2016 PGA Merchandise Show Highlights

Brimming with optimism and positive vibes, the 63rd PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando (January 27-29) was the place to be for thousands of PGA Professionals, retail buyers and golf industry leaders. More than 1,000 companies were represented, including 50 companies devoted to golf travel and golf travel products. Premier Golf had its key executives on hand at its booth in the PGA Show Golf Travel Pavilion.

“Our booth was very busy from start to finish this year,” says Jim Ward, president of Premier Golf. “We’re very excited about 2016 and believe it’s going to be a terrific year for golf travel.”

He continues, “The dollar is very strong in certain destinations and favorites like Scotland and Ireland continue to improve their courses, hotels and resorts. When you factor in that 2016 is a Ryder Cup year at a fabulous venue like Hazeltine National in Minnesota, this year promises to be outstanding.”

Here are some highlights:

• Among the destinations represented were Scotland, Ireland, Wales, New Zealand, Turkey, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
• New Zealand, which had a display next to the Premier Golf booth, is generating lots of interest from PGA professionals and their members seeking an excursion filled with great golf, spectacular scenery and fine wines. South Africa is another emerging destination for travelers seeking a truly exciting and memorable golf travel experience.
• was a big topic of conversation at Premier Golf’s booth. Is this the year the U.S.A. gets the Cup back with an exciting, young team headed by current points leader Jordan Spieth? Premier Golf has been the official distributor of Ryder Cup travel packages for 25 years, and, as expected, there were many inquiries about our ticket/accommodations/amenities packages in Minnesota. All of Premier’s packages include 4 nights accommodations (September 29-October 3), breakfast daily, Ryder Cup Season ticket, round-trip transportation daily between your hotel and Hazeltine National Golf Club, welcome reception and Ryder Cup gift.

One of the fun aspects of attending the show is seeing and visiting with some of golf’s biggest celebrities walking the aisles and greeting attendees. Among those we saw this year, include Nancy Lopez, Johnny Miller, Lee Trevino, Annika Sorenstam, Bubba Watson, Lexi Thompson, Graeme McDowell, Hal Sutton, David Leadbetter, Chi Chi Rodriguez, Justin Thomas, Hank Haney, Michael Breed, Jim McLean, Claude Harmon and Lou Holtz.