The name has changed, but the objective remains the same: Allowing PGA of America Golf Professionals to get their hands on golf’s newest equipment. Literally.
The Range, formerly known as the Equipment Test Center (ETC), is once again one of the busiest – and loudest – spots on the PGA Show floor. It includes 45 full-swing hitting bays, a 4,250-square-foot putting green and enough technology to launch a NASA rocket.
The Range is more than just a place to hit the newest drivers. It also offers integrated testing across clubs, balls, shafts, grips, simulators and turf solutions, as well as fitting, simulator and technology brands. Business has been brisk.
“We had a great day (Wednesday),” said Chris Voshall, Director of Golf for Mizuno USA, Inc. “It felt like there was a lot a lot of people here. I know our booth was really crowded. A lot of people hitting balls. The attendance has felt strong this year.”
The equipment companies started rolling out their new products during Tuesday’s Demo Day at Orange County National Golf Center. But the PGA Show offers a more controlled environment to test the clubs.
“We’ve had a nice long line waiting to hit the new clubs, so people are interested,” said Pete Samuels, Director of Communications and Marketing for Ping. “Our new driver, the G440 K, was one of the main draws. People really responded well to that. We also had our new irons, our new ladies’ product and our new Scottsdale putters as well. A lot of people tested our clubs, which is what we’re here for.”
Not long ago, the PGA Show was when equipment companies launched their latest products. But these days, new product is produced more often than once a year.
“The order writing timing has changed, but the launch timing hasn’t necessarily changed,” Voshall said. “This is the first time people actually get to put hands on it, experience it, get fit for the stuff, and really just kind of see what it can do and compare it with everybody else.”
The PGA Show also added the Range Performance Center this year with the focus on education through a curated schedule of sessions centered on coaching and player development. The idea was to enhance best practices in golf range operations and facility optimization.
If you haven’t checked out the Range yet this week, or if you just want to spend more time there, it’s located on the far end of the Equipment area of the PGA Show floor, and it’s open Friday from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Range is supported by Real Feel Golf Mats, the Official Hitting Mat Sponsor, and Korechi Innovations, the Official Range Picker Sponsor.
—Craig Dolch