2023 PGA Buying & Education Summit Ultimately A Hit For Haggin Oaks Customers

All of the Newest Golf Products Were Revealed While Our Haggin Oaks Team Handpicked What Will Go In The Super Shop

On the last day of July, the buying team at the Haggin Oaks Golf Super Shop made their way to sweltering Frisco, Texas to attend the newly revised 2023 PGA Buying and Education Summit being held at the new Omni Resort at PGA Frisco. Hard goods buyer Ken Morton, Jr., Apparel/Headwear buyer Heather Hadley, Gift/Accessory/Footwear buyer Tammy Beckman and Junior Buyer & Merchandiser Deb Austin attended the three-day show with the hopes of bringing some new exciting products and fashions to the golfers of Northern California. 

But before we get to the show, we have to tell you a little bit about the venue. PGA of America has moved its headquarters from West Palm Beach area of Florida to the foothills of Frisco, just outside of Dallas, Texas. And it’s beautiful. The campus is sprawling with a brand-new championship golf course that will be home to the 2027 PGA Championship and a PGA District that’s one of the coolest after-hours facilities we’ve ever seen. The District consists of a three-hole lit par 3 golf course that’s open into the night, the largest sprawling rolling putting green you’ve ever seen (literally acres big), a night-lit Toptracer driving range, a massive television that resembles a baseball stadium scoreboard along with restaurants, ice cream parlors, shopping, toy stores and more. Our team took notes and lots of photographs and hope to continue to evolve our own driving range towards this little after-hours community oasis. It’s as well done as anything we’ve ever been to, a golfer’s recreation dream. The coolest piece is that it’s authentically golf. No tricks, just cool golf stuff. 

Day 1 of The Show

When the team woke up the next morning with dreams of the PGA District still dancing in their head, it was time for Day 1 of the 2023 PGA Buying & Education Summit. A handful of golf buyers and buying teams are hand-selected from some of the busier golf shops around the country for something called One-To-One- and our team is blessed to be one of the ones selected for this unique buying experience at each PGA Merchandise Show. The Show curates a bunch of new (or new-ish) vendors to the golf marketplace and pairs them with “speed-dating” style to the buyers over the course of the day. Each vendor gets roughly 20 minutes with a buyer before an announcement is made and you head off to the next appointment. It allows the vendor an opportunity to get face time with some prestigious shops around the country and the buyers to do a little deeper dive on some new products and vendors that we might not normally have time to “jump down the rabbit hole with.”  Our team found a couple of new products that you’ll see in the shop in the coming weeks and months. 

The first of those is Penfold Balls. Golfers who have been around a while recognize the Penfold brand name as a UK ball manufacturer that goes all the way to the early 19th century.  Their ball plant was actually bombed in World War II and it was parts sent back over on Allied ships from a second manufacturing plant in the US that kept the company afloat back in the day. European golf stars like Seve and Faldo played the balls and repped the staff bags. The brand has new owners and has relaunched the brand with some cool retro apparel, wax canvas classic golf bags and new versions of the balls that made them famous. We’re excited to be one of the very first in the U.S. to carry the ball again. It’s a multi-cover ball that will retail for $39.99 and should be in the shop by the first of September or so. 

Our women buyers also fell in love with a brand-new apparel line called Fore All. It has some bold green knits that call out the love of golf and is a uniquely designed apparel line that’s going to stand out in the marketplace. And it’s now award-winning
 (but more on that later). There were more discoveries along the way and then the day concluded with a great fashion show. 

This year’s summit offered a delightful surprise with an unforgettable fashion show that took center stage. Hosted by the charismatic NBC Sports & Golf Channel Reporter Hailey Hunter and sponsored by RepSpark, the fashion show showcased an array of golf brands and their latest collections, leaving attendees in awe of the merging worlds of style and sport.

As the sun set on the first day of the summit, the Ryder Cup Ballroom was transformed into a mesmerizing runway, setting the stage for a night of fashion and flair. The energy in the room was palpable, with participants eagerly awaiting the unveiling of each golf brand’s latest creations. From esteemed labels like Putnam, Anatomie, and Penfold Golf to emerging brands like Calliope Golf and Daily Sports, the fashion show brought together a diverse range of styles, materials, and designs, each uniquely tailored to suit the modern golfer’s needs.

