RBC Keeps Planting Seeds

ORLANDO, Fla. – As much as a line delivered to Jim Little, chief brand and communications officer for RBC, was meant as a joke, there could have been truth to it, considering the pace in which RBC is deepening its commitment to golf these days.

“So, its there any truth to the rumour that RBC is buying Augusta National?” he was asked.

“I can’t comment on that one,” replied Little, leaving a little bit of doubt.

Seriously, it’s not going to happen. At least, we don’t think it’s going to happen, but then again

Venerable golf venues aside, RBC is planting some deep roots in the game. On Thursday here at the PGA Merchandise Show, it was announced that the title sponsor for the Canadian Open is partnering in a big way with the PGA of America. See the News Now story on the home page for more information.

It was also announced that Fred Couples, Luke Donald and Morgan Pressel will join Anthony Kim and Canadians Mike Weir and Stephen Ames as “Team RBC” players.

“When we kicked off the RBC Canadian Open and launched our activity in golf, we said at the time this would be an important platform for us to grow our brand outside of Canada as well. We’ve been purposely evaluating options, looking at partnerships, looking at deals,” said Little. Read more

RBC/PGA of America Plan Major Announcement

ORLANDO, Fla. – RBC’s impact in golf continues to expand with an announcement expected on Thursday at the PGA Merchandise Show here that it will partner with the PGA of America on events such as the Ryder Cup and PGA Championship, among others.

The deal, which will be announced at a morning press conference at the Orange County Convention Center, is expected to have several components to it, all of which will take RBC’s profile in golf to new heights.

GNN will be at that morning press conference and will post developments as they happen from Orlando today. Be sure to check in around noon.

CPC Stays Put, Masters Pick, The Shark and More…

Some fractured thoughts for a Thursday morning:

TRANSCENDING BORDERS: There are many who believe the Titleist and FootJoy Canadian PGA Club Professional Championship should never leave Canada, but many more who enjoy the break and a trip to warmer climates in November to compete.

The main reason for the CPC being held in the United States is the difficulty in getting professionals away from their duties in the middle of a short Canadian golf season, but where should it be held down south?

The tournament has been held the past few years at the PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Fla., but there had been speculation that it would move to Arizona in alternate years to ease the travel load on pros coming in from the West Coast.

Such a rotation won’t happen this year as it’s been confirmed that the CPC will return to Port St. Lucie in November. For the complete schedule, see the News Now section on the home page. Read more

PGA Show Aims to Put Product in People’s Hands

The PGA Merchandise Show may officially be a three-day affair, running from Jan. 29-31 at Orlando’s Orange Country Convention Center, but for many of the show’s attendees and exhibitors, it is actually four days.

The Demo Day at nearby Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge has quickly become a regular stop the day before the doors open at the Convention Center.

“It really is a four-day show. Demo Day has grown so much in what is now its seventh year and is so expansive in terms of the number of companies. That is a day in itself,” said Ed Several, PGA Shows Group vice president and general manager for Reed Exhibitions.

“What a pleasant surprise in terms of how well that has developed, just in terms of what it’s meant for the industry because it really has helped a lot of new companies get established and certainly, a lot of established companies introduce new products, so it really has become a great platform,” he added.

A new feature has been thrown into the mix this year, with the introduction of an area in which attendees can preview and try out new products, according to Several, who adds the day before the show has gotten even longer in recent years. Read more

Orlando Show Focuses on Economy

It may be tempting in these difficult economic times to cut expenses to the bone and maybe even pass on that annual trip to the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, but the way Ed Several looks at it, do you run and hide from the challenges or do you take them head on?

In his position as PGA Shows Group vice president and general manager for Reed Exhibitions, which runs the Orlando show, Several’s business has chosen to take on the economy.

The 2009 show takes place Jan. 29-31 at the Orange Country Convention Center in Orlando and traditionally, this country is well-represented with the second-highest number of attendees after the United States, usually around 1,500, and 50 Canadian-based companies exhibiting their products.

“We all can’t stop doing business,” said Several.

“The best thing is, by being able to talk with others in the industry, you’re able to get ideas and this is a great time to really take a look at your shop and see what new categories, new merchandising ideas and really what kind of promotions you can do that have been successful other places,” he added. Read more

Titleist Returns to Orlando

Titleist has announced it will exhibit at the 2009 PGA Merchandise Show, which will be held January 29-31 at the Orange County Convention Centre in Orlando.

Titleist will also participate in the outdoor demo day held at the Orange County National Golf Centre the day before the show.

“In recent years, the PGA Merchandise Show has evolved significantly as the PGA of America has shifted the show’s emphasis to a more educational platform for its membership,” said Jerry Bellis, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Titleist Worldwide.

“Our decision to participate in the PGA Merchandise Show is the result of these positive changes, our desire to strengthen the connection with our partners and to showcase our exciting, new products.

“Our PGA show plans will enhance the numerous grassroots initiatives that Titleist already has in place for our dedicated staff members and golf shop partners.”

The Titleist Performance Institute will also participate for a third consecutive year and will be located adjacent to the Titleist Experience at the PGA Equipment Forum.