Louisiana Open Notes: Watkins brings unique look to 2010 tourney
(Seen on The Advertiser)
Dan McDonald, Special to The Advertiser, March 25, 2010


BROUSSARD - Aaron Watkins has had some success over the past three years on both the PGA and Nationwide Tours. He also came close to a tournament title in the last Nationwide event when he tied for top honors in the Pacific Rubiales Bogota Open in Colombia before losing in a playoff.

But the Florida native and current Mesa, Ariz., resident is getting as many looks for his golf bag as his play this week at the Chitimacha Louisiana Open.

Watkins' bag has a built-in video screen that constantly rotates advertisements and message boards, similar to that seen on electronic highway billboards.

The system was created by Pro Bag Ads (www.probagads.com), and Watkins is the only Nationwide player boasting the system. Michael Allen and Michael Bradley have similar setups on the PGA Tour.

"Some friends started the company two years ago," Watkins said. "It's great for local business advertising at very inexpensive rates, and they also use it with a lot of charities. It's a great way to get a message out there."

Watkins said that the system adds only about five pounds to the total weight, with the screen adding three pounds and the battery pack two more. He said that technology-minded fans are always huddled around his bag.

"They're really into that," he said.

The weight difference isn't that great, since his tour bag now weighs approximately 48 pounds with the system.

"It doesn't weigh nearly as much when we're making a lot of birdies," he said.