As a newcomer to the PGA Merchandise show in 2016, I was excited to meet many of the golf industry folks that I had conversed with over the internet for some time. Although, my time at the show was brief, I thoroughly enjoyed meeting many of the passionate folks that work in the golf industry. For the trip, I had teamed up with fellow golf enthusiast and blogger, Sean Ogle of Breaking Eighty. Like any sensible businessman, I packed my golf clubs and business cards and headed out to Orlando. First up would be the golf, then the business of golf.
The 18th green at Adios, an excellent par 5 finishing hole.
The winds blew a good 30-40 mph for us on the Blue Monster
My first ever round of golf in Florida would be on the challenging Blue Monster Course at Doral. As you can see in the photo, there was a little bit of wind to contend with. Fortunately, the wind would die down and I would roll in my first Florida birdie on the 17th hole.
After hitting the scene in Miami Beach and visiting the 14th best bar in the world, The Broken Shaker, we got up early to play golf at Adios Golf Club. Adios is a private establishment that is more well known for it's club than it's course. Although, both are top notch. Sean and I would agree that Adios was one of our favorite golfing experiences to date.
Our trip was indeed building up some steam as we headed to the airport to pick up Ashley Mayo of Golf Digest. The next morning our power trio would go for 36 at Streamsong. Click on the images below for the exclusive "By the Numbers" recap.
Ashley let's me know I've only got 6 inches for birdie!!
The Biarritz swale on 16 swallowed up several of our shots.
With the golf in our rear view mirror, it was time to set our sights on the PGA Merchandise Show's Demo Day. Demo Day is hosted on a 360 degree driving range at the Orange County National Golf Center. With just about every golf vendor in attendance, you can hit the latest sticks with the latest gadgets until your arms fall off. Here is what we found.
Long Drive Champ, Jamie Sadlowski brought his iPhone in his back pocket and hit this 7 iron 320 yards.
These things exist, not sure what they are or how they're gonna help, but they exist.
The Golf Board comes in orange! ...and has a cooler for those who are interested in drinking and boarding.
The Big Max Trolleys fold up so nicely that you can almost put them in your back pocket. The Blade!!
With Demo Day in the books, Sean and I got serious and headed over to Orlando's finest miniature golf facility, Pirate's Cove, to round out a solid day. Check out the pirate video recap below.
For day 2, it was time to head over to the convention center and check out the scene. Orange County convention center is massive and we had some serious talking and walking to do. Here is the best of what we found.
First time PGA show residents, Holderness & Bourne have some of the finest golf polos around. You'll have to wait until March to get these babies.
That's a Dalmation golf bag cover from MiniZoo Golf Bag Covers. Your bag with some bark.
For me, the biggest hit of the show was Taylor Made's release of the M2 line. I smoked this 3 wood like a Cigar on my birthday!!
Keegan Bradley has his own beer now. Finally.
Sean Ogle goes yard with Cobra's latest driver while Red Bull pumps the dope beats.
Somebody has got to sort all of these balls. Thanks to the volunteers!
One of my favorite gadgets at the show was the reasonably priced ($349) Swing Caddy 2. 107 club head speed, not bad for this hacker
The view of the showroom floor. Lot's of action down there.
Loudmouth still loud.
The Classic line up of Jones Golf Bags. Classic Jones!
Co-founder John Bourne of Holderness and Bourne tells it how it is.
Who amongst us hasn't wanted to do this. Jones just gets it.
That's a wrap from Orlando and the 2016 PGA Merchandise show. A big thanks to my friend Sean Ogle of Breaking Eighty and everyone else who took the time to make this newcomer feel important. Until next time, Orlando!