The PGA Merchandise Show Is In A Transition Phase The 69th PGA Show was held last month in Orlando with most attendees voicing the opinion, “It’s great to be back.” They were referring to last year when the show, due to the pandemic, was held virtually. The PGA Merchandise Show is the primary annual gathering of the golf industry whose roots go back to 1954, when it was a small gathering, held in a Dunedin, Florida parking lot, with a few companies displaying their wares, from the trunk of their car. Since, it has grown dramatically becoming “The Major of the Golf Business.” Over 40,000 PGA Professionals, industry members and media attended the 2020 edition, that was held in the cavernous million square feet of the Orange County Convention Center, before COVID became an issue. The Show serves several purposes for the PGA of America. Continuing education sessions are held for PGA members. Golf equipment companies, apparel, gear, as well as other golf service companies are on hand to gain exposure for their products to club professionals and retail buyers. Many apparel and service companies use the show to write orders for the coming season, as do smaller or boutique club makers, but the larger equipment companies do not since most of their clubs and balls are pre-ordered. Major Networking Another reason golf industry members continue to attend each year is the opportunity to meetand-greet old friends, as well as, make new ones. It is a networking event like no other for those By Ed Travis Ohio Golf Journal
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