The PGA Merchandise Show is expanding into China with two expositions. The first will be in Beijing, March 18-20,th with the second in Guangzhou, China’s third-largest city, Oct. 20-22.
“We know that the [Asian] countries are developing economies,” said PGA of America chief executive Joe Steranka. “Our game is a global game, whether it’s the brands of equipment that are sold, the financial backing that goes into golf or the sponsorship that drives so many parts of the business.”
The PGA Show in Orlando kicked off with a keynote presentation on the Asian golf marketplace, featuring an interview with Greg Norman.
“The rising tide floats all boats,” The Ottawa Citizen quoted Norman as saying. “The United States (industry) will get sucked into this vortex and come out it a lot faster because of what all the emerging markets are doing in the world of golf.”
The GCSAA is participating in the Asian shows.
“China and the Asian region are recognized as a growing market for the game,” said James R. Fitzroy, president of the organization. “It is important that we support the industry to maximize that growth. We have communications vehicles, we do education, we provide information and we have relationships. In the next few months we will be discussing with officials what the appropriate level of participation is for us.”
Both China shows will be organized by Reed Guanghe Exhibitions.