The PGA Merchandise Show is traditionally a barometer for the business of golf in the year ahead and this year’s event established an enthusiastic tone with increased participation levels across all segments and an uptick in business conducted. This indicates that the golf industry is riding a wave of positive momentum into the 2011 business cycle.
Nearly 42,000 PGA Professionals and industry executives from every U.S. state and 88 countries filled nearly 10 miles of aisles while previewing the latest products and writing orders from nearly 1,000 golf companies and brands, Thursday through Saturday, January 27-29, at the 2011 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Fla.
All of golf’s best names in golf manufacturing joined with its brightest stars for equipment introductions, product testing, fashion presentations, industry announcements, a series of education seminars and networking special events to set the tone for golf business in 2011.
With every major equipment, apparel and accessory company exhibiting and writing orders, early attendance figures for the 2011 Show indicate a 3.5 percent increase in overall attendance and a 7 percent increase in PGA Professional attendance. Attendees came from around the world with the top five countries (outside of U.S.) represented in attendance being Canada, United Kingdom, Japan, Korea and Germany. The top five U.S. states represented in attendance were Florida, California, New York, North Carolina and Georgia.
“We are pleased with the overall increased attendance and especially the seven percent increase in PGA Professional participation,” said PGA Worldwide Golf Exhibitions Senior Vice President Ed Several. “The packed aisles, industry enthusiasm and increased order writing reported by vendors are all solid indicators of a strong business cycle for golf in 2011.”
PGA Show www.PGAShow.com
The PING booth at the 58th PGA Merchandise Show. (Photo by Simon Dale/The PGA of America)