News
TaylorMade to skip 2019 PGA Merchandise Show
The 2019 PGA Merchandise Show will be missing a very familiar face, as TaylorMade has announced that it will not be involved in the annual event. The news will come as a disappointment to many, as TaylorMade had previously created much buzz at the show, often showcasing their new product line with an elaborate exhibition each January at the event. At the 2017 PGAM Show, TaylorMade announced the news that Tiger Woods had signed with TaylorMade.
According to TaylorMade’s CEO, David Abeles, the decision to skip the event next year is due to ongoing investment into growth initiatives that will add value to the game of golf.
“After conversations with TaylorMade Professional Staff members and key leaders within the golf industry, we will be investing into growth initiatives that we believe will create even greater value for the game of golf. As a result of our additional spend, we have decided not to attend the 2019 PGA Merchandise Show.”
Abeles stated how TaylorMade’s lack of involvement in the show based in Orlando will present the opportunity for TaylorMade to invest in the “support of PGA Professionals across the country,” while also acknowledging how the news of TaylorMade’s lack of participation in the PGA show would come as a blow to many.
“While this may be disappointing to some, we hope that you appreciate our excitement to expand our partnership in new ways.”
Not since Acushnet (Titleist, FootJoy) decided to skip the event from 2004-2008 has the PGA Merchandise Show lost such a big name.
In our forums, one user is wondering how many birdies other players have had in a round while still failing to break par. @Lalan45, unfortunately, asked the question after a unique experience of their own.
They wrote:
“Today I managed 8 birdies but still shot even par, could have been a round to remember! What’s the most birdies you’ve made in a round and still didn’t break par?”
Our members in the forum shared their own experiences with successful rounds that still resulted in a score over par. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- kwcsports: “I’ve had 5 a few times, still shot 80+ haha.”
- jda: “I played a course for the first time, had 8 birdies, 9 doubles and an eagle. The infamous no-par round. I kept the scorecard. Every shot had a creek that I did not know about, or I was within 8-10 feet for a birdie look. To this day, I have no idea if I should be really jacked up or mad about that performance.”
- jvincent: “I think my record is either 5 or 6. Probably shot 75.”
- Instron4204: “3 birdies and shot a 92…man I suck!”
In our forums, one user is asking for thoughts on the best stock shafts offered in 2026. Stock shafts are the shafts included with a club when it’s purchased from retailers or OEMs.
@DTorres asked:
The last couple years has seen a lot of updates and additions to no upcharge stock shafts, which do you think is the best offering in 2026?
Im a bit of a shaft nerd and recently during my Members Testing with the Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond I found the updated Project X Denali Frost Black to be a fantastic stock shaft. I absolutely did not mesh well with the original Denali. Just curious what other people think are the current best Stock shaft offerings out with new models and stock Ventus options and LinQ options popping up here and there.
We were given the option for any stock shafts for our members review. I went with the 70g Black Frost 6.5 because it’s a shaft I don’t have, it’s an updated version of the original Denali and hear little about. I typically use a Diamana WB, GD VF or a HOF Raptor. I’m not saying it was neck and neck with any of those but it was a pleasant surprise I’m not accustomed to in stock shaft offerings.
Our members in the forum have been offering up their own thoughts on the best stock shafts available in 2026. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- rsballer10: “IMO – MCA Ka’ili White Darkwave, Tensei 1k Black/white, UST Lin-Q White. People are free to spend their money however they see fit, but for me personally the shaft catalogs these days have enough options that I don’t see the value of a $400 upcharge. I have never had a problem finding a no upcharge shaft that fits the bend profile and weight that I need. Whether the paint job is good enough or not is above my pay scale.”
- bcflyguy1: “Project X Titan Black. I’ve had one in 60TX in my Quantum TD Max for several weeks now. Have to give Titlieist their flowers for finding a way to make it available as a featured option; very shrewd bit of business and one that I suspect will be duplicated by the other companies. TT/PX have a certified banger on their hands with Titan.”
