As someone relatively new to the golf industry and an absolute first-timer at the PGA Show, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect heading into Orlando for one of the biggest events in golf. I’ve got years of experience in marketing, finances, contract writing, and just about everything behind the scenes—but this trip? This was something entirely new.

Spoiler alert: it was overwhelming, exciting, educational, and… surprisingly fun.

Here are five takeaways from my rookie round at the 2026 PGA Show—from the perspective of a “golf newbie” who’s now officially hooked.

1. Booth or Bust

When planning for the show, I had some doubts (and sticker shock) about the value of a booth. Did we really need one? Would people stop by? Would we survive three straight days on our feet?

Short answers: Yes. Yes. Barely.

Having a 10x20 space for OnPar Automation was crucial. It gave us a home base to engage with customers, chat with partners, and showcase our flagship product—the Range Picker. The booth allowed us to have meaningful conversations with folks who genuinely wanted to learn more or had real-world problems we could help solve.

Also: standing for 10+ hours a day? Brutal. I now have a newfound appreciation for carpet padding—and it’s officially on next year’s budget proposal.

2. The Golf Industry Is Full of Good People

Before we left, David Moore kept saying how nice people in the golf industry are. And now? I’m the newest member of the “he was right” fan club.

Every single conversation—whether with a curious customer, a seasoned pro, or a fellow vendor—was pleasant, professional, and collaborative. There’s a spirit of camaraderie in this industry that feels rare and refreshing. People aren’t just trying to sell—they’re genuinely trying to connect, learn, and share ideas. It made this newcomer feel right at home.

3. Sales (aka Talking to Real People!)

My day-to-day world is mostly digital—I live behind a screen doing everything from marketing strategy to finance work and every other administrative task you can think up. So stepping out into the spotlight at the booth was a stretch outside my comfort zone.

But it turns out… I really liked it.

Talking face-to-face about the Range Picker, answering questions on the fly, and watching someone’s eyes light up when they realized how automation could solve their biggest headaches—that was energizing. It also reinforced that I do know this product, and I can represent it well. Getting a few hot leads? That was just the cherry on top.

4. Customers Are Craving Solutions

The biggest recurring themes I heard from range operators were consistent: labor is unreliable, and ball collection is still a giant time suck. Add in concerns about terrain and equipment breakdowns, and you’ve got a real operational headache.

What made this trip special was being able to listen—really listen—to those pain points and offer a solution that actually makes a difference. OnPar's Range Picker isn’t just a cool gadget. It’s a game-changer for ranges trying to do more with less.

5. Community Over Competition

One of my favorite parts of the show? Finally meeting the rest of our partners from Relox Robotics, Automated Outdoor Solutions, and Inrange® in person. These are the folks we will be collaborating with year-round, and shaking hands in real life felt like a full-circle moment.

We also got to catch up with our friends at Range Servant, Thrasher, Leisure Design Systems INC, SmartTarget.golf, and GolfMore. These aren’t just names on an email chain anymore—they’re real people with shared goals and good stories. There were laughs, learnings, and a real sense that we’re building something bigger together.

Wrapping Up

The 2026 PGA Show was a whirlwind of growth and connection. But more than anything, it was a reminder that we’re in the right place, doing the right thing, with the right people.

I’m already looking forward to next year—and maybe some extra carpet padding.

Have takeaways of your own? Drop us a note or tag us on LinkedIn—we’d love to hear what stood out for you!