1997 PGA merchandise show is the ideal forum for the latest in golf products and services

Palm Beach Gardens, Fla - The golf industry's trend indicator for the last 40 years, the PGA Merchandise Show opens on January 24th at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida and closes on Monday 27th January. It hosts nearly 1,400 exhibitors and 45,000 attendees representing the world's leading sporting goods, mass market and golf speciality retailers as well as PGA golf professionals.

"With more than 25 million golfers in the United States and millions more worldwide, the golf industry is experiencing tremendous growth opportunities as accessibilty increases and the demographic diversification of beginning golfers evolves," said John Zurek, senior director of golf expositions for the PGA of America.

The PGA Merchandise Show, which has traditionally provided the ideal forum for the introduction of the latest and greatest golf products and servcies, is the world's largest marketplace for retailers of golf related products and services. The Show is all-encompassing with a diverse assortment of products and services under one roof and nearly one million square feet of space. The 1997 show features some 1,400 exhibits and is expected to surpass last year's attendance figure of 43,805 of which 4,000 were international attendees.

"Golf is the number one export among sporting goods in the United States and the PGA Merchandise Show is a true reflection of the magnitude of the industry worldwide," said Zurek. "The show has experienced a nearly 90 per cent increase in attendance since 1991 and has become the focal point for the introduction of marketing campaigns, professional developments, programmes and annual business meetings."

The largest individual exhibit is the Titleist/Foot Joy stand covering some 14,000 sqaure feet. Top Flite is next with 8,800 square feet followed by Cobra with 6,400 square feet. Callaway, Taylor Made, Slazenger and Wilson all have 5,600 square feet.

Nicklaus Golf Equipment has 3 versions of its new Air Bear irons to display -an Offset version, Tour Model and Jack irons. There is also a new line in ladies clubs with specially developed shafts.

Top Flite has a display of its new putter range - the MicroGroove. There are nine models in the range which feature grooves that run from heel to toe on the clubface. The putters are made from manganese bronze for a softer feel and are available in blade, flange and mallet designs.