Feb. 22-24, DeVos Place
(Grand Rapids, Mich.) Oh the weather outside, for golfers, is frightful. But inside at the 20th Annual West Michigan Golf Show it will be so delightful. Starting this Friday at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids, the West Michigan Golf Show is the perfect antidote to cabin fever, the winter blahs and the dreaded S.G.D. malady or Severe Golf Deprivation. Hundreds of exhibits, clinics and free golf lessons, equipment and merchandise bargains, and contests will beckon golfers of all ages, handicaps and excuses. “Patrons tell us the Golf Show is their first sign of spring,” said Show Manager Carolyn Alt. “It’s an ideal time and place for avid and occasional golfers to get a jump start on the season. And it sure beats shoveling snow!”
Highlights of the West Michigan Golf Show, produced by ShowSpan Inc, include:
– With over 40 new exhibitors and sold-out floor space, the Golf Show features over 250 booths of destinations, golf equipment and merchandise. The top courses and resorts from throughout the state and region will be represented as will a host of retailers offering the newest clubs, balls, bags, apparel and accessories at the best prices. In fact, this year’s Show has more equipment and merchandise for sale than ever before.
Headliner and Golf Fitness expert Dr. Greg Rose, co-host of the Golf Channel’s Golf Fitness Academy and co-founder of the Titleist Performance Institute, will speak Friday and Saturday on a variety of fitness, conditioning and swing-related topics. Rose has worked with a number of Tour pros including Masters defending champion Zach Johnson.
Also on stage during the weekend will be: The 2007 Michigan PGA Teacher of the Year Charley Vandenberg, Thousand Oaks Golf Academy; Patti Butcher, Blythefield CC head golf pro and 5-time Golf for Women Top 50 Teacher; and representatives from the Michigan Junior Golf Association speaking about junior golf opportunities in the state.
– The first 100 people entering the Show each day will receive a free sleeve of Srixon AD 333 golf balls.
Speaking of golf balls, all patrons bringing a dozen new or “pre-owned” golf balls will receive half-price admission on Friday (only.) Golf balls will be donated to the planned First Tee of Grand Rapids chapter now in the works.
Free Lessons from Michigan Section PGA golf professionals: receive free tips and a swing tune-up from the state’s teaching pros in the Hitting Net area where the Long Drive contest and the “Guess Your Distance” driving competition will take place.
A Show favorite, 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.
A $10,000 Putting Challenge invites putters 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 Grand Rapids Youth for Christ.
– Friday night is also “Ladies Night” filled with special events, seminars and giveaways just for women, including the 3rd annual Executive Women’s Golf Association Fashion Show presenting golf outfits from some of the top apparel names in the industry. All women receive a Goodie bag with free gifts, and the first 100 women at the show receive a custom Ladies Night embroidered hat.
– Manufacturer’s representatives from Cleveland Golf, Mizuno, Nike, Ping, Srixon, Tour Edge, and Yonex, will be on-hand on a scheduled basis in the Demo & Hitting Net area for patrons to try out the latest equipment.
– Door prizes, including free golf passes and a Dancin’ Dogg Golf Simulator, given away every hour. Also, a separate register-to-win Grand Prize being a fabulous vacation to Jamaica, courtesy of Airport Tour & Travel and WZZM-TV.
– Special Junior Golf area featuring the amazing Dancin’ Dogg Shot-Making Simulator bundled with the Tiger Woods EA Sports PGA Tour game. Donations will benefit Kids Food Basket of Grand Rapids.
Bonus for those patrons who love reading and reading greens: a one-year subscription to Golf Digest or Golf for Women is complimentary with paid admission. Subscription details and sign-up inside the Show.
The West Michigan Golf Show’s hours 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 $9 for adults, $4 for children ages 6-14, and children 5 and under are free. Sponsors include Srixon, Golf Association of Michigan, Odawa Casino Resort, and the Michigan Section PGA. Local charities and non-profit groups benefitting from Show events include Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Kids Food Baskets, Fallen Heroes Foundation & Patriot Golf Day, and Grand Rapids Youth for Christ. Tickets will be available at the door as well as online at www.westmichigangolfshow.com. For more information, call 1-800-328-6550 or visit the website.
Contact:
Carolyn Peticolas Alt, ShowSpan, at 616-447-2860
Terry Moore, Sportserv Ltd, at 616-247-1931
