The golf world – well, the whole world – is a busy and confusing place right now, but let’s turn our attention to the Golf Industry Show in New Orleans and why it may be the best of shows and the worst of shows.
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1. It’s difficult to get your head wrapped around this show given the current economy. I talk to many folks, and I detect fear in the voices of many superintendents and operators at every level from mom-and-pop to ultraexclusive private clubs. I suspect those attending can be divided into three classes:
- The usual top 20 percent whose education budgets are beyond reproach.
- People whose facilities are pretending their budgets are beyond reproach and who figure, “What the hell.”
- Those who are paying personally and are deadly serious about improving their skills and will treat the event as a chance to advance themselves.
2. New Orleans, as much as I love the place, might be the worst possible location this year. Let’s face it: It’s a party town, which doesn’t appeal to everyone, and still a scary place for people who don’t travel regularly or with families. Plus, it’s almost impossible for courses and companies to send people to “party” when others are being laid off, downsized or otherwise pink-slipped.
3. I keep seeing numbers from GIS organizers suggesting 22,000 will attend the event. Really? Seriously? What are these guys smoking? I hope I’m wrong, but I doubt it.
4. That said, those who do come will be laser-focused on business … and/or fun.
5. If you’re not coming, tune into golfcourseindustry.com to check out the live Web broadcasts. If you will be there, swing by our booth and check out the show.
To all you brave souls who are making the trip: I’ll see you at the Acme Oyster House for a dozen sliders and a beer. GCI
Pat Jones is president of Flagstick, LLC.
