A couple of weeks ago I made my annual trip to the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, FL. Although many of the vendors that I had seen in previous years had pulled out this year there still were intriguing new gadgets and a broad representation of the golf marketplace. And yes, the attendance was down as well. However, the good thing about less people is that there were less “tire kickers” and a higher ratio of people on a mission to do and close business. As this show was originally intended to be a buyer’s show focusing on the resellers, golf professionals and golf shops across the country, recently the PGA has let it get out of hand in my opinion. Each year it seems that anyone with a pulse can get in the door which adds to the traffic and reduces a true buyer’s ability to work the show. Personally, I appreciated the lighter traffic and had my best show yet.
While on my visit to the Orlando area, I had the opportunity to play McArthur Golf Club in Hobe Sound, FL, with my good friend Bill Parcells and Dan Henning. My golfing partner for the round was Wayne Worms, Director of Golf at Due Process Stable Golf Course, and we brother-in-lawed the coaches and came out victorious. One of the few times….
The next day was a true treat. I was a guest at The Floridian, Wayne Huizengas’ own private golf club in Palm City, FL. All I can say is WOW! I was paired with Cindy Petrusik, a teaching professional at Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club in Jupiter, FL, and as I found out, I was again the lucky one! She has got some serious game. She and I took down the coaches again and there was palpable tension in the air. It was a great weekend with great friends. Rumor has it there will be a rematch in March.
Shawn