The 2026 PGA Show is officially in the books, and man, what a week it was in Orlando. As a media partner for the event, I’ve seen this show evolve over the years, but this year felt different. There was a buzz in the air, a “refreshed” energy that proves the game of golf is growing faster—and getting younger—than ever.
I spent the week on the ground with my son and golf journalist, Bryce. For those who don’t know, Bryce is the one who actually got me “hooked” on the game about nine months ago. Seeing the industry through his eyes while we navigated the massive footprint of the show gave me a whole new perspective on where golf is headed.
Demo Day at Orange County National — The Ultimate Playground
We kicked things off at Tuesday’s Demo Day at Orange County National (OCN). If you’ve never been, it’s hard to describe the scale. It’s a massive circular range—42 acres of hitting bays, putting greens, and chipping areas.
We spent a solid four hours walking the entire circle. The weather was perfect, which always helps, but the real highlight was watching Bryce get custom-fitted at several different booths. Seeing the tech they use now to dial in a 17-year-old’s swing is incredible.
While the “big” names like Callaway (with their new Quantum series) and Ping had massive footprints, the real fun was just moving from booth to booth and feeling the sheer entertainment value of the day. There were food trucks, music, and enough golf balls hit to fill a stadium. It’s the world’s largest outdoor demo day for a reason.
Navigating the Show Floor of 1.1 Million Square Feet of Golf
Once we moved into the Orange County Convention Center, the scale really hit home. It’s amazing how many vendors are actually part of this ecosystem. We’re talking:
- High-End Tech: AI-integrated launch monitors and simulators.
- Apparel: Everything from legacy brands to the new “retro-cool” streetwear styles.
- The Essentials: Tees, grips, training aids, and turf tech.
We made it a point to stop at as many booths as possible to talk shop and grab samples. As a media partner, I also spent some time in the Media Room—which, let’s be honest, is a lifesaver with the refreshments and dedicated workspace. It was a great hub to meet new people and see how other content creators are covering the game.
PGA Winter Jam Featured Dustin Lynch Bringing Nashville to Orlando
The highlight of the “after-hours” festivities was definitely the PGA Winter Jam. They held it right in the convention center at “The Retreat” stage, and they pulled out the big guns this year with country star Dustin Lynch.
Dustin didn’t just phone it in; he played a full two-hour set of all his hits. The vibe was electric. It turned the industry event into a massive party, and it was the perfect way to unwind after miles of walking the show floor. If you ever have a chance to grab tickets for the Winter Jam in future years, do it. It’s a first-class production.
International Drive is The Post-Show Hub
Being right on International Drive (I-Drive) makes the PGA Show one of the best-located events in the world. When the floor closes, the party just moves across the street. We spent some time checking out the local staples:
- Ole Red: Keeping that country theme going at Blake Shelton’s spot.
- Yard House: You can’t beat the beer list and the atmosphere for a post-show debrief.
- Tin Roof & The Wheel: Great live music and views of the city.
Final Verdict: A+ for the 2026 PGA Show
Overall, this was a first-class event. From the organization to the sheer variety of vendors, the PGA of America put on a clinic. Whether you’re a pro, a buyer, or a media creator like us, the value of being in the room is unmatched.
I’ll be doing some individual, deep-dive reviews on specific companies we met with over the coming weeks, so stay tuned for those. But for now, if you’re a golfer or work in the industry, mark your calendars January 26-29, 2027. You don’t want to miss next years PGA Show.
