Death of the PGA Merchandise Show was greatly exaggerated

The reported demise of the PGA Merchandise Show by several media outlets — including this one — appear to be greatly exaggerated.

Organizers of the annual gathering at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando report this week's show — Jan. 22-24 — is expected to have the highest attendance since 2009 with 1,071 exhibitors signed up (not counting multiple brands in a booth). As a result, the 72nd Show, the longest running and largest global gathering for the business of golf, will feature six stages on the floor and has expanded into a new hall called The Retreat, which is designed to bring attendees together for business connections and exclusive experiences. It's also where both the fashion show and Winter Jam (Third Eye Blind to perform on Thursday) will be held.

Another significant growth area: the space devoted for golf fitness, club amenities and racquets (including Pickleball) has doubled in size. With nearly every product, service and golf lifestyle category represented, more than 1,000 companies and brands will be showcasing products. Last year, Adidas and Maui Jim were among the companies returning to the Show. This year, Nike Golf, Bettinardi Golf, Bobby Jones, Sun Ice and J. Lindeberg are among the brands returning to the exhibition floor. (TaylorMade, Tour Edge, Wilson and Peter Millar are among the brands still on the sidelines.)

This trade-only event remains an important connection for PGA professionals to the golf industry, and serves as a rallying point for the business of golf as well as the world’s doorway to the game’s future.

“The PGA Show is not only the most significant in size and attendance since 2009 but also represents the largest annual gathering of our PGA of America Golf professionals,” said PGA of America CEO Derek Sprague, PGA. “The energy and passion that the PGA Show brings to the business of golf is unparalleled. It attracts the best minds, talents and innovations in the game all under one roof. The Show is an incredible opportunity for the golf community to reconnect, share best practices and build upon the momentum of the recreational and professional game. I look forward to connecting with friends, industry colleagues and forming new relationships during these exciting days in Orlando.”

Why has the Show rebounded after COVID-19 appeared to doom it? Golf is booming and as the saying goes, when the industry is healthy, the Show is healthy.

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: PGA Merchandise Show 2025: Death of event was greatly exaggerated