A Direct Golf UK Team that included Chairman John Andrew, Direct Sales, Purchasing and Marketing Director James Toase plus newly appointed Purchasing Manager Richard Briggs and Buyer Gareth Vipond, made the 8,000 mile round-trip to the 59th PGA Merchandise show, Orlando, Florida to ensure they were among the first to get their hands on all the latest equipment, including the eagerly anticipated TaylorMade Rocketballz.
The 59th PGA Merchandise Show took place at Orange Convention Centre and brought together some 1,000 companies and brands along with more than 42,000 PGA Professionals, buyers and industry leaders from nearly 80 countries to introduce the latest in golf equipment, apparel, accessories and services, from January 25-28, 2012, in Orlando.
This year's PGA Show was the industry's most comprehensive gathering of manufacturers and influential industry leaders to participate in the event's expansive selection of programs for merchandising, professional development, product testing and peer networking.
Chairman and Class AA PGA Professional, John Andrew: “Direct Golf UK first attended the PGA show in 1994 and has been every year since. It provides an invaluable opportunity to see all the latest equipment, apparel and accessories from across the globe and that is why it’s one of the first dates in our diary each year.”
PGA Show Week began on Wednesday, January 25, with the 10th anniversary of the PGA Show Outdoor Demo Day at the Orange County National Golf Centre and Lodge in Winter Garden, Florida. More than 6,000 PGA Professionals and invited retailers tested the latest products from 100-plus golf equipment, training aids, performance wear and golf accessory companies.
Leading companies such as Callaway Golf, Titleist, TaylorMade, Ping, Nike, Cobra PUMA, Bridgestone, Cleveland/ Srixon, Mizuno, Adams and many others returned to the world's largest professional Outdoor Demo Day to show off their wares and provided the perfect opportunity for the Direct Golf UK team to test all the latest equipment before it is available in the UK.
Direct Sales, Purchasing and Marketing Director, James Toase, commented: “The PGA Show with its impressive outdoor demo day is an invaluable tool for DGUK. Where else can you try all the latest equipment from all the leading brands and as well as the smaller niche brands – all in one place? We feel our attendance here gives us an edge on the market; that’s why we bring a four-man team to ensure we get to see and test every product from every manufacturer to continue to deliver the widest selection of products to our customers.”
The PGA Merchandise Show officially opened its doors at the Orange County Convention Centre on Thursday, January 26, when PGA World Golf Hall of Fame member Jack Nicklaus conducted the grand opening.
Speaking after three busy days at the show, which included meetings, product testing and PGA programs, newly appointed Purchasing Manager and PGA Professional, Richard Briggs, said: “What a first few days in my new role! Most new starters are in the office getting settled and learning the ropes, not flying 4,000 miles to visit the largest gathering of industry professionals and brands in the world. It’s been an incredible experience and one that has enabled me to really hit the ground running.”
With every major equipment, apparel and accessory company exhibiting and writing orders, early attendance figures for the 2012 Show indicate a slight increase in overall attendance and a three percent increase in PGA Professional attendance. Attendees came from around the world with the top five countries (outside of U.S.) represented in attendance being Canada, United Kingdom, Japan, Korea and Germany. The top five U.S. states represented in attendance were Florida, California, New York, Georgia and Pennsylvania.
Pictured: DGUK's Chairman John Andrew, Direct Sales, Purchasing and Marketing Director, James Toase & Purchasing Manager Richard Briggs outside the Orange County Convention Centre.
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