are to put them down on paper and create it.
Following the field testing with Sorenstam, each of the inventors met with Mike and Steve Abram of The Golf Agency to develop their 60-second commercial that will air during the season finale.
I knew about Mike and Steve Abram before I got here, said Dean Thompson (Z Factor Invention). Those guys are legendary.
Viewers were able to get a behind the scenes glimpse at the production of all five commercials, and while some of the takes were great in front of the camera, others were more fit - at least initially - to appear on Americas Funniest Home Videos.
Back on the Fore Inventors Only set after the filming of the commercials, the judges finally revealed at the end of the show that each of the inventors are safe for one more week, as America ultimately will decide who truly has the next great golf invention.
Related Links:
Five for the Finals of Fore Inventors Only
Published August 28, 2007 04:00 PM
