PGA Show kicks off 2015 season on a positive note

The 62nd PGA Merchandise Show brought together more than 1,000 companies and brands, more than 41,000 attending PGA Professionals, buyers and industry leaders from 79 countries.

There were over 6,600 PGA of America Professionals in attendance – a six percent increase on 2014 – and an additional 1,000 International PGA Professionals. 

Tuesday’s PGA Show Outdoor Demo Day saw its highest ever attendance with strong participation in educational sessions and compelling industry presentations to grow the business of golf.

“The PGA Merchandise Show creates an extensive array of opportunities for a growing number of PGA Professionals, golf buyers and industry leaders,” said PGA of America President Derek Sprague. 

“The PGA Show’s continued growth and support from all of the major brands, coupled with the energy and enthusiasm we saw throughout the week, is a terrific start to 2015.”

The PGA Merchandise Show covered 1 million square feet of interactive exhibit and demonstration space in the Orange County Convention Center West Concourse Exhibit Hall. 

Among the 1,000 exhibiting companies and brands, the game’s hottest new companies and established market leaders showcased the latest technology in golf 
The growth of the game is worldwide" – Peter Dawson More than 200 exhibitors were new to the PGA Merchandise Show in 2015. 

“This is the place to be, isn’t it?” said Adam Heindorff, founder of Links & Kings, an accessories company specializing in high-end leather headcovers and bags for the past four years. 

“I can see how being here is key for building relationships, finding new customers and establishing your branding. I can show people our entire collection in person, in a way you can’t do over the Internet or out of your trunk.”

The Golf Channel broadcast 12 hours of live coverage over four days from an expanded set located in the heart of the PGA Show floor and incorporating new production elements like the overhead “Fly Cam,” a unique camera technology made popular in televising football and other sports.

More than 1,400 media representatives from 29 countries came to the PGA Merchandise Show to cover the newest golf products, trends, industry announcements and newsmakers of the game.

The Olympic Golf Forum attracted a standing-room only audience to learn the latest news on the return of golf to the Olympics after 111 years to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2016. 

On the panel were Peter Dawson, president of the international Golf Federation; Ty Votaw, vice president of the IGF, LPGA Tour player Suzann Pettersen; PGA Tour player Graeme McDowell; former LPGA Tour player Amy Alcott and Gil Hanse, president of Hanse Golf Course Design, the architectural firm in charge of course construction.

“The growth of the game is worldwide,” said Dawson. “Golf in the Olympics will lead to extra exposure and extra government support for the game.”

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