Equipment

Time To Kick Open The Doors – 2010 PGA Merchandise Show

Published

16 years ago

Jan 27, 2010

Each and every year the pulse of the golf industry can be measured in one week and it has arrived. As more than a 1,000 exhibitors prepare to display their wares in Orlando’s voluminous Orange County Convention Center, thousands of people who work in the business around the world wait to see how the week plays out.

I view this 57^th PGA Show as the calm after the storm. Last year the golf industry was in full panic mode as the world’s economy began to erode at a frightening pace. There was much concern about what the future of golf would be.

What most found out was that the game was not disappearing, but simply transforming to a new reality. Golf is still here and there is still a new market for fresh golf gear, clothing, and so much more.

Some 40,000 attendees including 1,000+ media members are expected to be at the PGA Show. It kicks off with a massive Demo Day at Orange County National Golf Club on January 27^th and then runs through January 30^th at the Convention Center.

As I prepare to cruise the show myself along with other media colleagues I look forward to keying in on a number of companies, products and storylines.

Clothing

Still one of the strongest parts of the PGA Merchandise Show, apparel continues to flourish. With margins more attractive than what is typically earned on hard goods, this sector has not suffered quite as much damage in sales in the past couple years.

Fall/Winter 2010 products will be the ones on display in Orlando with a few companies revealing product options for 2011. Performance wear is still a big trend with lifestyle brands also pushing to the forefront.

I’ll be watching for lines from Dunning, Quagmire, Travis Mathew, Lija, SunIce, Phreshwear, and the new looks from Ashworth.

Reinvention

New and sudden economic realities mean “calling an audible or two” and it will be intriguing to see how retailers and golf professionals react to the new marketplace, especially for the people based in the United States and United Kingdom where the economy has been particularly affected.

With so many of the pros and retailers in one room it will be interesting to speak with them and see what their business strategies will be moving forward. How will they maintain and grow sales and what technologies and techniques will they use to do that? That alone can change the face of golf as consumers see it.

The Price is Right?

As much as they need high sales numbers, will this be the year that manufacturers start to realize that not everyone who wants top equipment is willing to pay $600 for a driver? While most pricing strategies for 2010 have been set I would not be surprised to hear of some tweaks and bonus programs – not only to get shops to take on more inventory but also to attract consumers with at least a few dollars to spare for new gear.

Missing In Action

Who will be at the show, back at the show, or gone altogether? The mix of exhibitors at the show is testament to who has survived the year past and who is ready to take on the season ahead. Each year there are casualties, as well as unexpected success stories, and it is at this show that all is usually revealed.

Innovation

For 56 years the world been introducing new golf technology at the PGA Show and I don’t expect this year to be any different. It is the star of the show.

Adjustability, new materials, and unique designs – it all comes into play here and it leads you to wonder what comes next?

After the next few days run their course and the 57^th PGA Merchandise Show plays out, we hope that the answer to that question will be a lot clearer.

And, of course, you can expect to see coverage of all the action of GolfWRX.com!

—

This report to GolfWRX.com provided by Flagstick Golf Magazine (www.flagstick.com)

Whats in the Bag

Brianna Do WITB (June 2026)

Published

15 hours ago

Jun 8, 2026

Will Schube

Driver: Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond (9 degrees)
Shaft: KBS PGW

3-wood: Callaway Elyte Titanium (15 degrees)
Shaft: KBS PGW

5-wood: Callaway Elyte (18 degrees)
Shaft: KBS PGW

Hybrids: Callaway Paradym (21 @22, 24, 27 degrees)
Shafts: KBS PGI 60

Irons: Callaway X Forged Star (7-PW)
Shafts: KBS PGI 75

Wedges: PXG Sugar Daddy III (50, 56, 60 10S)
Shafts: KBS

Putter: Odyssey Damascus Milled Rossie S Putter

Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet

Whats in the Bag

Athena Singh WITB 2026 (June)

Published

15 hours ago

Jun 8, 2026

Will Schube

Driver: TaylorMade Qi4D (10.5 Degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue 6 S

3-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 Max (16 Degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Red 6 S

5-wood: TaylorMade Qi4D (18 Degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Red 6 S

Hybrid: TaylorMade Qi4D (25 Degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue HB 7 S

Irons: TaylorMade P770 (5-PW)
Shafts: Mitsubishi MMT Graphite 65 R

Wedges: TaylorMade MG5 (50-09SB, 56-08LB, 60-08LB)
Shafts: Mitsubishi MMT Graphite 75 S

Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour

Grips: Golf Pride MCC

Equipment

What are the best golf socks? – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

18 hours ago

Jun 8, 2026

Will Schube

In our forums, not everything is about club selection and shaft options. A heated debate has bubbled up surrounding the best sock options players can wear on the course.

@CletePurcel asked:

“Just bought 2 new pairs of FootJoy shoes and trying to find out the most favorable socks to wear. I try to walk 9 holes two to three times a week and good socks are a must. Thanks in advance.

Members in the forum chimed in with their favorite footwear accessories. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.

Maroon_19: “I’ve only worn Kentwool socks for golf for the last 8 years – regardless of weather. I walk 90% of my rounds and play anywhere from 50-75 rounds a year (going to go up as I just retired). They only get worn for golf. As long as you care for them, they’ll care for you. Have had zero blisters with them. I just started using my second set of 8 pair for our Bandon trip earlier this month. The old ones will now go into the daily wear rotation. Still good after all these years.”
smoova: “I’ve had good luck with Swiftwick. Walk every round 12 months a year in Colorado.”
Hawkeye77: “FJ Pro ProDry is what I’m usually wearing just because I have more of them, but I’ve got some Smartwool socks I love for the wool aspect – they sell them as running socks. The thicker socks are better for certain shoes. I’ve gone merino/other wool in almost all my socks – athletic, “dress” and so forth – no more “Orlon”, lol, some golf socks are the exception.”
th6252: “Another vote for Kentwool, honorable mentions to Balega and Falke(thanks to someone on this forum for turning me onto the RU3).”

Entire Thread: “Best golf socks???”

If you aren’t a member, join us in the GolfWRX forums today!