An aerial view of the Fields Ranch West golf course with the Omni PGA Frisco Resort at PGA of America in Frisco.Not just anyone could attend the summit that wraps up today. Attendees and exhibitors alike are vetted for their connections to the golf industry. The event — the successor to a previous annual summit in Vegas — is intended for club representatives to source bulk merchandise for their pro shops and events.
“I have been a buyer since the late ‘80s. So I’ve been to many PGA shows,” Scarsella said. “This is one of the best-run shows. … You’re truly in your zone here.”Marilinda Scarsella, merchandise manager for Grey Oaks Country Club in Naples, Fla., listens as TJ Bordeaux, merchandise manager for TRUE linkswear, talks about the company's shoes at the PGA Buying and Education Summit at the Omni PGA Frisco Resort.
That starts with building a robust network of professionals to shepherd the sport, but attracting those people takes years of work. Three to be exact, according to Simon. He said planning for this year’s summit began before the PGA of America headquarters was even finished because of the scope of the event.
Still, even for a well-established brand like TRUE, the summit provides a chance to sell orders in the 100s of units, said Rastovski, and that ultimately gets the brand’s name out there even more. Many exhibitors echoed that sentiment: The opportunity for exposure is indispensable.