PGA Fall Expo

"This is a great opportunity to showcase our product to the right market," said Jake Herold, inventor and president of Golf Tees Galore.  "One pro said it best to describe our product as ‘form meets function.'  At demo events like this, pros can personally experience the durability on the range and on the course."

"The combination of the new tournament purse and the great course was too good to pass up," said PGA Professional Tony Rohlik, general manager for Ace of Clubs in Mesa, Ariz.  "The timing of the PGA Fall Expo is perfect for us and Las Vegas is a convenient destination."

"We had Sky Caddie on every cart in the Pro Challenge Cup," said Julie Davis, Vice President of Marketing SkyGolf.  "A lot of PGA Professionals sell our products but don't get the chance to use them as much as they'd like. At Paiute, PGA Professionals and buyers were able to see green characteristics clearly with our new Beta Series features.

"Since the Cleatskins debut in Orlando this past year, we've had a good deal of success with a lot of teaching pros, touring pros and caddies wearing our products," said Rick Kay, co-founder and CFO of Cleatskins.  "This is a big show for us to reach west coast buyers and demonstrate the full benefit of our cleat covers that easily convert golf shoes to street shoes."

"Despite the economic downturn, many companies including Antigua, have been working very hard to create new and exciting products to introduce at PGA Fall Expo," said Ron McPherson, CEO and president of Antigua.  "Many of these new products will be available for delivery as soon as late September 2009. The golf industry has always been driven by product innovation. If you miss the Expo you'd be a step behind. The recession will not last forever. New and exciting products are what the golf consumer always looks for to purchase."

"Beyond the obvious importance of the spring buying season in the golf industry, the PGA Expo show is crucial because it grants both buyers and vendors the exposure to ideas and trends of the great apparel industry at a national level through its coincidence with Magic," said Becky Ryan, vice president of sales and marketing for Jack Nicklaus Sportswear.  "In today's economy, pro shops are looking for something fresh and new to excite consumer interest. Through fun, vibrant, yet golf appropriate color stories, Jack Nicklaus Sportswear speaks to the golfer's need to keep spirits lifted through personal style."

"It was tough out there today with the wind, but It was nice to be able to get out there and play with fellow pros," said PGA Professional Jay Becher, Director of Golf for Ahwatukee Golf Properties in Phoenix, Ariz.  "The PGA Fall Expo is a good business trip for us with days full of buying appointments and education seminars."

"This is always a great opportunity to put our equipment into the hands of PGA Professionals," said Pete Stamatis, senior manager of custom fitting for Callaway Golf.  "They are able to see ball flight clearly and experience the different technologies and launch characteristics of our clubs.  On the show floor, they will be able to see similar technologies with our launch monitor."

"We've seen more people here than past shows, which means more orders." said Jeff Houston, Territory Manager, Nivo-Sports. "We've introduced a new line and have written $10,000 in new orders for that line alone. Our customers like the intimate nature of this event."

"In times like this, it's very important to stay the course. That's why we're here exhibiting again at the PGA Fall Expo," said Steve Asman, President of GustBuster/SunBuster. "It's important to keep your product in front of the buyers in this industry...if you're not here one year they may think you've gone out of business. Most companies think they can't afford to be here...the truth is...they can't afford to NOT be here."

"The PGA Fall Expo's timing, education classes and the opportunity to pick up MSR hours are very appealing," said Coralee Jorgensen, PGA Head Professional at Westward Ho Country Club in Sioux Falls, S.D.  "The classes have been extremely informative. In walking the Show floor, I have also found four or five new companies that I will be doing business with. The entire experience has been invaluable. I wish my whole staff was here."

"We simply didn't know what to expect this year," said Leslie Chow, president/designer of Iconic Sports.  "We have had great walk-by traffic and a lot of PGA Professionals stopping by so we've been busy with a good response to our variety of sun protection products."

"The show has exceeded our expectations and the traffic flow is as good as any I can remember the past few years," said Mark Maley, vice president of sales for Carnoustie.  "During these rough economic times, it is great to see the buyers supporting the show in such a positive way.  The new turn-key exhibits look great too!"

"We are so pleased with the turnout and quality of buyers at this year's show," said Beth Sommers at Free Fall.  "Due to the recent economic climate we had only moderate expectations but have been pleasantly surprised by at the constant flow of traffic.  We also have been talking to our exhibiting neighbors and we are all really happy with how the show is turning out."

"Continuing education and discovering new strategies to deal with the tough economy is more important than ever before," said  Gary Geiger, PGA head professional at The Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, Fla. "There just aren't many potential new club members with an extra $150,000 knocking on your door to join your club in this day and age. You might wonder why I would come all the way from Florida to Las Vegas, but any seminars that might help us market memberships without negatively impacting our current membership is money well spent. This economy calls for creative action, and the seminars have given me some great new ideas."

"We've had representatives from Dick's Sporting Goods and Golf Galaxy meeting with strong candidates throughout the day today," said Marybeth Mudrany, regional recruiter for Dick's Sporting Goods. "The PGA Professional position is typically a more challenging position to recruit, but having the career fair at the show makes the entire process more efficient and targeted for us and immediately responsive for potential candidates."