The Fashion Show: Iconic Golf Brands Show Off Their Newest Innovative Apparel

The blend of golf and fashion was a sight to behold. Attendees witnessed how practicality, elegance, and comfort seamlessly merged into the showcased collections. Brands like Fore All and Town Pride impressed with their innovative use of sustainable materials and eco-conscious designs, proving that style and responsibility could go hand in hand.

The allure of the fashion show extended beyond the golfing realm as the renowned athleisure brand, lululemon, showcased its versatile line that effortlessly transitioned from the golf course to daily wear. Public Rec’s contemporary and functional collection also grabbed attention, catering to the modern golfer’s active lifestyle.

As the models gracefully walked the runway, the audience was invited to participate actively by voting for their favorite collection using a QR code on their smartphones. The People’s Choice Best in Fashion Show Award was up for grabs, and the competition was fierce. When the votes were tallied, Fore All emerged as the winner, captivating the audience with its chic and innovative designs that struck a perfect balance between fashion and functionality.

The excitement from the fashion show spilled over to the following day at the 2023 PGA Buying & Education Summit. Attendees were buzzing with enthusiasm, discussing their favorite collections and newfound fashion inspirations. The golf brands also received recognition and praise for their exceptional efforts in combining style and performance.

The fashion show at the 2023 PGA Buying & Education Summit was undoubtedly a highlight of the event. Bringing together the worlds of golf and fashion in such a seamless manner showcased the industry’s ability to innovate and adapt to modern trends. With the support of hosts like Hailey Hunter and sponsors like RepSpark, the event succeeded in captivating attendees and creating an unforgettable experience. As the golfing community continues to evolve, this fashion-forward showcase proved that style and sport can indeed make the perfect pair.

The ladies concluded the day with a dinner with the team from the newly relaunched Ashworth Golf. The rebirth of Ashworth Golf under the visionary leadership of Eddie Fadel marks a thrilling new chapter for the iconic golf brand. With a profound passion for the game and a keen eye for style, Eddie Fadel has breathed new life into Ashworth Golf, infusing it with fresh designs, innovative technologies, and a commitment to quality that resonates with golfers of all skill levels. Under his guidance, Ashworth Golf has reestablished itself as a trendsetter in the industry, striking the perfect balance between classic elegance and modern functionality. As the brand continues to flourish, golf enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the exciting possibilities that lie ahead on the fairways and in the clubhouses with Ashworth Golf leading the way.

Our Picks For Top Brands at The Summit

Day 2 and 3 were the official two days of the show that went exploring the 160+ vendors that were participating in the show. As big as the Super Shop is, we can’t carry everything from everyone, so trying to find the best product that provides the best value to the customer is always the goal. Think of this trip as having four personal shoppers searching out the best in golf for your bag, closet, and your game. 

Our favorite find of the show was certainly the formal launch of the women’s shapewear vendor Spanx into the golf apparel marketplace. Spanx, the revolutionary shapewear brand, has played a transformative role in the women’s apparel marketplace by empowering women to feel confident and comfortable in their clothes. The innovative designs and body-sculpting capabilities have resonated with women of all ages and sizes, revolutionizing the way they approach fashion. Now, the prospect of Spanx entering the golf clothing marketplace is nothing short of thrilling. Golf apparel has traditionally been focused on functionality and performance, but with Spanx’s expertise in creating stylish and flattering silhouettes, we can anticipate a fresh wave of excitement in the golfing world. As women golfers embrace the fusion of form and function, Spanx’s entry promises to bring a new dimension of style and self-assurance to the fairways, further elevating the overall golfing experience for women everywhere.

Good Good Golf has taken the social media world by storm, captivating golf enthusiasts with their unique blend of humor, creativity, and love for the game. What began as a viral sensation has evolved into a powerful force in the golfing community, inspiring a devoted following of fans. Beyond their entertaining content, their influence extends to their apparel and headwear brand, which has garnered equal attention for its trendsetting designs and high-quality materials. Good Good Golf’s distinctive style has resonated with golfers of all ages, bridging the gap between fashion and sport on and off the course. Their apparel and headwear collections not only showcase their signature humor and aesthetics but also emphasize the importance of self-expression and individuality in the sport. With Good Good Golf leading the way, the golfing community is embracing a new era of inclusivity, creativity, and camaraderie, making the game more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Faherty Clothing, founded by brothers Mike and Alex Faherty in 2013, is a brand that epitomizes the laid-back, beachy lifestyle. Hailing from a family with a deep passion for surfing and the ocean, the Faherty brothers drew inspiration from their childhood memories of sun-soaked days on the shores of New Jersey. This background has played a pivotal role in shaping Faherty’s fashion sense, as their designs effortlessly blend a sense of coastal ease with a touch of urban sophistication. The brand is renowned for its commitment to sustainable and ethically sourced materials, ensuring that every piece is not only stylish but also environmentally conscious. Faherty’s unique approach to fashion is evident in their use of hand-dyed fabrics, custom-designed prints, and exceptional craftsmanship, all of which contribute to the brand’s signature relaxed and timeless aesthetic.

