Saturday, March 12, 2011

Golf Heaven


I had the pleasure of attending the 2011 PGA Merchandise Show, held January 27-29, in Orlando, Fla., The Show welcomed some 1,000 top golf companies and brands and more than 40,000 industry professionals from around the world to the industry’s 58th annual global summit for the business of golf.

Before going, I sought advice from some of my PGA friends on how to best tackle this mammoth show. It was suggested to me to go on the last day within the last two hours of closing. I was warned that I would be overwhelmed but going at this time would decrease my sensory overload.

After entering the convention center, you walk a long hallway on the second floor. From this vantage point you can look down over the show floor. It was at that time I felt my body began to float. Golf merchandise as far as the eye can see. I just stood there hyperventilating. Are you kidding me? I broke out into a sweat, if only I could repel onto the floor. But alas, I couldn’t. So I’m off to the press room to get my credential from the gracious Sherry Major.

Prior to going to the Show, I had a perception that women’s golf clothes lacked flavor and pizzazz. So imagine my surprise when I saw booth after booth of women’s clothes that had style, color and prints. Clearly I have been shopping in the wrong place. Some of the clothes still lacked flavor, and there were clearly some brands not made for a curvy woman like me, but I was happy to see great fashion!

Of course I went and checked out the Medicus Golf area. I really should just get on a payment plan with them. Considering I’m a newbie, I need all the training aide I can get ;)

Lastly, I had a nice conversation with Liz from Bloom Designs. I wandered into her booth because I’m obsessed with stationery. Bloom Designs is a golf themed fashionable stationery company offering fine boxed stationery, notepads, invitations, and apparel. The cool thing about Bloom Designs is that they also personalize. So it’s a great resource for gifts (hint, hint friends) or golf tournaments. Check them out or put your order in for my birthday gift at www.bloomdesigns.com.

The PGA Merchandise Show was this girl’s version of Golf Heaven on Earth. I’m already counting the days until next year!