DC golf show at Dulles

DonatelloNobodie · January 22, 2023

The Washington DC golf show at Dulles expo center is back on in Feb after a 2 year COVID hiatus.

Prior to the layoff the show had been in a steady decline as booths for rain gutters, kitchen remodeling and magic magnetic cure bracelets replaced those of equipment vendors, golf courses, and vacations.

Is there hope for an improved show this year? I hope so, as admission prices have increased 20%. Is anyone here planning to attend?

DonatelloNobodie · January 24, 2023

Crickets.... Sad. Where do you guys buy your rain gutters?

Bonneville85308 · January 24, 2023

27 minutes ago, DonatelloNobodie said:

Crickets.... Sad. Where do you guys buy your rain gutters?

I'm not in the DC area but I haven't gone to any of these "golf shows" in probably 10 years, they all became full of booths for completely non-golf stuff with a few booths for golf resorts and used golf ball sellers sprinkled in. I remember back 15+ years ago when they would be almost 100% golf stuff with many used club and closeout item vendors where you could snag many good deals.

DonatelloNobodie · January 24, 2023

1 hour ago, Bonneville85308 said:

I'm not in the DC area but I haven't gone to any of these "golf shows" in probably 10 years, they all became full of booths for completely non-golf stuff with a few booths for golf resorts and used golf ball sellers sprinkled in. I remember back 15+ years ago when they would be almost 100% golf stuff with many used club and closeout item vendors where you could snag many good deals.

Yup, same for me. I used to buy a pair of golf shoes every year, and a lot of equipment at great prices. New set of Ping irons for $185. Titleist cart bag for $60. That was about 10 years ago. Many golf stores and pro shops clearing out previous year models. Last time I went 3 years ago golf vendors were outnumbered by crap vendors. Only 1 booth selling equipment and not many deals.

cristphoto · February 1, 2023

I'm in the DC area and have given up on going to the golf shows. As others have said years ago it was pretty much golf only but in recent years much is just junk non-golf vendors. Deals are virtually non-existent. One perk that drew me in for years was the free one-year subscription to Golf magazine (thus offset the admission price). I'm guessing that's on the chopping block.

howaboutme · February 3, 2023

I was at the last one just prior to the pandemic and agree it's not worth if you're going for deals, etc. It's basically a big party with games and booths. The only part that may interest people is the area where you can test out clubs but you may have to pay for that too.

DoughBack18 · February 5, 2023

Kind of a shame how downhill these have gone. Bought a Yonex Super ADX driver with an upgraded shaft at one of these long enough ago that that was still a top of the line driver. Too many other avenues to buy used or discount clubs and apparel for these to be relevant is my guess… 😢

Greenie · February 5, 2023

I haven't gone to it in years. It used to be full of golf stuff and good deals on golf equipment. The last few times I went there it seemed there were more non-golf booths than golf related booths and very little equipment and accessories.

Good memories from past shows. I still use a lot of clothes and accessories bought from past shows.

2Down · February 7, 2023

went to the last one before covid, really enjoyed it saw a few buds, bought a pair of shoes, found a wedge I had been looking out for, watched Fran Rhoads (one of the best teachers in the area) swing presentation and passed on the golf magazine subscription offered at the door.

wasn't aware they were back. might try to get to it what with all the new equipment I'm hearing about and seeing on the course I expect the shops present will have a good inventory of stuff they took in trade.

cristphoto · March 2, 2023

To those that went this year, how was it? Worthwhile in the future or just totally forget it?

Greenie · March 3, 2023

3 hours ago, cristphoto said:

To those that went this year, how was it? Worthwhile in the future or just totally forget it?

I didn't go but I am in a group of Maryland golfers and the comments were negative.

:I went , and what a waste of time

:A friend who lives nearby. He went Friday and stayed 10 minutes. He told me not to waste my time.

:I agree with everyone else commenting here. I knew something was up when I pulled into the parking lot and got a space right up front. It was 50 so miles for me to get there and it was so not worth it! As someone else said, seemed like more people from golf resorts and other things not golf related. More likely my last time going to it.