Matt Kuchar, 2010 U.S. Ryder Cup team member and winner of the 2010 Vardon Trophy for lowest average score by a Tour professional, will be joined by celebrated saxophonist and golf enthusiast, Branford Marsalis and PGA of America officials in the grand opening of the 58th edition of the global golf industry’s PGA Merchandise Show, January 27-29, 2011, in Orlando, Fla.
Marsalis, a three-time Grammy winner, will entertain attendees beginning at 7:45 a.m. in the Grand Lobby of the Orange County Convention Center. At 8:15 a.m., PGA of America officials will officially present Kuchar with the Vardon Trophy and Kuchar will hit the ceremonial first ball from the 2nd floor stage to open three jam-packed days of golf business among nearly 1,000 golf companies and brands and more than 40,000 PGA Professionals and industry executives from around the world.
“We are thrilled to have our 2010 Vardon Trophy winner Matt Kuchar and the world-renowned saxophonist Branford Marsalis join us to open the 58th PGA Merchandise Show,” said PGA President Allen Wronowski. “The Grand Opening has become an exciting new tradition to begin the PGA Merchandise Show and a tremendous way for our industry to launch the business of the new golf season.”
Kuchar and Marsalis are among a long list of participating celebrities at this year’s industry-only PGA Merchandise Show. Many exhibiting companies will host PGA and LPGA players and renowned PGA teachers including Greg Norman, Paula Creamer, Peter Jacobsen, Annika Sorenstam, David Leadbetter, Rosie Jones, Brittany Lincicome, Rick Smith, Hank Haney, Natalie Gulbis, Brian Gay, Ryan Moore, Dave Pelz, Michael Breed, Lexi Thompson, Anna Nordqvist, Nancy Lopez and Johnny Damon.
The very best names in golf are introducing an abundance of new products to drive golf retail in 2011 including Bridgestone, Callaway Golf, Cleveland Golf/Srixon, Cobra-PUMA, Nike Golf, PING, Titleist, TaylorMade-adidas, Fairway & Greene, E.P. Pro, Zero Restriction, Greg Norman Collection, Under Armour, Gear for Sports, Callaway Apparel, Ahead, Club Car, Wilson Golf, Mizuno, Imperial Headwear, Antigua, E-Z Go, Cutter & Buck, Polo/Ralph Lauren, Divots Apparel, Yamaha, Peter Millar, Adams Golf, Yonex, Byron Nelson, Bobby Jones, Jack Nicklaus, SkyGolf, Dynamic Brands, Seemore Putters, Ben Hogan/Sport Haley, Sunice, Tour Edge, Pima Direct, Bugatchi Uomo, ProQuip USA, Flightscope and many more.
Organised in partnership with The PGA of America as a trade-only event, the 2011 PGA Merchandise Show will be held in the Orange County Convention Center January 27-28