ORLANDO, FL (January 27, 2007) – USGA Executive Director David Fay, Nike Golf’s Sasquatch Driver, and a pair of ground-breaking products from emerging companies were among the winners announced Friday at the ING Industry Honors Presentation Press Conference.
The announcements took place at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando. This was the 14th year for the ING Industry Honors, created to recognize outstanding achievement in various business categories. CBS 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 17 years ago, hosts the annual ING Spring Conference June 3-7 at Turning Stone Resort & Casino. Educational seminars, product testing, networking opportunities and the One-On-One Appointment Show highlight schedule.
Fay was the top vote getter in the ING Industry Honors’ Business Achievement category, which also included John Hoeflich of Nickent Golf and Dana Garmany of Troon Golf. Under Fay’s guidance, the USGA showed a rare innovative side by legalizing distance-measuring devices for use in competition. Fay also was the driving force behind the decision to take the U.S. Open to municipally owned courses like Torrey Pines and Bethpage.
Nike Golf’s Sasquatch won the Product Ingenuity-Market Leaders category. This driver recorded a dozen PGA Tour wins in 2006. Its’ geometric design creates ideal ratio between the width of the clubface and the depth of the club head, resulting in a larger, more forgiving sweet spot.
AccuLength’s adjustable junior golf clubs, and Zelocity’s PureContactâ?¢ golf improvement monitor tied for 1st place in the Product Ingenuity category for emerging companies, only the second tie in Industry Honors history. AccuLength’s custom-fitted clubs grow with the junior for up to five seasons. Zelocity’s PureContact was the first golf performance monitor with a price point for individuals. The PureContact measures ball velocity and calculates shot distance for carry and roll.
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.
2006-07 ING Industry Honors
Print Advertisement – Products/Services – Mizuno
Print Advertisement – Trade – Play Golf America
Print Advertisement – Travel/Real Estate – GolfOrlando
TV Advertisement – TaylorMade
TV Ad Series – FootJoy – SignBoy.
PR Campaign/Event – Element 21 In Space
Product Ingenuity – Emerging Companies – (tie) AccuLength & Zelocity PureContact
Product Ingenuity – Market Leaders – Nike Golf Sasquatch Driver
Tournament Service – Heather Farr Leader Dog Golf Tournament
Player Development – Button Hole Golf
Business Achievement – David Fay, USGA
Contact:
Mike Jamison
407-328-0500
mike@inggolf.com