Published: Wednesday, 10th November 2010

The Golf Show 2010 has been hailed an overwhelming success after more than 1,250 golf industry professionals visited Europe’s leading golf trade and educational event.

The three day show, held at the Harrogate International Centre, saw PGA Professionals from across the continent take the opportunity to see golf’s leading suppliers and service providers under one roof and take advantage of a number of educational seminars conducted by the industry’s leading figures.

Stands were packed throughout the event and suppliers reported large amounts of business written as delegates conducted their forward buying for the year ahead.

Spanning three halls of the impressive Harrogate International Centre, delegates where able to see the latest products from suppliers such as TaylorMade-adidas, PING, Titleist, Nike, Callaway and Srixon Cleveland.

There was also an extensive educational programme that saw guest speakers such as Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish, former Boots chief executive Richard Baker, inventor of the Pro V1 golf ball Bill Morgan and former USPGA Technical Director Frank Thomas, passing on their wealth of expertise to delegates.

The Golf Show saw The PGA come together with buying groups Foremost Golf and TGI Golf to stage an event open to all PGA members across Europe, and the three parties were extremely pleased with the way everything had come together.

Sandy Jones, PGA Chief Executive, said: “I think the good news from the whole week is that from the first moment of the show, in fact even before it had officially opened, there was a buzz of expectation and a positive expectation that this was going to be good and that feeling has been maintained through the three days.

“I’ve spoken to a lot of PGA members, companies and exhibitors and they have all been full of praise for the show and the initiative of bringing the show together.

“The educational programme has also been excellent with a wide range of seminars and speakers that have all been extremely well received. No one who has attended the show will go home without having learned something or benefited in some way and all I think are leaving with a feel good factor.”

“The show has been well received by everyone, it is amazing to see so many people engaged in the event and conducting business,” said Eddie Reid, TGI Golf Managing Director. “This is exactly what we all hoped the show would be, The Golf Show isn’t an exhibition it is a trade show where people can see products and, most importantly, place orders.”

“The educational element of the show has also been a great success with PGA professionals expanding their knowledge in important areas such as coaching, retail and technology.

“This first year has given us a sound platform to build a credible and recognisable pan-European event. We are already looking forward to the challenge of next year’s show.”

The show floor was abuzz with delegates and suppliers talking business, while the Queen’s Suite was packed as PGA Professionals increased their knowledge and amassed Continuous Professional Development (CPD) points to aid them in the Association’s Lifelong Learning Programme.

TGI Golf member Stuart Syme, PGA Professional at Dumfries & County Golf Club, said: “The show has evolved from previous years with the involvement of the PGA. It has grown into a much bigger event with better displays, while the seminars have been great with excellent headline speakers. Hopefully that will evolve even further in future years.”