Orlando, Florida, United States: More than 33,000 golf industry professionals from 94 countries and 50 US States came together to meet with more than 1,100 participating brands at the 72nd PGA Show.
With the continued growth of the recreational game, the PGA Show, held from January 21-24, reached its largest size since 2009, pointing to a highly optimistic outlook for the US$102 billion golf industry in 2025.
While the PGA Show began in the trunks of cars during a 1954 golf tournament, it has grown into golf’s longest running and largest global business gathering. Held for the 39th year in 1.1 million square feet the Orange County Convention Centre, the 2025 PGA Show expanded in multiple categories – by number of attendees, number of exhibitors, net booth space and total event space, making it the largest PGA Show in 15 years.
The PGA Show is organised by the PGA of America and PGA Golf Exhibitions.
“Every year the PGA Show leaves us energised and inspired, setting a positive tone for the new golf season,” said Don Rea Jr, President of the PGA of America, an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.
Rea, PGA Master Professional and Owner/Operator of Augusta Ranch Golf Club (Arizona), added: “With more than 33,000 in attendance, including over 6,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals, this is our ‘Member’s Major.’ The Show offered a wealth of business opportunities, but equally important were the mentoring, networking and career development moments.
“I love seeing our younger professionals at their first PGA Show walking side-by-side with their seasoned mentors. The true essence of this week are the relationships and collaboration within our industry to advance the game of golf and leave it better than we found it.”
Among the tens of thousands of attendees were more than 7,300 PGA of America Golf Professionals, LPGA and international PGA Professionals, representing widespread professional positions in the global industry and driving grass-roots participation in the game by millions worldwide.
More than 1,300 VIP buyers representing 840 golf facilities and retailers sourced new products and services, bringing approximately US$885 million in purchasing power and nearly US$2.2 billion in retail sales to the event.
Additionally, more than 1,100 media, including some 200 content creators and social media influencers from 22 countries reported from the trade-only PGA Show, offering an exclusive inside look to the game’s newest innovations for millions of consumers around the world.
Industry professional attendance came from 94 countries with Canada, the United Kingdom, China, Japan and Mexico topping the list of international attendees. Texas, New York, Georgia, California and North Carolina represented the top states, outside of the host state of Florida.
“We had a feeling heading into the PGA Show that this year’s event was going to be special, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the overwhelmingly positive response from attending golf industry professionals and exhibiting brands – many who called it the ‘best show ever’,” said PGA Golf Exhibitions Vice President Marc Simon.
“The largest PGA Show in 15 years, combined with really strong industry attendance, is a tremendous start to the new year for the golf industry. Our global golf community relishes the opportunity to connect in person and we leave the PGA Show with renewed friendships, new business opportunities and a recharged outlook moving into 2025,” he added.