The UK golf industry’s largest trade show of the year buzzed with activity this week as more than 800 industry professionals gathered in Harrogate for the TGI Golf Show 2nd-4th November. TGI Golf (formerly Tartan Golf International) is the leading buying group for golf professionals, with more than 360 members across Europe.
Nearly 300 members attended to buy new products from more than 60 leading golf equipment companies, including Titleist, FootJoy, Cobra, TaylorMade-adidas, Ping and Mizuno.
Ian Johnston, managing director of TGI Golf, said, “This has been the largest golf trade show in the UK this year by some considerable margin. And while the size of the event is a reflection of how significantly TGI Golf has grown, what has been most satisfying is the volume of business conducted and the professional manner in which it has been done.
“Many of the supplying companies have told me that what we have successfully achieved this week is returned to the basics of what trade shows are all about – writing orders.
“In my view, the reason many golf trade events have been devalued is that they have become little more than meet-and-greet affairs. But the professional and positive way our members have approached this week means that they have walked away with some outstanding deals, while the suppliers have achieved the level of business that makes their ongoing relationship with TGI Golf a profitable one.”
In the last year, TGI Golf members have spent more than £25m with accredited suppliers, making the group one of the most powerful forces in golf retail. It’s a point that was noted by many of the heavyweight businesses in the golf industry attending the Harrogate show.
Robert Greig, European sales director of Nike Golf, said, “It’s a tribute to the professionalism of TGI Golf that this has been such a good show and very worthwhile for both retailers and suppliers. What’s impressed me in particular is the positive frame of mind in which the members came to the show looking to improve their businesses. They came to look at the offers available from suppliers and see how that fitted in with their own business models.”
Richard Head, managing director of ProQuip, said, “It’s fantastic to have a trade show back in the UK. I am very grateful to TGI Golf for such a professionally organised event.”
As well as an opportunity to buy new products for next season, professionals also benefited from a series of business seminars, attracting CPD points from the PGA.
One of Europe’s leading experts on the psychology of persuasion, former advertising executive Philip Hesketh, informed and entertained attendees with his insight on how to make more sales in the shop. There was practical advice on how to better present merchandise from display consultants Colin Lipsey and Pat Canning. And Colin Jenkins and Rohan Barnett from OGRO shared their expertise on the golf range business.
“There has been a unique ambience in Harrogate this week,” continued Ian Johnston. “While Orlando is all razzmatazz and Munich is coolly professional, I liked the fact that while the atmosphere was professional and businesslike there was also a great sense of shared fun and enjoyment.”
And he added: “Although the UK golf industry has found the going tough in recent years, I think the positive outlook of the green grass retailers and supplying companies here this week will ensure everyone can and will prosper in the long run.”
For more information about TGI Golf call Ian Johnston on Tel 01506 505525.
TGI Golf www.tgigolf.com
