From the SNE Expo

Expo season began in Southern New England at the Providence Convention Center. Dozens of courses, manufacturers, and retailers gathered for the second annual Southern New England Golf Expo presented by Amica Insurance.

The vibe was “cautiously optimistic” at the show. Many exhibitors were pleased with the turnout, including Darren from Joe & Leigh’s Swap Shop. The swap shop brought a large collection of used and demo clubs, offering many 2009 model drivers, fairway woods, and hybrids at drastic discounts. Last year’s Callaway Diablo, Adams Speedline, and Cleveland Launcher and Hibore models were selling well below $100.

The Shop’s booth was one of the most popular at the expo, with most spectators attracted to the deep discounts. It was a reminder to the golf industry that people still want to upgrade their equipment, and experiment with new clubs as long as the industry meets them halfway. Several major manufacturers participated in the demo bays, and most reps reported positive interest in new clubs as well as last year’s models.

While sales have been down recently there were a few bright spots for the future of the game. Some of the teaching pros brought younger players to the stage for demonstrations, and the demo bays were filled with children swinging some of the latest designs from Titliest, Taylormade, and Cobra.

The most encouraging sign was how many people in New England are golf crazed in the dead of winter. With the National Expo coming to Boston March 5-7 area golfers have another opportunity to check out the latest equipment and local courses.