ORLANDO, Fla. -- Trying to persuade any golf consumer to invest in a certain product is a difficult task, but when the potential customer is one of the most authoritative and experienced opinions in the golf industry, it becomes exponentially tougher. But for the more than 100 equipment manufacturers that took place in the 2008 Demo Day at Orange County National Golf Center, it was more than a challenge, it was a mission.

"I've always been a big believer that people, every level of golfer, should try out a club before they buy them," said Jesse Ortiz, the President of the Bobby Jones Golf Company. "I think people give too much weight to what they read in magazines or even see on TV, including my infomercials; I want them to hit the clubs and let the clubs convince them. If you believe in your product, that's the most effective way to attract consumers."

From major equipment manufacturers to companies that specialize in golf socks to all manner of practice and training aids, every exhibitor believed they had what it took to impress the golf world.

And the added pressure of pleasing the most discerning golf consumers? Most manufacturers welcomed the opportunity to persuade the industry leaders.

"The PGA Professional has always been the backbone of PING," said PING President and COO Doug Hawken. "We've always believed in them as a distribution channel for our product."

With an expected crowd of 5,000 PGA Professionals, golf media representatives and select VIP guests, the Orange County National Golf Center's circular range was a ring of golf buzz and activity that went strong from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Though not open to the public, it was safe to say that a great portion of golf consumers would be affected by what their PGA Professional was able to experience on this day.

"It's a competitive market out there," said PGA Professional Joe Galen, the PGA General Manager of Crystal Springs Resort in McAfee, N.J. "All of the manufacturers are trying to differentiate themselves, either by geometry, different materials, different physics. It's a lot to take in.

"When I get back to the facility, you have to look back and take everything into consideration as to what serves your membership and players," he explained. "As PGA Professionals, we have to be educated in those things. That's what they depend on us for."

As much as PGA Professionals benefited from testing certain clubs, there was an equal benefit for the manufacturers.

"Pretty much everyone out here is a good player," said Ortiz. "I really value the feedback and suggestions that they offer. That only helps everyone in the long run."

But was he being gracious as he watched hundreds of swings taken with his latest Bobby Jones offerings?

"They are good players," he said. "Well, with the exception of the golf media."