Following two years of business disruptions by the global pandemic, the PGA Show returned in full force on Jan. 24, with close to 30,000 attendees during the course of the show’s four days.
By most accounts, it was one of the most energetic and positive shows in several years.
“The energy on the PGA Show floor was fantastic,” said PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh. “It is reflective of the [golf] industry, basically booming. We played defense for a couple of years during the pandemic, but we’re on the verge of being all the way back now. If the PGA Show is a barometer, 2023 is going to be a great year for golf.”
Total attendance fell short of 2020, when more than 40,000 attended, and the total number of exhibitors was also smaller — 800 in 2023 compared to 1,000 in 2019. But the show was significantly larger than last year when only 15,000 attended and there were 600 exhibitors.
The PGA Show is organized by PGA Golf Exhibitions and the PGA of America.
“The PGA Show is annually the largest gathering of PGA Professionals and industry leaders, and it has certainly lived up to that billing this year,” said PGA President John Lindert.
Most attendees were bullish about the year ahead for the $84 billion industry. Jim Koppenhaver, an industry consultant, reported onsite that rounds in 2022 were likely down 3% from a high of 518 million in 2021. But utilization was up to 70% for the first time, the golfer base was up, and revenue per available tee time was up 9%.
“We eked out a gain despite terrible weather,” he said. “Two years down the road and COVID golfers are still there.”
Koppenhaver said it was the worst year for weather in 19 years, in terms of playable hours. He said weather should normalize in 2023 and he predicts improvement in 31 of 45 regions. He also said that the industry gained 600,000 golfers, mostly younger players.
That, more so than anything, bodes well for the future. Younger players have been attracted by new technology and relaxed rules. That translated to the PGA Show floor.
“The gates opened at 9 a.m., and our bays were full by 9:05 and stayed that way all day,” said Alex Goodman, National Sales Director, Toptracer. “Coaches are especially excited to see what we’re doing with our new software.”
The show floor featured several new vendors, including simulators, new golf cars, management software and other technology providers. One Israeli vendor, Carteav, showcased…
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