(Grand Rapids, Mich.) Here’s a question commonly posed by golfers: to whom does one turn to receive sound and unbiased advice on what is the best golf equipment for them? Well, at this year’s 19th annual West Michigan Golf Show, the answer will be Frank Thomas, former USGA Technical Director and one of the foremost consumer experts on golf equipment. Thomas will be making an appearance and providing clinics at the nationally acclaimed Show set for Feb. 9-11 at the DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids. A weekly guest on The Golf Channel and a regular contributor and Chief Technical Advisor to Golf Digest, Thomas is Founder and President of Frankly Golf, an international consulting company aimed at, among other goals, educating consumers about golf technology.
"I’m just delighted to be a part of this year’s Show and to be able to share my thoughts and advice to West Michigan golfers about the often confusing world of golf technology," said Thomas. "There have been so many product improvements and advances in the golf industry many golfers are bewildered by all of it. It’s my hope that my clinics will shed some light and understanding on golf balls, shafts and clubheads." Thomas is no stranger to Michigan having attended Kalamazoo College and later West Michigan University where he earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Thomas was the Technical Director of the United States Golf Association (USGA) from 1974-2000. During this time, each and every club or ball introduced by a company seeking USGA approval was subject to Thomas’s extensive and thorough testing procedures. "As any avid follower of the game knows, Frank Thomas is one of the leading authorities on golf technology and we’re excited to have him as a headliner at this year’s Show," says Carolyn Alt, Show Manager. "He is a tremendous source of knowledge and has a keen insight into golf equipment and how it can affect not only average golfers’ games but their buying decisions."
Located inside the DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids, the West Michigan Golf Show will attract thousands of golfers to hundreds of exhibits featuring courses and resorts, equipment and accessories, interactive golf areas, contests, clinics and free lessons. The Show has garnered national attention for the quality of its headliners which have included such names as Jim Flick, Rick Smith, Hank Haney, Dr. Gary Wiren, Dave Pelz, Dean Reinmuth, Elaine Crosby and Charlie Sorrell.
Produced by ShowSpan Inc., the Golf Show is sponsored in part by Lake Express, the cross-lake and high-speed ferry service between Muskegon and Milwaukee. Other sponsors include: Srixon as the official golf ball of the show; Boyne USA for providing free golf lessons; and the Golf Association of Michigan. 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. A free sleeve of Srixon Softfeel golf balls will be issued to the first 100 people at the show each day as well as those ordering tickets online. 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, Sportserv Ltd
616-247-1931