The 57th PGA Merchandise Show closed Saturday and the Monday morning QB sessions can now begin.
The Show is much more than equipment manufacturers, clothing purveyors and accessory makers all trying to get noticed. The annual gathering in Orlando, Fla. is the most important event for communication within and between the varied segments of the industry. This particular attribute is important in, as the Golf Channel says, “2k10” considering the many challenges being faced by golf both as a game and a business. These range from declines in the number of golfers and consumer sales to the ongoing controversy over changes to the Rules of Golf.
Even though the number of exhibitors was lower (1,000 compared to 1,100 last year) and two of the four largest golf companies opted to not spend the money, which can be well over a million dollars, for exhibit space the mood at the Show was upbeat and positive. MORE…
About Ed Travis
Ed Travis is a well known golf journalist and writes the monthly Player's Perspective column appearing in New England Golf Monthly. He carries a 1-handicap and with his wife lives on a water hazard in suburban Orlando.
