Vibrant Golf Industry Evidenced by Triumphant PGA Show Event
The 2025 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando was a breath of fresh air for the golf community, marking a noticeable comeback for golf's biggest annual gathering. Attendance and exhibition numbers reached heights not seen in over a decade, with more than 1,000 exhibitors spread across 1.1 million square feet of space at the Orange County Convention Center. This robust turnout showcases the $102 billion industry's resilience and adaptability since the pandemic.
"Golf is thriving right now," noted Marc Simon, Vice President of PGA Golf Exhibitions. The surge in popularity led to the largest number of exhibitors and largest displayed area since 2009, further emphasizing the industry's vitality.
The show attracted key figures in the golf business, including over 1,200 VIP buyers representing approximately 770 golf facilities and mass merchandisers. These individuals wielded an estimated $810 million in purchasing power and nearly $2 billion in retail sales potential.
Since the show's pandemic disruption in 2021, a steady recovery has been noted, with momentum building through 2023 and 2024 leading to the impressive 2025 performance.
"To see the industry return to such strength after the disruption is truly remarkable," Simon added.
Sparking Innovation
The show is not merely an exhibition of golf equipment and apparel; it's a platform for groundbreaking advancements. For instance, Adidas reimagined its presence, shifting towards a more dynamic, experience-focused approach. Rather than occupying a large space on the show floor, the company opted for a more engaging strategy, including hosting a product unveiling at nearby Cabot Citrus Farms and sponsoring the PGA Show’s Winter Jam concert.
Technology's presence was palpable throughout the show floor, with companies displaying innovations in screen golf, AI, and flight analysis, as well as the evolution of the golf cart industry and the booming golf apparel sector, driven by Gen Z consumers and performance fabric technology.
Diversifying Golf Facilities
The show also expanded to reflect the changing nature of golf facilities and clubs. A prime example is The Clubhouse, an exhibition area that doubled in size for 2025. This area, geared towards facilities seeking to enhance member or player experiences, showcased three key segments: Fitness, Health and Wellness; racquet sports; and general club amenities.
"The PGA Show is not just about the exhibits; it's about the education, trends, innovations, and best practices you can bring back to your facility," Simon emphasized.
Future of Golf
Looking ahead, the PGA Show team is focused on creating value for exhibitors, adapting to industry trends, and incorporating customer feedback. This progressive mindset has helped the show evolve from selling floor space to generating comprehensive business opportunities for exhibitors.
The success of the 2025 PGA Merchandise Show underscores golf's post-pandemic momentum and its ability to attract new participants while maintaining its traditional charm. Simon aptly summed it up, saying, "The show is a conduit for driving golf's business forward."
Beneath the surface of these advancements, the golf industry is pushing boundaries with innovative technologies, such as launch monitors and rangefinders that provide real-time club data recommendations, AI-powered golf clubs, virtual golf leagues, and smart club technology. While sustainability remains a priority, initiatives like eco-friendly materials in equipment manufacturing and Rapsodo MLM2PRO's upgraded GSPro software ensure greener practices without sacrificing performance.
As the game evolves, major tournaments like the WM Phoenix Open, Masters, PGA Championship, The Open Championship, and Tour Championship are incorporating new technologies and innovative formats to captivate spectators while preserving the game's timeless essence.
In a nutshell, the 2025 PGA Merchandise Show represents golf's commitment to blending tradition and modernity for a more engaging and rewarding playing experience.
Marc Simon, Vice President of PGA Golf Exhibitions, expressed his excitement about the 2025 PGA Merchandise Show, stating, "The PGA Show is not just about the exhibits; it's about the education, trends, innovations, and best practices you can bring back to your facility."
The PGA Show 2025 saw a significant presence of technology, with companies showcasing advancements in screen golf, AI, flight analysis, golf cart industry, and golf apparel sector. Adidas, for instance, shifted towards a more dynamic, experience-focused approach, hosting a product unveiling at Cabot Citrus Farms and sponsoring the PGA Show’s Winter Jam concert.
The future of the golf industry looks promising, with a focus on incorporating customer feedback and evolving from selling floor space to generating comprehensive business opportunities for exhibitors. Events like the PGA Merchandise Show are crucial in driving golf's business forward, as Marc Simon aptly pointed out, "The show is a conduit for driving golf's business forward."
