A magnetic field at the PGA Championship

IonLoop, which has joined the negative ion and magnet fray, is giving every player and his caddie at the PGA Championship this week an IonLoop magnetic bracelet with an Atlanta Athletic Club logo.

Several players already are wearing an IonLoop bracelet, including Angel Cabrera, a company spokesman said.

The company was founded by Bob Gotfredson, who previously was involved in the founding of Trion:Z.

IonLoop claims that it has taken the science to another level by using neodymium magnets (rare earth magnets), "the most powerful magnets known to science. Other sport bracelets in the market place use ferrite magnets which are less expensive and, in our findings, much less effective," the company says. It also pulverizes negative ions and infuse them into a silicone band component, creating "one of the highest negative ion output among sport bracelets," it says.

Negative ions are said to counter the effects of positive ions and help with focus and relieve pain, among other attributes.

IonLoop bracelets can be purchased here for $19 and come in a variety of colors.

-- John Strege