(Grand Rapids, Mich.) Ionia native Bart Lower, a two-time contestant on The Golf Channel’s hit reality show The Big Break, will appear and give clinics at the 18th annual West Michigan Golf Show, Feb. 10-12, 2006 in Grand Rapids. Lower competed in Big Break II & IV and became a viewer favorite for both his shot-making skills and his winning personality. "I’m very proud and pleased to be part of the West Michigan Golf Show—it’s a first-class show that attracts thousands of golfers from all over the state," said Lower, 29. "In fact, I first attended the show when I was 15 years of age and on the Ionia High School golf team."
After playing and lettering at golf at Eastern Michigan University, Lower purchased10 acres of land in Ionia from his uncle. Clearing the land himself with a rented bulldozer he opened Bart’s Golf Center, a driving range and golf shop, in 2002. Although he still owns the Golf Center, Bart and his wife Niki left Michigan for Florida this past January when Bart accepted a Sales Associate position with Pulte Homes. Bart and Niki have two children, son Rauiri (8 years) and daughter Ryann (8 months.)
"We’re thrilled to have Bart at the Golf Show this year," said Carolyn Alt, Show Manager. "Considering that he was originally chosen from 5,000 golfers to become a contestant on The Big Break, it’s an incredible success story for Bart to share. In addition to being a local nice guy who did well on national television, he’s also an accomplished instructor." In addition to Lower, Alt says several noted golf teachers from around the state will be giving clinics including Brad Dean, Crystal Mountain Resort’s highly regarded golf professional and past Michigan PGA Teacher of the Year.
Alt also reports that the 2006 West Michigan Golf Show is ahead of last year’s record pace for exhibitors. "The golf industry in Michigan and elsewhere sees the Golf Show here as offering significant value and as a proven means for reaching West Michigan golfers."
Located inside the DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids, the West Michigan Golf Show will attract winter-weary golfers on Feb. 10-12 to hundreds of exhibits featuring courses and resorts, equipment and accessories, interactive golf areas, contests, clinics and free lessons. Produced by ShowSpan Inc., the Golf Show is sponsored in part by the Golf Association of Michigan and Crystal Mountain Resort. Several activities at the Show will benefit local charities including Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
Hours for the Show are 4:00 pm-9:00 pm, Friday; 10:00 am-7:00 pm, Saturday, and 10:00 am-5:00 pm, 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. For more information, call 1-800-328-6550.
Contact:
Carolyn Peticolas Alt
ShowSpan
616-447-2860
Terry Moore
Media Relations
616-247-1931
