We were very honoured to be invited to the PGA Show in Orlando this year. It really is a testament to how our business has grown, and it is amazing to see the huge demand from Americans for golf vacations overseas, especially to Ireland and Scotland.
Day One was extremely enjoyable, as our partner Nick Parker was able to play golf at the Nicklaus Course at Reunion Resort with other operators, Irish golf courses, and destinations. It was a fantastic event, and the common theme was a strong sense of optimism, with the Walker Cup and Ryder Cup coming to Ireland in 2026 and 2027. It was a chance for all those involved in the Irish golfing scene to switch off before a busy season ahead.
Day Two followed, with back-to-back meetings all day at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge, which has just undergone a major renovation to its 65-room lodge. Andrew and Nick were warmly welcomed, and a massive shout-out to Paul Sherlock and his wonderful team for their welcome and hospitality. Paul is a fellow Irishman who left Belfast in the late eighties and now holds one of the most prestigious positions in the golfing world. We look forward to returning next year and are excited to see all of Arnold Palmer’s carefully curated pieces of incredible sporting memorabilia showcased throughout the club.
Days Three and Four were a complete whirlwind. There were thousands of stands on display at the world’s biggest golf exhibition, but the Golf in Ireland stand definitely saw the most traffic. There is a real demand for golf travel to Ireland, which was evident in the many conversations had. People are itching to play the great links golf and also see the value in utilising a luxury golf tour operator, having a fully hosted tour where one of our team is with them every step of the way, from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave. It was also fantastic for Andrew and Nick to connect with clients who have already booked tours and are in the planning stages of their next one.
Day Five was the transition from talking golf during the day to listening to esteemed country music artist Dustin Lynch at night. It was a superb closing ceremony, and Nick thoroughly enjoyed hosting some PGA pros from North Carolina and sharing his passion for country music. A reminder that the PGA Show is as much about relationships as it is about business.
The key theme of the 2026 PGA Show was the rise of technology and virtual golf. This has been fantastic for opening the game up to a new audience and also allowing courses in America with extreme weather to continue serving their members during adverse conditions. It also allows Americans to play the great links courses of Ireland and Scotland virtually and practise them before experiencing them in real life. However, I don’t think anything will ever compare to standing on the first tee of one of our many great courses after a fantastic night of camaraderie, experiencing the heritage of Ireland or Scotland, looking out at the sea and dunes that guard the fairway, and having to hit the ball into strong winds.
The 2026 PGA Show was a great success for Gorse & Thistle, great golf, great people, and a growing appetite for unforgettable golf in Ireland and Scotland.
