Ping, Titleist coming back to '09 PGA Merchandise Show

October 23, 12:40 PMGolf Equipment ExaminerSteve Pike

Things are looking up for the 2009 PGA Merchandise Show, Jan. 29-31 in Orlando. Ping Golf and Titleist, two legendary equipment companies that have been absent from the annual show the past several years, each have agreed to return in ’09. Ping will celebrate its 50^th anniversary at the show in the Orange County Convention Center and Titleist will be there with its new line of 909 drivers that begin shipping next month and sources say, perhaps a new generation of Pro V1 golf balls.

The return of these two major equipment companies should give the show a much-needed boost of enthusiasm from other exhibitors and buyers, many of whom have criticized it the past few years for the defections of major companies and attendee apathy. On those notes, however, it should be pointed out that neither of Titleist's sister companies - FootJoy and Cobra - will exhibit at the show.

Given the success of Ping and Titleist, particularly the past few years, the PGA of America and Reed Exhibitions clearly needs those companies more than those companies need the show, but that doesn't mean Ping and Titleist don't have equipment stories to tell. As mentioned, the show will mark the 50th anniversary of when Karsten Solheim showed off his original Ping putter to PGA professionals.

"They were hesitant at first,'' said John Solheim, Karsten's youngest son and Ping Golf chief executive officer. "Once they tried it, they liked it and offered a lot of encouragement for him to market the putter.  They soon became his best customers and promoters.''

From that initial success was born one of golf's legendary brands. The late Karsten Solheim became an icon in the club making community. Although the Solheim family keeps its sales numbers close to the vest, Ping Golf is believed to be one of the industry's top four or five equipment companies in the terms of sales. In terms of reputation and quality of product, it's always been near the top. Need proof? Just take a look at Ping's new G10 family of metal woods and irons. The G10, along with the G2, G5 and Rapture lines of metal woods and irons, have reinvigorated Ping the past few years. Karsten would certainly be proud.

Ping Golf will sponsor the show's PGA Best Practices Clubfitting area, the Outdoor Demo Day and within a specially created exhibit within the PGA Equipment Forum.

The Outdoor Demo Day and Best Practices are two of the thing Reed Exhibitions has added the past few years to cultivate more interest in the show, which was close to dying a slow death earlier this decade. Chances are that these tough economic times will keep down attendance and optimism for the '09 show - although the PGA of America spin machine probably already has its positive post-show releases written. Regardless, having Ping and Titleist back in the fold will make for a better show.