2010 PGA Merchandise Show Day 2

Events: Upated: January 31, 2010

Galaxy of Golf Stars, Industry Presentations Mark Second Day of Show

The 2010 PGA Merchandise Show rolled out the red carpet for a galaxy of golf stars Friday, examined the role of physical fitness in golf, featured “A Fresh Approach to Women’s Golf,” and reviewed Play Golf America initiatives to grow the game on a busy Day 2 at the Orange County Convention Center.

For the second consecutive day, 10 miles of Show aisles were bustling with business as nearly 1,000 exhibitors greeted thousands of attendees, who are using the 57th PGA Merchandise Show as a launching pad for a successful 2010 business cycle. Business, networking and spirited roundtable discussions and education seminars took center stage, and the stars added luster.

Appearances by legendary touring professionals Tom Watson, Tony Jacklin, Annika Sorenstam and Nancy Lopez gave Friday’s Show floor a “Hall of Fame” feel, while younger shining stars such as Paula Creamer, Christina Kim, Angela Stanford, Anna Nordqvist, Kristy McPherson, Rachel Connor, Stacy Lewis, Jean Reynolds, Brian Gay and Webb Simpson Joyner,Lopez,Whaley signed many autographs and drew attendees to the booths of companies that sponsored their appearances. Prominent PGA Professionals also made appearances, including Suzy Whaley, who spent time working with Show attendees at the PGA Connectivity Lab (booth 2763).

“It’s always nice to come to Orlando for the PGA Merchandise Show and support the industry,” said Watson, who introduced the youthful Simpson as the newest brand ambassador for Polo Ralph Lauren. “I always loved the Polo line as a kid, and now I’ve been wearing Polo Ralph Lauren for 17 years. They have been great supporters of me and I’m here to support them today.”

The education side of the 2010 PGA Merchandise Show also shined brightly Friday. Dr. Greg Rose and PGA Professional Dave Phillips, founders of the Titleist Performance Institute, emphasized the need for golf-specific physical fitness during a TPI presentation titled “Three Keys to Increasing Power” on the PGA Equipment Forum stage.

The TPI presentation resonated with PGA Professional James Beadle of Rockaway River Country Club in Denville, N.J., who vowed to implement the TPI golf-specific fitness program at his club this season. “The Titleist Performance Institute presentation really motivated me to take fitness to the next level and help my members improve their game through better physical fitness,” noted Beadle. “This is the type of thing that really makes the PGA Merchandise Show valuable to us.”

Prominent industry executives discussed research on women’s attitudes and behaviors, and marketing health, fitness and golf-equipment production for women during a “Fresh Approach to Women’s Golf” forum. PGA and LPGA Professional Sue Fiscoe, a PGA of America Board Member, served as moderator of the panel, which included Sports & Leisure Research Group President Jon Last; Callaway Golf U.S. Marketing Vice President Merle Marting; EWGA Director of Golf Programs Stephanie Jennings, and fitness expert Donna Richardson-Joyner, who led the audience in a spiritied exercise routine.

On the current issues front, National Golf Foundation President and CEO Joe Beditz offered an insightful State of the Industry briefing entitled “Forces Affecting Our Business” on the PGA Equipment Forum stage.

Later in the afternoon, a standing-room only crowd packed the Valencia Room in the PGA Member Business Center for a Town Hall with PGA President Jim Remy and PGA CEO Joe Steranka, who spoke and answered questions from PGA Professionals.

On the PGA Merchandise Show business front, Callaway Golf and Cobra were among the companies attracting a lot of interest through the initial two days of the Show.

“This has been a good business-writing Show for our apparel sector, and we met all of our expectations on the hard goods side,” noted Callaway Golf Senior Vice President for U.S. Sales Joe Urzetta. “The Backstrike Odyssey putter (a rear-shafted putter) has generated a lot of interest and received positive reviews. Overall, the Show has been positive and we were able to accomplish our objectives.”

“This is an important Show for Cobra Golf, because we are able to showcase a product line that is new for 2010 in every category,” said Cobra General Manager Brian Zender.

The second day of the 2010 PGA Merchandise Show concluded with more star power Friday evening, when legendary rock band Kansas played its medley of hits during the Elations “Rock The Joint” concert in the Linda W. Chapin Theater.

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