Whoever said “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” never received a prestigious award. Today, the design staff at OGIO is celebrating news that its Shling-enabled golf bag, the OGIO Vision, has been honored with Golf Illustrated Magazine’s 2006 “Editor’s Choice” Baggy Award. According to the magazine, this category represents golf equipment that has been extensively tested in a variety of areas and consistently outperformed the competition in technology, comfort and convenience.

“This award validates all the sweat equity that we’ve poured into the development of a new carrying system,” says Tom Gocke, the company’s national golf sales manager. “It’s huge news for everyone at OGIO because the Shling was an expensive, risky venture, but one in which we had faith and that is at last paying off for our customers and for us. Receiving Golf Illustrated’s Baggy Award is the icing on this four-year experience.”

The OGIO Vision-designed to accommodate the groundbreaking Shling carrying system– is outfitted with the a nine-inch version of the patented Woode Club Management System top, full-length three-way dividers, the popular Zipperless Ball Pocket, and the anti-twist TORQ strap that helps secure the bag to both electric and pull carts. Among the Vision’s 11 pockets-six of which are zippered-is a waterproof, fleece-lined valuables pocket, as well as a waterproof internal wet/dry pocket.

The Baggy Awards, presented in the magazine’s September 2006 issue, consist of four categories: the Reader’s Choice Bag, which is selected by GI readers; the Golf Test USA Bag, selected by Golf Test USA as part of their sponsorship with Golf Illustrated; the Outstanding Achievement Bag, selected by Golf Illustrated editors; and of course, the Editor’s Choice Bag award.