PGA Show highlights

FRIDAY, FEB. 3: I just got back from the PGA show in Orlando, Florida.

It is the number one show in the world aimed at the golf trade industry.

Everything golf was on display from carts to equipment to seminars on how to run everything at a golf facility.

This year was the same as most years with the top brands such as Adidas and Taylormade pushing the boat out with visually stunning branding with their new products such as the Rocketballz equipment.

Callaway also previewed their new RAZR line, which we have had in the golf shop at Rosewood Tucker’s Point since November.

Bermuda tourism had a presence at the show and I hope this is just the beginning of getting the Bermuda golf story out to the general golfing public; we just need to refine our message and speak with one united voice.

The Puma golf line is looking great and with the younger pros really taking their message to heart.

Golf seems to be making it cool for the younger crowd, which is great for getting kids into the game of golf.

The golf industry seems to have worked through some of its problems with reduced participation and oversupply, the sentiment seems to be hopeful for 2012 that we can start to see some increase in number of rounds played worldwide.

After the show, I invited one of my members to play in the Isleworth Invitational with me.

It is the best golf club in Orlando having many PGA tour players as members, most notably Tiger Woods.

This year the weather was stunning and the golf course played very hard, which was set up for the tour players.

We had a great time mixing with the who’s who in golf.

Getting beaten by John Cook from the PGA Champions tour by many shots made us realize just how good the players on tour really are.

Having played at Isleworth and the Ritz Carlton club, both of which are world class golf courses, I still feel Bermuda offers a better product, amazing views, more playable courses and more interest.

Orlando is not known for its vistas! If we had more hotels at competitive rates we would fill our golf courses year round.

Paul Adams is the PGA director of golf at Rosewood Tucker’s Point.