By Scott Kramer, Contributing Equipment Editor
We tend to see different clubs, balls, bags and even best practices trending every year. While we cannot predict the future, we can gather the sentiment best reflecting what a cross section of PGA of America Golf Professionals suspect might become the hottest equipment-related items of 2026.
Thus, we surveyed some of the country’s top PGA of America Merchandisers of the Year to discover what they’re predicting and expecting:
• Danny Rainbow, PGA, Director of Golf at the public SentryWorld in Stevens Point, Wisconsin: “We expect the high lofted fairway trend to continue, with fewer 3-woods and hybrids. We are also expecting to see price increases on drivers and potentially other clubs. And we anticipate a competitive wedge market this year.”
• Derek Mazzoni, PGA, Director of Golf at the public Trilogy Golf Club in La Quinta (California): “In our active adult community, proper clubfitting is absolutely essential and will continue trending in 2026. We often see players using older, outdated clubs with shafts that are too stiff or heavy and not enough loft to help them perform their best. Various brands specialize in equipment designed specifically for what our type of golfer needs – lighter, more forgiving clubs that are built to generate more speed and launch. A proper fitting paired with these modern advancements allows our golfers to continue enjoying the game well into their retirement years.”
• Jason Loomis, PGA, Executive Director at Great River Golf Club, semi-private facility in Milford, Connecticut: “We plan to ride the zero-torque putter wagon again. And with both Callaway and TaylorMade introducing new golf balls for 2026, we are going to push ball fittings and pre-order sales.”
• James Ondo, PGA, Head Golf Professional at The Apawamis Club, private facility in Rye, New York: “Similar to the trend on tour, we anticipate more mallet putter conversions. The forgiveness is hard to pass up. And the golf ball will continue to be a big deal. There are so many quality options in the marketplace to fit different skill levels and player types. Finally, we think iron combo sets will be hot. Mixing the speed and forgiveness of a player’s distance iron with the look, feel and workability of a player’s iron gives golfers the best of both worlds.”
• Kevin Edwards, PGA, Director of Golf, Olde Homestead Golf Club, daily fee course in New Tripoli, Pennsylvania: “I really see the trend toward putter and short game fittings, with a big area being zero-torque putters and wedge gapping.”
• George Ancuta, PGA, Head Golf Professional at Out Door Country Club, private facility in York, Pennsylvania: “Building strong relationships with vendors who provide fitting carts, equipment and demo products will remain essential in 2026 – these resources put clubs directly into consumers’ hands at the green grass level. Having the right tools benefits the golf professional, the vendor and the overall business. As more companies continue to invest in providing these resources to green grass facilities, the opportunity for stronger sales, better fittings and enhanced member satisfaction will only grow – ultimately creating a win for everyone involved.”
• Morgan Jewell, PGA, Director of Operations at The Floridian, private facility in Palm City, Florida: “Our clientele is always going to buy the biggest and newest. It’s not always if they get more distance or if it helps them lower their scores, and it’s also not an ego thing. They just see Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood using new clubs, and they think if they’re working for those guys, they’re probably going to get the new thing.”
