ORLANDO, FL (January 28, 2006) — Retired PGA Of America Executive Director Jim Awtrey, the PGA’s Play Golf America grow the game program, Tour Edge’s Exotics and SunBuster sunglasses were among the winners announced Saturday at the ING Industry Honors Presentation Press Conference.
The announcements took place at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando. This was the 13th year for the ING Industry Honors, created to recognize outstanding achievement in various business categories. Golf commentator Mary Bryan was the master of ceremonies.
ING is a non-profit, media-based networking organization whose mission is to bring golf media together with representatives from all walks of the golf industry to discuss issues, exchange information and improve communication.
The group, which was formed 16 years ago, hosts the annual ING Spring Conference May 21-25 in the Pinehurst area. Educational seminars, product testing and networking opportunities highlight schedule.
Awtrey was the top vote-getter in the ING Industry Honors’ Business Achievement category, that also included Ruffin Beckwith of Golf 20/20 and Phil Tralies of Club Car. Awtrey had been in his position since 1987 before stepping down last year. During his tenure, membership in the PGA nearly doubled to more than 28,000, and total annual revenues have climbed in the last five-year period from $68 million to $120 million
Play Golf America nipped the LPGA/USGA Girls Golf Program and the Northern California Golf Association’s Youth On Course. Close to 5 million consumers participated in Play Golf America leagues, and more than one-half million in group instruction – an increase of 66 percent from the previous year.
Tour Edge Exotics won the Product Ingenuity-Market Leaders category. The first of its kind to use no weld technology in a clubhead, the Exotics fairway wood combines a lightweight titanium cupped face with a heavier hyper-steel body.
SunBusters sunglasses won the category for emerging companies. These GolfCorrect lenses are optically ground to eliminate eye plane shift distortion, an industry first, and provide a clear, crisp view of the golf ball.
The ING Industry Honors program recognizes outstanding achievement in 12 business-related categories, such as product ingenuity, TV commercials, PR campaigns, business achievement, player development, print advertising, golf course design and tournament service.
The nomination process takes place throughout the golf season. Nominations may be submitted by anyone in the golf industry. Through sub-committee voting, nominees are narrowed to three per category, then winners are determined by vote of ING members. Winners receive a beautiful statue from Everything Metal Imaginable.
For more information, call 407-328-0500, or visit the ING website – inggolf.com.
Below are the winners of this year’s ING Industry Honors.
2005-06 ING Industry Honors
Print Advertisement – Products/Services – Cleveland Golf
Print Advertisement – Trade – Club Car
Print Advertisement – Travel/Real Estate – Wales Tourist Board
TV Advertisement – Michelob, With Sergio Garcia
Ad Series – TV – PGA Tour – These Guys Are Good
PR Campaign/Event – The Golf Industry Show
Product Ingenuity – Emerging Companies – SunBuster
Product Ingenuity – Market Leaders – Tour Edge Exotics
Tournament Service – AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
Player Development – Play Golf America
Business Achievement – Jim Awtrey, PGA of America
Contact:
Mike Jamison
407-328-0500
mike@inggolf.com