- CTG77: “Undoubtedly, it’s the Tensei 1K RIP shafts from Titleist. The Tensei line gives about 98% of the performance of a Ventus VeloCore+ shaft at a tiny fraction of the cost if you’re looking for a blue or red profile. The white is not an exact match for Ventus Black, but it’s closer to it than the non-VeloCore+ Ventus shafts that come from Callaway or formerly came from TaylorMade.”
A reminder from your friends at GolfWRX: Father’s Day is June 21. And as we do every year, we’re rounding up the best gifts for dad.
As we say every year, there’s no better golf-related Father’s Day gift than a round of golf with pops. Be it a country club or your favorite muni, take the time to get together to play 18 if you can.
Let’s get to the gifts.
Ghost Golf Qualifier Diamond Polo
We like the new polos that Ghost is offering, as the fabric and fit are so good. These new Qualifier Collection polos breathe well, are lightweight, stretch with your swing, and of course look great. You can wear them on the course, in the office, or just out at a casual event and they will fit right in.
STR8-Strip Grip Tape Remover
If your dad is an equipment aficionado and tinkers with his clubs, this tool works wonders. Removing grip tape has never been easier, just put a little head on the tape and the STR8-Strip peals it right off the shaft without any damage.
Why Golf: Putting Thing
When it comes to practice, it is good to have a purpose. This “Putting Thing” sure does it. We know from personal experience how challenging it can be and how rewarding it is on the practice green. This also provides some competition for your kiddo to see who will unload the dishwasher or do the next chore around the house.
OluKai Lae‘ahi Men’s Breathable Slip-On Shoes
Riding to and from the course in style and comfort is always a good thing. If you’re in a hurry, it’s a nice feature to slide into your shoes and get to the tee time. For the post-game shoe, at your locker or while putting your clubs away in the car. Nice to slide into a shoe that looks good anywhere. Pair that with meeting the family for dinner, no need to change!
Therabody Theragun Relief
A little wellness goes a long way. Keeping loose is a good way to go when it comes to the weekend game or treatment during the week. If there is a little ache or pain, the Theragun is there to help out. Help loosen up the back for a pre-game warm-up or cool-down.
World Cup golf apparel
Something for the soccer dads. Embrace the World Cup fever this summer on the course with custom gear to support the nation of your choice.
FootJoy Pro SL spikeless golf shoes
Give the old man a break and save his feet with the Footjoy Pro SL Men’s Spikeless Golf Shoes for some added comfort on the course.
Bushnell Wingman 2 GPS speaker
Combine all the hits as well as some game improvement with the Wingman 2 Golf GPS Speaker by getting audible distance readings from 38,000+ courses worldwide through the Wingman 2 remote or speaker.
Personalized Titleist Pro V1 golf balls
The No. 1 ball in golf is a safe bet, and the Pro V1 fits the largest chunk of the bell curve if you don’t know what ball pops plays. Add personalization for a, well, personal touch!
- GolfWRX may earn a commission for purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
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Bert Gwaltney
Nov 29, 2018 at 7:13 pm
I remember when Pig said, no thanks, didn’t hurt them at all.
DaveyD
Nov 11, 2018 at 11:51 am
Not really news. They gotta do what they gotta do.
Rich Douglas
Nov 10, 2018 at 8:37 pm
I smell bankruptcy.
Read
Nov 7, 2018 at 11:41 pm
Maybe they can use some of that “saved money” to run a show on the Golf Channel and let some amateur hacks design a driver for them…OR HAS THAT BEEN DONE?
RT
Nov 6, 2018 at 7:51 pm
That is maybe because —- Lack of something that’s really new and different or lack of funding ,or paying out too much for players ???? Either way it doesn’t matter I don’t play their product..
