THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME in Bolingbrook is still open for golf, with opening day at Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville coming soon. So go check out Toptracer and the food at McWethy’s Sports Bar-Mistwoodgolfdome.com or (630)-739-7600. SCHAUMBURG Golf Club at 401 N. Roselle Road has three simulators open, and you can golf the Schaumburg Golf Club on them. The outdoor version is opening soon. (847)-885-9000 .
THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn and Facebook.
RORY SPEARS in front of the Orange County Convention Center and the 2023 PGA Merchandise Show.
THE EARLY WINNERS ARE!
THE SPORT OF GOLF.
Because when you sum up the 2023 PGA Merchandise Show this past January, you see the industries latest trade show-almost back to where it was pre-Covid-19.
Which is a good thing. In fact some show goers liked the attendance where it was at this year, instead of where it was in 2019 and 2020. Because the feeling was that this years show-was back 85% of what it was 3 years ago. The feeling was the range at demo-day and the isles in the convention center were busy. But not too busy you couldn’t move around, or had long waits to hit balls and try clubs at demo day.
KUDO’S to Reed Expositions and their team for getting things back on-track. Here’s looking ahead to 2024 in Orlando.
NOTES FROM THE SHOW- Over 30,000 attended the show, industry leaders in various categories from 86 countries attended. More than 800 companies were represented. What showed was the growth of golf-now a $84 billion dollar industry.
When the show started in 1954 people sold items from the trunks of their cars, now over 7,000 PGA and LPGA professionals attend. More than 800 media members cover the show. PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh said,” the energy on the floor was fantastic. If the show is a barometer for the year ahead, it’s going to be a great year for golf.”
Demo Day opened at 9 Am, by 9:05 the hitting bays at Toptracer were full, and stayed full all day, remarked Alex Goodman, National sales Director for Toptracer. The major equipment companies released parts of their product line, creating a buzz among those in attendance.
THE BUZZ WAS BACK in Orlando at the 2023 PGA Merchandise Show-major golf equipment companies such as Callaway were right in the middle of the action, but were joined by Ping, Titleist, Cleveland/Srixon and others. IF ANYONE tells you attendance was down again, look no further than the picture on the left.
THE GOLFERS ON GOLF-PGA MERCHANDISE SHOW WINNERS FOR 2023 ARE (after much review-some serious thought-and walking up and down the convention floor for two full days).
BEST NEW EQUIPMENT (CLUBS)-Callaway Golf, the Paradym Clubs are really good. HM to Makefield Putters.
BEST NEW GOLF BALL-Titleist Golf-the new version of the old Pro-V1 golf balls has been an industry leader (and still is) but the gap is closing.
BEST NEW GOLF PRODUCT-The remote trolley-Stride By Zero Friction. One of the best things that Zero Friction owner John Iacono has ever developed.
BEST APPAREL-MEN- Con.Struct apparel (New), made with and by recycled products and energy. They feel so good, you would never know how they are made. So they are both very colorful and comfortable.
BEST APPAREL WOMEN-Golftini for Women. Founder and Owner Susan Hess and her lines of designs never disappoint and stay ahead of the current season. Sharp looking, great for women on and off the golf course.
BEST GOLF FOOD or BEVERAGE 4ORE Golf Nutrition-the powder in a packet, with more healthy ingredients and comes without the high sugar or the crash that comes after consumption. But now in 4 tasty flavors including our favorite, Berry.
BEST GOLF SHOES-Sqairz. CEO Bob Winskowitz has hit another home run with the line of Sqairz called “Bold”. The pro’s are wearing them, you should too. I stand behind them, and in them when I play and practice.
BEST TECH PRODUCT-Bushnell range finders, they get the correct in every condition and slope.
BEST GOLF GLOVES-Thera-Tec by Zero Friction Golf, HM Copper Tech Gloves.
THE ILLINOIS PGA PLAYERS OF THE YEAR AWARDS.
THREE MEMBERS of the Illinois PGA Section distinguished themselves on the golf course this year. Congratulations are due to the following professionals.
Brian Carroll (The Hawk Country Club) won the IPGA Player of the Year award for 2022, the first time he has won the award. His key victory was winning the IPGA Section Championship at Makray Memorial, in a 3-hole playoff over University of Illinois golf coach Mike Small, a 13-time past champion. Carroll wins the Sam Bernardi Award for being the Player of the Year.
Roy Biancalana (The Hawk Country Club) is the 2022 Illinois PGA Senior Player of the Year. This marks the second straight year winning the Errie Ball award for Biancalana, who has now won the award, 4 of the last 5 years (18-19-21-22). Biancalana finished in the top 10, in almost every senior event he played in. Plus 4 times in events that were open field to players of any age.
Paul Schlimm Jr. (Chicago Highlands Club), for Schlimm it’s his first win of the Don Drasler Award. Perhaps Schlimm’s biggest win of the year, was winning a weekly stroke play event at the full-field Chicago Golf Club. But Schlimm and his partner were also a perfect 3-0-0 at the Royal Cup matches (vs Wisconsin professionals), in helping the Illinois PGA team take home a 8-7 victory.
NEWS OF THE DAY-Major League baseball MVP Mike Trout announces plans to build his own golf course in his home state of New Jersey. Less than a 100 mile south of Pine Valley. Trout will have Tiger Woods golf design build the club, that’s expected to open in 2025.
OPENING DAY for Heritage Oaks Golf Club in Northbrook, will be this Saturday April 1st. So come out and tee it up-RS.