By Staff
GRAND RAPIDS – Bigger and better than ever, the 19th annual West Michigan Golf Show tees off on Feb. 9-11 at the DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids.
Hundreds of exhibits, clinics and free golf lessons, equipment and merchandise bargains, and contests will inform and entertain golfers of all ages and handicaps. Nationally acclaimed for its exceptional headliners, this year's show will feature equipment expert Frank Thomas, former Technical Director for the United States Golf Association and currently Chief Technical Advisor for Golf Digest magazine.
Highlights of the West Michigan Golf Show, produced by ShowSpan Inc:
With over 250 booths of golf destinations, golf equipment and merchandise, golfers will get a jump start on the upcoming season and their vacations plans. The top courses and resorts from throughout the state and the U.S. will be represented as will a host of retailers offering the newest clubs, balls, bags, apparel and accessories at the best prices.
Headliner and Equipment Guru Frank Thomas, Technical Advisor for Golf Digest as well as The Golf Channel, will speak Saturday on a variety of topics including: Is Today’s Technology Really Farther and Straighter?; What's in Your Bag?; and Your Game and Future Technology.
On stage Friday and Saturday will be two-time Michigan PGA Teacher of the Year Dave Kendall, of the Kendall Academy at the Miles of Golf center in Ann Arbor. Kendall is a teacher to some of the best players in the state.
The first 100 people entering the Show each day will receive a free sleeve of Srixon Softfeel golf balls.
Show patrons will be able to have their picture taken with the famed Wanamaker Trophy presented to the winner of the PGA Championship, won last year by Tiger Woods at Medinah. The Wanamaker Trophy will be on display as part of an exhibit by the 2008 PGA Championship to be held at Oakland Hills, Bloomfield Hills, MI.
The ever popular Par-3 Challenge will test golfers with an indoor, fully landscaped golf hole, courtesy of Everett’s Landscaping and Southwest Greens. With qualifying shots all weekend benefiting Big Brothers/Big Sisters, one lucky finalist on Sunday will take a crack at holing an ace and earning $25,000 in cash.
The Lake Express $10,000 Putting Challenge is back as a Show favorite where putters try to sink a 15-foot &a 25-foot putt to qualify for one chance at canning a 50-foot putt and winning ten grand. And with proceeds supporting local charity.
Friday night is also "Ladies Night" filled with special events, seminars and giveaways just for women, including the 2nd annual Executive Women's Golf Association Fashion Show presenting 60 golf outfits from some of the top apparel names in the industry. Free gifts to the first 100 women at the show.
Manufacturer's representatives from Nike, Ping, Precept, Yonex, Mizuno, Srixon, and Bridgestone among others will be on-hand on a scheduled basis in the Demo &Hitting Net area for patrons to try out the hottest equipment.
Door prizes given away every hour with the Grand Prize being airfare for two, plus 3 days and 2 nights and golf in sunny Florida courtesy of PLAY FLA Golf. Other prizes include a backyard putting green, valued at $6000, courtesy of Southwest Greens.
Free Lessons from Boyne USA: receive free tips and a swing tune-up from Boyne USA teaching pros in the Hitting Net area where many contests will be held like the Long Drive contest and the "Guess Your Distance" driving competition.
Free junior clinics will be provided by the First Tee of Boyne Highlands for kids of all ages and abilities.
The Golf Show is sponsored by Lake Express, Srixon, Golf Association of Michigan, and Boyne USA. Several local charities, including Big Brothers/Big Sisters, will receive proceeds from the Show's events.
Hours for the Show are 4 to 9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday. Tickets are $8.50 for adults, $4 for children ages 6-14, and children 5 and under are free. Tickets will be available at the door as well as online at www.WestMichiganGolfShow.com.
Online purchasers also receive a sleeve of Srixons. For more information, call 1-800-328-6550.