By all measures and metrics, the 72nd PGA Show conducted Jan. 21–24 in Orlando, Florida, was an unbridled success as PGA of America Golf Professionals and the industry celebrated golf’s soaring post-pandemic popularity and participation while setting the table for a positive 2025 business cycle.
Imagine 33,000 golf industry professionals representing 94 countries and all 50 U.S. states uniting under the same roof, the spacious Orange County Convention Center, to sample, source and interact with more than 1,100 participating brands.
Imagine 7,300 PGA of America Golf Professionals, LPGA and international PGA Professionals; more than 1,300 VIP buyers representing 840 golf facilities and retailers; more than 1,100 media members (including some 200 content creators and social media influencers), and leaders from virtually all major golf organizations coming together to:
• Discover the latest products and innovations,
• Test the latest golf equipment,
• Enjoy four days of PGA Education opportunities and special presentations,
• Connect with colleagues from coast to coast,
• Enjoy an upbeat live Fashion Show and Winter Jam concert by rock band THIRD EYE BLIND, and
• Renew their passion for everything golf.
Largest Show Since 2009
When all the numbers were calculated and crunched, the 2025 PGA Show was the largest since 2009, providing a positive, optimistic outlook for the business of golf and all of golf’s operatives throughout the year.
But beyond the impressive numbers, it was the voices of golf – the perspective of the people – at the 72nd PGA Show that certified the success of golf’s largest global gathering.
“Every year, the PGA Show leaves us energized and inspired, setting a positive tone for the new golf season,” said PGA of America President Don Rea Jr., PGA Master Professional and Owner/Operator of Augusta Ranch Golf Club in Mesa, Arizona.
“With more than 33,000 in attendance, including over 6,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals, this is our ‘Member’s Major,’” said Rea. “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.”
Added Thomas Moore, PGA, Director of Golf at The Hills Country Club in Austin, Texas: “This is my 27th PGA Show, and I would have to say it is the best Show yet. I’ve always believed that as PGA Professionals, we have the responsibility to support the PGA Show, but the past several years the PGA Show has really gone out of its way to support the PGA Golf Professional.
“There were so many great education sessions, presentations and special events geared toward the PGA Professional at the PGA Show this year – from Demo Day to education sessions, to special events. It was a great experience from start to finish, and this is a great time to be in the golf space.”
Many Special Events
From the upbeat opening ceremony featuring PGA of America President Don Rea Jr. and CEO Derek Sprague to the Industry Welcome Reception and fast-paced Fashion Show on Jan. 22, to the Winter Jam concert supported by adidas and Corebridge Financial with headlining rock-band THIRD EYE BLIND on Jan. 23, the 72nd PGA Show offered a long leaderboard of special events and networking opportunities, in addition to the traditional business and education sessions.
All contributed to a memorable 2025 PGA Show – even a rainy PGA Show Demo Day on Jan. 21 that proved PGA Professionals can enjoy hitting balls with the latest equipment from 70 leading companies amid any weather conditions.
“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.”
Some of the 2025 PGA Show special appearances included: Brad Faxon, Jim Furyk, Lexi Thompson, Blair O’Neal, Kyle Berkshire, Stacy Lewis, Matt Fitzpatrick, Brooke Henderson, Jim Nantz, Lydia Ko, Annika Sorenstam, Derek Jeter, Johnny Damon, former NFL players Josh Dobbs, Marcus Jones, Tyrell Adams and more.