B. Ferguson
Oct 27, 2018 at 8:18 pm
As an Adams fan, pardon my alligator tears . . .
Golf Golf Golf
Oct 25, 2018 at 6:28 am
The show would be time wasted for TM to come out with 5 new models of irons in that week.
bob carroll
Oct 24, 2018 at 10:35 pm
the show originally was for new product that was introduced at the show. before the internet, you had to go to the show to see all the new stuff. it was also a great vacation for the northern pro’s. go to the show, play golf in warm weather and write it all off. now there really is no reason to go unless you live up north.
Garry Pierce
Oct 24, 2018 at 2:55 pm
My experience as a retailer.. Oct is when new products were released and I had the stuff in stock already. By the end of Jan. The “new line” was already 60 days into what I call the 180 main sales period. After that the wow factor is gone. The PGA Show was a “work” vacation I could right off. Half day st the show, 5 days of golf
rymail00
Oct 24, 2018 at 3:38 am
Maybe they are realizing that all $$$ going into the PGA Show just isn’t worth the cost? With social media now a few “leaked pics” on twitter, Instagram etc. Stirs up as much buzz as or even more than stock PGA Show pics. At the show you hear everything about a club, but slow leaks makes people keep checking back in for a just a tiny bit of more details, and again it’s basically free.
Honestly like 5-6 years ago I was so amped for the PGA Show photos etc. but every year that pasts it’s just less and less interesting IMHO.
I’m curious if this will maybe make other large OEM’S start to reconsider spending all this cash that can be done over the internet for free with “leaked pics from pros etc.”
I dont know, just a thought.
Brad
Oct 23, 2018 at 10:37 pm
In other words, money is too tight at TaylorMade for them to attend the show. Given how many pros they are paying on the PGA to play their clubs, and that Adidas offloaded TM last year because of how that business was a drag on their bottom line – this is no big surprise.
The only thing that would surprise me is if TM is NOT bankrupt or put on the block again (for an even lower price) within the next 3-4 years.
Robb
Oct 24, 2018 at 4:44 pm
Their business model has changed significantly since they were acquired last October. If they are sold again it will be for a profit not due to bankruptcy I promise that.
Joseph A Smith
Nov 11, 2018 at 8:37 pm
I see that you think the brand will tank. I disagree. There are a lot of smart people who work there. The PGA show literally costs TM MILLIONS (Plural). All I know is that I wish I had $425 million laying around- I would have jumped at that price. KPS will make them mean and lean and then flip them for double that in 4-6 years. Arguably the strongest tour staff (DJ, Rory, Day, Rahm, Rose (For the time being) and of course TW). They went big with the needle movers and cut back on sponsoring the 237th best player in the world. You know why? Nobody cares what driver that guy is playing. Callaway is top dog right now. That will change. If I were a betting man- Honma is the next brand to take off. Have a good night!
Tom
Oct 23, 2018 at 5:28 pm
Are they going to use the money they are saving by skipping the Show to invest in and promote 10″ diameter cups like a former TM CEO was suggesting to grow the game? hahahaha!
Tom
Oct 23, 2018 at 12:55 pm
Uh Oh, guess we now know how TM’s sales went this year.
WITB Enthusiast
Oct 23, 2018 at 9:06 am
I actually like the thoughts…. “invest in the support of PGA Professionals across the country,” and “the decision to skip the event next year is due to ongoing investment into growth initiatives that will add value to the game of golf.” However, I will just say I’m VERY INTERESTED to see if this investment and growth initiative really add value. Will Taylor Made be putting all of those dollars to work or just saving them. That’s ok too…. maybe just not fully wanting to say they are trying to save money.
Scott
Oct 23, 2018 at 1:00 am
there is a mutual benefit to TM and the club professionals selling the kit to attend the show. This is very shortsighted CFO bean-counting management.
MAPA
Oct 22, 2018 at 10:30 pm
{{{{{{{ OMFG }}}}}}