Starters’ Shack—Random Thoughts From The Show

By: Chris Fry

After spending a little less than a week in warm and sunny Orlando, Fla., for the PGA Merchandise Show, I’m back in warm and sunny Acton, Ont., at the PGA of Canada’s National Headquarters.

Wait, what—warm and sunny Acton, Ont.? In January? It was nearly 10 degrees above the freezing mark this morning when I rolled out of bed and all that snow that got dumped on us Monday has melted, giving way to patches of grass, ice and water. That can’t be good for golf courses, can it?

Anyways, back to the topic at hand: The PGA Merchandise Show.

Being my first time at the world’s biggest golf show, I’ve come away with a bunch of random thoughts around last week. And in the spirit of Nick Hornby, here’s a list of them.

·      It takes roughly 20 minutes at a regular walking pace to get from one side of Orange County Convention Centre to the other side. However, when you factor in handshakes, small talk, and general gawking, it actually takes three hours. Seriously.

·      Most popular fashion statement: Blazer, or rather “Cape”. (See: Dykeman, Jeff; Thistle, Kevin.)

·      Most unpopular fashion statement: Moustache. (See: Fry, Chris; Maltby, Roger.)

·       If you’re into melting the cover off range balls, carnival-like atmospheres and energy drinks, Demo Day is for you. If you’re into square grooves, 1-irons and pacing off yardages, Demo Day isn’t for you.

·      Even though it may not be your budget to get a room at the Peabody, you still need to waddle—I mean, wander—over to the hotel for two reasons: The March of the Peabody Ducks and The Lobby Bar.

·      Can you believe that at 42,000 people checking out the show, it’s doesn’t even crack the top-10 largest trade shows of the year at Orange Country Convention Centre? The NAHB International Builders’ Show is the largest with nearly 60,000 people in attendance.

·      Best local watering hole to spot a PGA or LPGA Tour player? Howl at the Moon or The Peabody Lobby Bar.

·      Best local watering hole to spot a Canadian golf journalist? Senor Frogs.

·      Why do Americans give you weird looks when you ask them, “Where are the washrooms?”

That’s my list, everybody. I’m sure I’ll think of more though and when I do, I’ll Tweet them.

If you were at the PGA Merchandise Show and have some random thoughts of your own, Tweet me, @TheRealCFry