Free golf expo to showcase latest drivers, accessories at College of the Desert
From new drivers from manufacturers like Callaway and TaylorMade to shoes and clothing, the 18th annual Pete Carlson Golf and Tennis Golf Expo will offer desert golf fans equipment and other golf-related items that have only been on the market a few weeks.
The expo, free to the public, will be Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the driving range at College of the Desert off Fred Waring Drive in Palm Desert. While golf expos and demonstration days are common in the desert at private clubs and even some golf resorts, the Pete Carlson expo is the only one featuring more than a dozen golf companies that can be attended by the public.
Golfers will be able to test the latest equipment unveiled by major companies just two weeks ago at the PGA Merchandise Show in Florida. While golf courses in the east and north might be months away from play, golfers in the desert can buy the new equipment at the show and be among the first in the country to use the clubs. Representatives of the manufacturers will be on hand to custom fit golfers throughout the day.
“We pretty much have them available,” Carlson said. “People can test them and purchase on site.”
Among the new items recently put on the market are the Paradym driver by Callaway, recently used by Jon Rahm in winning his first two starts in 2023 including The American Express in La Quinta, and the Stealth 2 driver from TaylorMade. Carlson also mentioned the new Ping 4T430 driver as a club expected to get attention from buyers.
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"Golfers can get fittings from the manufacturer reps and they will be there to be hands on with the public,” Carlson said. “It’s a good experience. People can get some quality time with someone who is knowledgeable about the products. They have the shafts there, so you can try different shafts.”
In addition to manufacturers like Callaway, TaylorMade, Cleveland, Titlelist, Ping and more, Carlson said more than 20 manufacturers will be on site with shoes, clothing and other golf accessories.
Carlson added that purchases at the expo will be under discounted pricing, meaning the clubs will be less expensive than at the store in a week or two.
Trick Shot artist Joey O will perform on the driving range at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. each day, with PGA champion Al Geiberger giving a short-game clinic at noon each day.
Admission and parking are free both days, with parking provided on the campus of COD.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Pete Carlson golf expo to showcase latest drivers from major companies
