Golf Demo Days: What They Are and How to Find Them

A "demo day" in golf is a scheduled event at which golfers in attendance have the chance to try different golf clubs and equipment. It's an event, to put it another way, at which golf club companies demonstrate their equipment to golfers.

Golf demo days are events put on by the golf club companies themselves, or by the hosting golf course, practice facility or pro shop. Sometimes the event is dedicated to the equipment of just one company, other times multiple manufacturers are represented.

Golfers who attend a demo day can try different shafts, different lofts, different clubs. And best of all, demo days are (almost always) free.

How Useful Are Demo Days to Golfers?

Very useful! It's a way to try before you buy, and to experiment with different equipment. In addition, they can be a lot of fun. Demo days are one of the most effective tools for golfers to use to learn more about a wide range of equipment — and their own golf games.

Company representatives are often on-site to answer questions about equipment, and staff members from the host facility are often willing to provide quick swing checks and tips. So your game might even get a little help, aside from any equipment insights.

Demo days often take place on outdoor driving ranges, but can also be held at pro shops that include indoor hitting bays, or facilities with golf simulators. Sometimes golfers who otherwise would never get to use a launch monitor can get on one at a demo day.

Finding Golf Demo Days

Golf demo days are usually promoted well in advance by the host facility. If there is a golf association in your city, that association may well have a list available of such coming events.

Some of the websites of golf manufacturers have calendar sections where they list coming events, including demo days. (Note that some manufacturers are starting to call demo days "fitting days" or "fitting events," too.)

Also be vigilant when you play golf or visit a pro shop. Inside the clubhouse or pro shop, look for notices of upcoming events. If your local newspaper or golf association provides a golf calendar, that is another place to check for any coming demo days. Golf conventions and merchandise shows are more places that often run demo days in conjunction with the show.

Another option: Make some calls. Check in with the largest, busiest golf practice facility, public golf course and golf pro shop in town. They may be able to tell you that a demo day is scheduled.

Note that full-scale demo days are becoming less common over time in golf because, compared to golf's past, there are far more ways for golfers now to try out new clubs and a variety of clubs before buying. Many pro shops have swing bays, for example, that allow golfers to swing before they buy. Easy access to launch monitors and indoor golf simulators can also help golfers the way, in the past, only demo days could.