2018 PGA Merchandise Show highlights the latest and greatest in the world of golf.
The PGA Merchandise Show that draws more than 1,000 passionate exhibitors to Orlando is back this week and judging from the turn out of visitors, the great game of golf is in pretty good shape.
40,000+ industry leaders, representing 74 countries will attend the convention by the time it closes this week and plenty of business will be done away from the golf course for a change. Golf generates almost $70 billion in economic impact in the U.S. annually and impacts close to 2 million American jobs. Even more impressively, the game pours about $4 billion into charitable coffers that help bring about a better world around us.
There’s more good news as today, golf is more international than any time in its history. The sport got a major visibility boost from its return to the Olympics in 2016 following a 112-year absence, even though some of its stars like Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson decided to give it a pass. Even better news is that Tiger Woods is back. After a layoff for more than two years while recovering from his latest back surgery, Woods looks like he’ll again be relevant and competitive. Woods doesn’t just move the needle in golf; he is the needle – drawing fans while raising interest and TV ratings.
The show this year is similar to previous years as booth after booth features the latest and greatest products in the golf industry. One of products that caught our eye was OnCore Golf’s GENiUS Ball. A golf ball that utilizes an embedded chip inside to deliver a brand new golfing experience, help turn you into a better performer, and bring a data and graphical rich description of your shots to your mobile device in real-time.
Information you’ll be able to glean will be ball velocity, spin rate, time and distance of roll, GPS location and distance to the pin. It promises to be a game changer for those wanting to improve their game… not to mention the money the average golfer will save by not losing their ball two or three times… or more per round!
Clothing is always popular at the show and many of this year’s men’s and women’s clothes will utilize high-tech, high-performance fabrics (featuring sun protection and climate-control material in shirts, jackets, pants, and even shoes. Women’s fashion is nicely covered with short pleated skirts from Tory Burch and Golftini; daring, athletic lines from established labels like Puma, Adidas, Under Armour, and Antigua; and edgy feminine items from Sydney Elizabeth, Hedge, EPNY, Ellabelle, CHASE54, and dozens of other rising fashion brands.
On the men’s side, the hip threads are from Puma, Adidas, Greg Norman Collection, Cutter & Buck and Under Armour. Bold patterns come from Loudmouth Golf, G/Fore, the fashion-forward geometrics of J. Lindeberg, and the retro polos with tipped plackets, collars, and sleeves—as well as pockets with flaps and buttons—from companies like Criquet. Take note, too, of the cool looks from Johnnie-O, Travis Mathew, B. Draddy, and Linksoul—all of which benefit both the golf course and the main course at a local restaurant.
The 2018 PGA Merchandise Fashion Show emceed by Golf Channel’s Bailey Mosier was the perfect place to see the latest trends and round the show off nicely.
More photos at www.FloridaLeisurePhotography.com
