PGA professionals, golf retailers and industry executives from 89 countries and all every US state came to Orlando 17th – 19th January to launch the business of golf for 2008.
Canada led the contingent of foreign countries represented, which also included the United Kingdom, Japan, Korea, Germany and China. US attendance was led by Florida, California, New York, Illinois and Georgia. A final independent audited attendance report is being conducted and will be published soon.
Product presentations by golf s top market leaders such as Callaway Golf, Ping, Srixon, adidas, Nike, Tehama, Cutter & Buck, Greg Norman Collection, Cleveland Golf, MacGregor and more combined with indoor and outdoor Demo Days, multiple fashion shows, designer panels, teaching clinics, education seminars, career workshops, industry awards, networking receptions and more. Two landmark events, the U.S. Golf Economy Forum and the Adjustable Club Symposium, sparked news and industry conversation during the three-day event.
The new study determined that golf in the United States generated a total economic impact of $195 billion in 2005, creating approximately 2 million jobs with wage income of $61 billion. Researched and written by SRI International, the report was funded through support from the Club Managers Association of America, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, Ladies Professional Golf Association, National Golf Course Owners Association, PGA of America, PGA Tour and United States Golf Association.
The Show s second day, 18th January, featured the Adjustable Club Symposium, which may stand as one of the PGA Show’s most significant events ever. A standing-room only audience of PGA professionals, golf retailers, media, equipment buyers and international golf business executives gathered to hear seven of the golf industry s leading equipment experts address an unprecedented 2008 adjustable club equipment ruling that will shape the game for decades.
“All of golf came to the 55th PGA Merchandise Show, and the resulting dialogue, business and strategic planning has built a platform for the success of golf across all sections in 2008 and beyond,” said Ed Several, vice president & general manager, PGA Golf Exhibitions. “The U.S. Golf Economy forum started the Show by giving attendees a detailed analysis on the state of the golf business, while the adjustable club symposium provided a look into the future of golf clubs and how innovation will shape the game for many years to come.”
“These two landmark events, while headlining the Show, were among a breadth of golf business programs, seminars and events that encompassed the Show and complemented the product showcases put forth by more than 1,250 exhibitors.
In 2009 the PGA Merchandise Show will be held 29th – 31st January.
PGA Merchandise Show www.pgashow.com