Asher Golf quickly gained popularity for its bold and colorful glove designs, standing out from traditional golf attire. Embracing the motto “Swing With Color,” Asher Golf has been celebrated for its vibrant aesthetics, innovative materials, and unparalleled craftsmanship. The brand’s products not only serve as functional golf accessories but also make a fashion statement on the course, appealing to golfers of all skill levels who seek to express their individuality and exude confidence. As Asher Golf continues to expand its product line and grow its global presence, it remains committed to bringing an invigorating and contemporary spirit to the timeless game of golf. Ken, our bag buyer, fell in love with their new bag line and you’ll be seeing them this fall. Their retro, timeless, classic, and made with this super cool leather-like fabric that makes them unique. 

Tuckernuck is a renowned and highly sought-after women’s apparel brand that has captured the hearts of fashion enthusiasts worldwide- and draws on the look and feel of its namesake island in Nantucket, Massachusetts. Founded with a vision of creating timeless, classic, and effortlessly chic clothing, Tuckernuck has established itself as a go-to destination for modern, sophisticated women. The brand’s distinctive aesthetic blends contemporary trends with a touch of vintage charm, resulting in versatile pieces that seamlessly transition from day to night. Tuckernuck’s exquisite craftsmanship, attention to detail, and commitment to using high-quality materials ensure that every garment exudes elegance and durability. From breezy summer dresses to cozy winter knits, Tuckernuck offers a diverse range of apparel that caters to diverse tastes and occasions. With a reputation for delivering exceptional style and impeccable service, Tuckernuck has become synonymous with refined fashion, empowering women to express their individuality with confidence and grace.

Renegade Golf‘s Charlie Sifford signature golf balls pay homage to one of the sport’s true pioneers. Charlie Sifford, the first African-American to compete on the PGA Tour, broke down racial barriers and paved the way for diversity and inclusion in golf. These signature golf balls encapsulate Sifford’s spirit of determination and excellence, designed to deliver exceptional performance on the green. Crafted with precision and cutting-edge technology, the balls boast an optimized dimple pattern for superior aerodynamics and distance. Their soft feel and responsive core provide golfers with remarkable control and accuracy, making every shot a tribute to Charlie Sifford’s enduring legacy. As players tee up with these balls, they not only experience top-notch performance but also contribute to the continuation of Sifford’s profound impact on the game of golf.

And for those flower children that have grown up to be golfers, you might just see a little tie dye in your golf shirts. Made By Hippies is a manufacturer of handmade tie-dye clothing and they’ve just launched a line of golf shirts. All Made By Hippies products are handmade by Amanda & Erik in their Sandy, Oregon home using renewable energy. Made By Hippies Tie Dyes are 100% cotton, colorfast and preshrunk. For a looser fit order one size larger. They wash all their tie dyes three times with hot water and super strength detergent during the Tie Dye process so you can wash them with your regular laundry and they won’t bleed dye. They’re VERY fun! 

The team of Haggin Oaks attending the PGA Buying and Education Summit brings immense benefits to Sacramento golfers by introducing fun, fresh, and new brands and products that elevate their golfing experience. With their keen eye for cutting-edge trends and industry expertise, the team curates an exclusive selection of golf equipment, apparel, and accessories that cater to all skill levels and preferences. By attending the summit, they gain access to a wide array of innovative products and emerging brands, ensuring that Sacramento golfers have access to the latest advancements in the golfing world. Whether it’s performance-enhancing clubs, stylish and comfortable apparel, or state-of-the-art accessories, the offerings presented by Haggin Oaks’ team inspire players to enhance their performance and style on the course. As a result, local golfers can play and look their best, boosting their confidence and enjoyment in their personal golf games, and contributing to the growth and vibrancy of the golfing community in Sacramento.

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