The 2006 PGA Merchandise Show & Convention was held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on January 26-29.  More than 1200 exhibitors displaying their products occupied acres of floor space for this premier golf industry event.  Over 40,000 people from all over the world were expected to attend.

A decade ago, a good number of GCS members participated in The PGA Merchandise Show.  In recent years, the cost of exhibit space has increased tremendously and simply became too expensive for many.  However, a few GCS members were in attendance at The 2006 PGA Show and several were exhibitors.

Dirk Burlingame from GolfArtGlicee.com had an exhibit showcasing the art of Bob Crofut and Michael Heslop – who both joined him in the booth.  Dirk’s exhibit also included the sculpture of GCS member Michael Roche.  Germain Gratton, The Golf Artist, from Quebec was also there displaying his paintings.  Assisting Germain in his booth was John Oleson from Virginia.  Eddie Papczun and Steve Juskewycz from Golf Links to the Past had a large exhibit space showcasing artwork, photography, hickory-shafted clubs and one-of-a- kind collectibles.

Other GCS members suffering sore feet from walking around the very large show included Dave and Nancy Berkowitz, Dick Donovan, Mary Ann Sarazen, Bob Farino, Tom Steinhardt (who is hosting a Region 2 event in the near future), GCS Executive Director Karen Bednarski, Michael Beckerich (The Classics of Golf), Jim Espinola, and Andy Hunold and Mark Cubbedge from the World Golf Hall of Fame.