PGA SHOW 2025
TGN at the PGA Show 2025:
The PGA Show 2025 in Orlando, Florida, is the pinnacle of the golf industry. It brings together the most prominent brands, innovators, and passionate golf professionals worldwide. This year marked The Golfer Network’s (TGN) first-ever attendance at the event, and we were blown away by the show's sheer scale and the industry's incredible energy.
From demo day to the exhibition floor, which spanned multiple halls and featured over 1,000 exhibitors, the PGA Show was an overwhelming yet exciting introduction to the business of golf.
First Impressions:
Golf’s Unmatched Scale & Innovation
It was impossible to walk through the massive exhibition halls and ignore the diverse range of companies showcasing their products and services. From industry giants like Titleist, Callaway, and FootJoy to up-and-coming startups creating the latest training aids, apparel, and golf accessories, the show indeed demonstrated the breadth of the golf industry.
GOLF Technology.
Golf has always been a sport of tradition, but one thing that was apparent and pleasing to see as a tech guy is that technology is now a significant part of the game.
The obvious and almost omnipresent tech relates to Shot-tracking and GPS technology, giving golfers unprecedented data about their game. Whether it be measuring distances or recording your shots to analyse over a beer in the clubhouse, GPS tech is now part of almost every product you can buy.
This has also extended into every facet of the game, including AI-powered golf carts that promise a hands-free experience on the course. Advanced training tools, such as augmented reality putting glasses from PuttView, that help players visualize their putts like never before and, of course, the ever-growing world of Simulators and virtual golf experiences, with TopTracer leading the charge in bringing more accessibility to the sport.
But, as with any industry today, AI is the month's flavour. The golf industry increasingly leverages AI (Artificial Intelligence) to enhance player experience, improve game performance, and optimize business operations. Check out the six key areas where AI is being used in golf below
Key Takeaways from a First-time PGA Show attendee.
As a new entrant in the industry, here are some of our biggest takeaways from our time at the PGA Show:
The Golf Industry Is Bigger and More Diverse Than We Imagined
The golf ecosystem is filled with businesses catering to every game niche, from major brands to small startups selling personalised ball markers. Whether it’s golf tech, apparel, training aids, or course management software, there’s a product for every golfer.
Everyone Thinks They Have the Answer to a Better Swing
If there’s one constant in the industry, golfers are always looking for an edge—and plenty of companies are happy to provide it. From AI-powered swing analyzers to new grip technologies, the variety of solutions to help golfers improve is staggering.
Technology Is Everywhere
The intersection of golf and tech was a central theme at the show. Augmented reality, AI, GPS tracking, and advanced performance analytics are changing how golfers train, compete, and enjoy the game.
The Industry Is Working Hard to Attract Both Younger Players and Female Golfers
A key shift in the industry is the active push to make golf more inclusive. There’s been a massive effort to attract younger players through modernised apparel brands, social golf experiences, and digital engagement. But equally important is the rising presence of female golfers—breaking the outdated notion that golf is an “old man’s game.” More brands cater to women’s golf fashion, equipment, and professional development, highlighting the sport’s growing diversity.
Golf Education Is a Growing Sector
Universities and institutions offer degree programs in golf business and management, highlighting the increasing career opportunities within the sport. The golf business is no longer just about playing—it’s about building a career in an industry that continues to expand.
Golf Carts Are a Bigger Business Than Expected
From luxury custom carts to fully electric models with built-in refrigerators and speakers, the golf cart industry is booming, catering not only to Golf Clubs but to individual golfers and private buyers who want a stylish way to cruise around their communities.
The Golf Industry Is Healthier Than Ever
Despite concerns about the sport’s future, it’s clear that golf is thriving. The post-pandemic boom hasn’t slowed, and interest in the game remains at an all-time high. Whether it’s traditional club memberships, social golf groups, or simulated golf experiences, the demand for golf-related products and services is stronger than ever.
What’s Next for The Golfer Network?
Attending the PGA Show 2025 reinforced why we created The Golfer Network—to bring golfers, brands, events, and communities together in one digital hub. We saw firsthand how fragmented the industry is, and we’re more committed than ever to connecting the global golf community to make the game more accessible, engaging, and rewarding for all. What is also evident is the industry's passion for the game. I don’t think I met anyone who wasn’t excited about what they were doing in or for the game.
As we continue to grow, we’re excited to partner with golf clubs, brands, content creators, and social groups to help bring their enthusiastic communities together under one digital roof.
See you on the course (or in the app)!
GOLF AI
1. AI-Powered Swing Analysis & Coaching
Examples: Arccos Golf, Golfzon, TrackMan, Toptracer
AI analyzes a golfer’s swing mechanics using motion capture, providing instant feedback on swing path, clubface angle, and ball impact. Some platforms, like Arccos Caddie, use AI to suggest adjustments based on past performance data.
2. AI-Driven Smart Caddies & Shot Tracking
Examples: Arccos Caddie, V1 Game, Golf AI Coach
AI-powered virtual caddies analyze weather conditions, wind speed, course layouts, and player tendencies to suggest the best club selection and strategy for each shot. Check out Golf.ai from our very own Clive Mayhew
3. AI-Powered Golf Simulators & Training Aids
Examples: Full Swing, Foresight Sports, TrackMan, Garmin Approach R10
AI-enhanced simulators recreate real-world golf course conditions with adaptive learning, providing real-time performance analytics and training programs tailored to individual golfers.
4. AI in Golf Course Management & Maintenance
Examples: TurfCloud, IntelliTurf, John Deere’s Precision Turf Management
AI is used for predictive turf maintenance, analyzing weather patterns, soil conditions, and grass health to optimize irrigation, mowing schedules, and pest control, reducing costs and improving course playability.
5. AI-Enhanced Club & Ball Fitting
Examples: Titleist Performance Institute, PING nFlight, Callaway AI-Designed Irons
AI-driven fitting software assesses a player’s swing characteristics, ball speed, and trajectory to recommend the perfect clubs and golf balls for their playing style. Callaway, for example, uses AI to design clubfaces, optimizing them for better performance.
6. AI-Powered Live Broadcasting & Fan Engagement
Examples: TopTracer, ShotLink by PGA Tour, IBM Watson AI for Golf
AI enhances broadcasts and fan experiences by providing real-time shot tracking, advanced analytics, and predictive insights on players' performance in upcoming rounds.
Bonus: AI in Golf Retail & E-Commerce
Examples: Golf Galaxy, Golf Avenue AI Club Selector
AI-driven recommendation engines help golfers find the best equipment, apparel, and accessories based on their playing history and preferences.
Final Thought
AI is revolutionising golf, from player training and strategy to course management and fan engagement. As technology evolves, AI will play an even bigger role in making the game smarter, more accessible, and more engaging for golfers worldwide. ⛳🤖
