By Jim Kitchen, Co-Owner of Golf Tech of Novi
I attended my first PGA Merchandise Show in the early 1990s with my father Dennis and since then have returned for another 10. This is the expo that showcases all the new incoming golf clubs and balls and every other golf related product under the sun! All the leading industry manufacturers are at this week-long event in Orlando, Fla. – from TaylorMade to Wilson, TrueTemper to Fujikura… And with the advent of so many new technologies and materials entering the game, all the key manufacturing experts are on hand to answer questions I can pass along to golfers. 
The PGA Show is not open to the general public. You have to be a golf industry insider. It’s where PGA Professionals and Golf Industry Professionals meet to discover the latest trends. The PGA Show kicks off with the world’s largest Outdoor Demo Day at the Orange County National CC and then for the next three days the expo goes indoors. Throughout the week, exhibitors showcase their newest clubs, golf balls, grips, club fitting best practices, instructional aids, apparel, golf accessories…and so much more.
I am able to talk with engineers, designers, sales directors, fellow golf retail owners, pro shop mangers… all in an effort to make the right decisions for merchandise for my shop in Novi and for my booth at the annual Michigan Golf Show in March. By attending the PGA Show, I am much more prepared for the new season and can answer the many questions all my customers have. It is a very exciting event, where Scotty Cameron is always at the Titleist booth, Greg Norman is on hand at his apparel booth, The Golf Channel is on-site televising live every day. Many of the Volvik Long Distance Touring Pros are there, nutritionists, and exercise experts and so much more.
Golf Tech of Novi: 41300 10 Mile Rd., Suite A, Novi, MI. More info at: www.golftechnovi.com
