THREE Gwent-based golf companies have formed part of a nine-strong Welsh contignent exhibiting at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida, from this Thursday to Sunday.

It's the largest golf trade event in the world.

Coldra Engineering, Pro-Coach and Asbri Golf have joined As Easy As, Back 2 Wales, Golf in North Wales, Golf Wales Ground Handling Services, Pitchmaster and Spot-On Golf on an all-Wales stand.

The initiative is being supported by Ryder Cup Wales in partnership with Wales Tourist Board and WalesTrade International.

Coldra Engineering is run by Mike Catling who has designed and manufactured The Intelligent Golf Trolley. This battery-powered device can follow a walking golfer at any speed from zero to 6.5km/hr as faithfully as a Border collie.

ProCoach is a video-based training system used by top professionals and venues including the The Celtic Manor.

The PGA Merchandise Show began in 1954 and nowover 40,000 international visitors.

Rob Holt, manager of Ryder Cup Wales, said: "This is a great opportunity for these Welsh companies to show some of the most influential people from the world of golf what is being done in Wales as a result of the impetus generated by the Ryder Cup bid success. "The long term aim is to use the association with the Ryder Cup to lever economic benefits."

Paul Williams, sales and marketing director at Asbri Golf, said: "The trade mission to the PGA Merchandise Show will help us to evaluate the industry and put us in a more competitive position."