I just spent four days in Orlando and didn’t go to Disney World, Epcot, Universal or Seaworld. Instead, I attended the 2025 PGA Merchandise show with 30,000 other participants. It is the largest golf industry gathering in the world. It is a trade-only event and is not open to the general public. Participants include PGA members, LPGA professionals, golf manufacturers, retail buyers and this year included pickleball products and a court set-up to play.
On Tuesday there was a demo-day at Orange County National Golf Center. The facility has a huge, 42-acre circular range. Golf club companies, teaching aids, lasers, carts, GPS and shot-tracking systems were present. You could try out any of these products. However, it was cut short due to inclement weather. All these products were also on display the rest of the week inside the convention center.
There is always a huge education component. There were seminars on almost every aspect of golf. Golf teaching professionals must attend education seminars throughout their career in order to receive and keep their teaching credentials.
For golf professionals who operate golf pro shops, they got a chance to see new products: apparel, footwear and accessories. There were also products to operate golf facilities: driving range products, golf carts, accessories for the golf course such as ball washers, tee markers, etc.
Golf fitness has become extremely popular. There were more than 75 fitness and sports performance companies showcasing their products. More and more golf facilities recognize the benefits of incorporating fitness programs. It is also an integral component of golf instruction.
Nutrition products were prevalent. You could sample all the products and make a meal out of all the nutrition bars and drinks on display. There were numerous booths on relieving golf injuries. Coming off wrist surgery, I was very interested in these products. I had numerous creams and sprays placed on my wrist. Also, gloves that help with wrist injuries were on display. Of course, I bought a couple of gloves.
Simulator golf has really taken off. The National Golf Foundation stated that more golfers are playing on simulators than on golf courses. This is especially true in the northern states. Simulators also do a great job on assessing swing errors and strengths. For entertainment, you can also play some of the greatest courses in the world.
The latest golf carts are amazing. You don’t need a car to travel anymore. Also, walking carts for those who want more exercise have GPS components that give exact yardages. I wish there were more golf courses in the Lowcountry that you could walk.
I have gone to this golf show for over 30 years, and it amazes me all the new products and improvements to golf clubs and balls. It was a great experience, and I can’t wait to attend the 2026 PGA Merchandise show.
Dr. Jean Harris is an LPGA Master Professional at Pinecrest Golf Club. Jean.golfdoctor.harris@gmail.com
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