January 23 - 25, 2020
Orlando, Florida
Golf presents a natural bridge from the past to the future, from one successful path to another, to second careers and transitional opportunities, to impacts beyond what we think possible. Opening ceremonies at the 67th PGA Merchandise Show celebrated the 2019 successes of the US Men's and Women's PGA Cup teams, the long career and storied successes of course designer Pete Dye, and offered a toast to a successful 2020 Ryder Cup that will land on the shores of Lake Michigan's Whistling Straits September 25-27.
A tribute to partnership followed way, presented by the Acushnet family that includes Titleist and FootJoy. Jim Nance, voice of Titleist for the past 25 years, was joined by Dr. Condoleezza Rice, 66th US Secretary of State, as these two success stories that are bridged by golf honored longtime Titleist Staff Professional Eric Eshleman, PGA Pro at The Country Club of Birmingham, who was voted 2019 PGA Professional of the Year by his fellow golf professionals.
After discovering golf during her days in Washington, Dr. Rice discovered a teacher, Eric Eshleman, back in her childhood home of Birmingham and since then has crossed a new bridge herself into charitable service as an Ambassador for Drive, Chip and Putt. This celebration of Mr. Eshleman, teacher - coach - player - mentor, and as Dr. Rice said, "a pillar of Birmingham", reminded us that there are many impacts we can make as we cross these bridges through the game of golf.
The PGA Merchandise Show, a trade-only event, is held each January for PGA Professionals, golf businesses, manufacturers and media to showcase the newest products and best practices that propel the business of golf forward. And as the doors opened onto over 1,000 leading golf companies and brands along nearly 10 miles of merchandise aisles, it was apparent that golf is moving forward.
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Martin Hall and Michael Breed air a live lesson
for Golf Channel at Foresight Sports "Sim-In-A-Box".
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The world's largest business-to-business golf event
is held each January across nearly 1,000,000 square feet of merchandise and demo displays in Orlando, Fl. |
Low-speed vehicle manufacturers like Tomberlin/Columbia Vehicle Group have moved into using new electric battery power packs that, unlike Lithium, are recyclable. Tomberlins are assembled in Leesburg, Florida and engineered with safety and security at the top of their checklist. Golf and street-legal packages are available but standard on all their PTVs are 3-point seatbelts, 4-wheel hydraulic brakes, locking storage, class-leading hill climb ability, acceleration up to 25 mph and a range of 40 miles.
V Caddy of Deforest, Wisconsin offers a powerful tool that utilizes a club's own resources in promoting player retention. Hole-specific pro video tips and scannable tee box QR codes market straight to the course customer. Unique digital info and promotions, direct tee-time scheduling and admin analytics put the club back in control while sales and marketing director Jeffery Kuper brings his piloting skills to the course flyovers.
The old adage that necessity is the mother of invention is clear here and several products gave us that "why didn't we thing of this?" moment. Subtle Patriot has put layers of organization and maximum protection into its golf and sporting travel bag collections after founder Tom Gocke spent years travelling for business and pleasure. His family's strong military history bears out in Subtle Patriot's support of NS2 Serves "Boots to Suits" program, a training and employment program assisting veterans as they transition from military to civilian careers.
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Subtle Patriot golf and sports bags have a pocket
for everything and a Velcro patch that can show
your support of a service branch, club or tourney.
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The Subtle Patriot Lady Liberty Line -
Strong, Enduring, Everlasting.
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Flog Cap instantly shields your golf bag from rain and its inventor, Russell Malina, is as proud of his family who helped him develop his website, as he is of his product which is made of a patented fabric that is light, easy-care, water-resistant and provides complete access to your clubs and bag pockets. He's also an entertaining entrepreneur and a natural spokesman. Check out his video!
Sportswear fabric has become every bit as important a tool against sun damage as sunscreen is and SPF factors of 30 and 50 plus are common now. The PGA Show is an opportunity to speak with apparel and accessory designers like Hannah Childs, who brings her experience as an equestrian to the golf course with Hannah Childs Lifestyle women's wear.
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Hannah Childs, seated at left, brings her equestrian experience to ladies' golf and leisure
sportswear pieces that are at once classic, fun and functional with invisible pockets,
feminine shirring and breathable mesh. touches.
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Wallaroo Hat Company is a Certified B Corporation,
committed to balancing purpose with profit.
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Wallaroo Carkella hat collection - packable,
adjustable, provides UPF protection as well as a magnetic
hat band badge that is customizable and sports plenty of style!
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| Greyson Clothiers adds a soft palette of color to its 2020 lineup. |
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Color as well as Women's and Children's apparel
were eye-catching in Greyson Clothier's line this year. |
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Tour Edge Exotics EXS 220 was out for a test drive before
the official Feb 1 launch - Truly a "Hot Launch"!
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Up until 2005, John Iacona's wood dowel company in Illinois had also been making and wholesaling wood tees when he imagined a better product - the 3-prong Zero Friction golf tee. The rest, as they say, is history as he has steadily moved his company into providing products that make better sense. Their 3-D compression fit gloves can be offered in a small number of sizes as they stretch in 3 directions, then return to "new glove" feel. Mr. Iacona's focus is to deliver high quality, technically advanced sports products that evolve as technology does while keeping them simple and true to their games.
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Zero Friction stretches to "fit like a glove" and
comes in an astonishing array of colors!
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Forums at the PGA Merchandise Show shine a light on golf's achievements and also give the industry opportunity to address issues that could be improved upon. The USAGA, United States Adaptive Golf Alliance, moderated a discussion that focused on methods of inclusivity. PGA Reach programs like PGA Jr. League and PGA Hope have been proven effective in reaching new and diverse populations and benefiting golfers with challenges by helping courses extend invitations out into the community, opening the door to new, potential and returning golfers.
With a golf course closing every week in the US along with unfriendly environmental images, a hazy future for manufacturing, real estate price spikes and labor loss, challenges to course owners can seem daunting. During the State of the Game, PGA, USGA, NGCOA and GCSAA leaders offered their thoughts on stumbling blocks and hurdles that the golf industry faces as they discussed positive strides that golf is making to grow the game while maintaining its integrity. Flexibility of play and property usage, a new world-wide handicapping system, changes in course layout to reduce maintenance and water usage and support aligning with community and national lawmakers are all works in progress to build confidence in the future of our sport.
Doing their fair share of expanding the golf universe, Volvik's fantastic colors highlight their superhero line of golf balls and equipment.
And there were a couple other Superheros in the world of golf who were unveiling an initiative at the show this year. Jack and Barbara Nicklaus need no introduction and the success they have attained in their lives is only eclipsed by the good works they promote with it.
Play Yellow is a joint effort by the Nicklaus Foundation and the PGA TOUR to create a platform to support Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and save children's lives across North America. From a simple coin jar on a pro shop counter to fundraising with your home league members, Play Yellow has room for your help. Play Yellow Family Golf Day is June 7, 2020.
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Ben Parker, Head Pro of Play Yellow, points out
a map of over 170 children's hospitals across
North America that will benefit when a golfer
"Plays Yellow For Kids".
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PGA Show attendees, media and guests are also invited each year to additional test "drives" of golf equipment and vehicles at the PGA Merchandise Outdoor Demo Day. For a look at our review of that event, go to:
https://thegardenvarietygolfer.blogspot.com/2020/02/2020-pga-merchandise-show-outdoor-demo.html
