PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – PING, founded by World Golf Hall of Fame member and renowned golf club engineer and manufacturer Karsten Solheim, will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2009 and plans to begin its celebration at the global golf industry’s 2009 PGA Merchandise Show, Jan. 29-31, in Orlando, Fla.
“When my father, Karsten, designed the original PING putter in 1959, and showed it to PGA Professionals, they were hesitant at first. Once they tried it, they liked it and offered a lot of encouragement for him to market the putter. They soon became his best customers and promoters,” said John Solheim, PING Chairman and CEO. “This helped turn his garage-based operation into one of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of custom-fit, custom built golf equipment, known for innovation and technology. It is extremely fitting that we begin our golden anniversary celebration at the PGA Merchandise Show with PGA Professionals, who played such a key role in our early success and the continued growth of the PING brand.”
In 2009, PING will again sponsor the PGA Best Practices Clubfitting area, where PGA Professionals and other attendees of the PGA Merchandise Show will find the latest best practices in clubfitting. In addition, PING will present its latest lineup of products at the Outdoor Demo Day and within a specially created exhibit within the PGA Equipment Forum.
During Outdoor Demo Day, scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009, at Orange County National Golf Center & Lodge in Orlando, PING will showcase its latest fitting tools, including nFlight Fitting software, while giving PGA Professionals the opportunity to test its extensive product line. PING fitting specialists will be on-hand to share their latest best practices to support retail efforts in 2009.
From Thursday, Jan. 29 to Saturday, Jan. 31, PING will be sponsoring the PGA Best Practices Clubfitting Area of the PGA’s Equipment Forum and participate in the Indoor Demo Days at the Orange County Convention Center. Once again, a dedicated segment of the PGA Equipment Forum will allow all Show attendees to receive hands-on best practices information from the recognized leader in clubfitting and test the latest PING products on both the indoor golf range and short games areas.
Additionally, PING will return as the exclusive golf equipment company sponsoring the 2nd Annual PGA Magazine Merchandisers of the Year Conference, Jan. 26-28, at the Reunion Resort in Orlando. The conference will bring together attending 2008 PGA Merchandisers of the Year selected by The PGA of America’s 41 nationwide Sections. They will be joined in the unique forum by other merchandising experts.
“The PGA of America and PGA Professionals are honored to share a long history with Karsten Solheim and the PING company of innovative, custom-fit quality products,” said PGA of America President Brian Whitcomb. “The PGA Merchandise Show and the PING brand have nearly grown up together and we are thrilled to celebrate the 50th anniversary of PING at this year’s PGA Merchandise Show.”
Since its inception in 1954, the PGA Merchandise Show has served the golf industry as an important forum for its business leaders to gather and become the world’s most comprehensive golf trade show. In January 2009, the PGA Merchandise Show will once again welcome more than 46,000 industry professionals to discover the newest golf merchandise, test the latest equipment, enhance careers and business in classrooms and through real-life business models, network among peers and conduct the business of the game.
About PING
PING is a family-owned company founded in 1959 in the garage of Karsten Solheim. Karsten’s frustration with his putting inspired him to design his own putter, which created a “pinging” sound when striking a golf ball. Today, PING designs, manufactures and markets a complete line of golf equipment including metal woods, irons, putters and golf bags. PING has become synonymous with innovation, quality and service in the world of golf. Solheim, who passed away in 2000, is the only person to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame as a golf club manufacturer. The Phoenix-based company is now under the direction of Solheim’s youngest son, John A. Solheim. PING game-improvement products can be found in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit www.pinggolf.com.
About The PGA of America
Since 1916, The PGA of America’s mission has been twofold: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, the Association enables PGA Professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the $76 billion golf industry.
By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable golf promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry, The PGA of America elevates the public’s interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf.
Contact:
PGA Merchandise Show: Sherry Major, (716) 662-3855, smajor@reedexpo.com
PGA of America: Jamie Carbone, (561) 624-8446, jcarbone@pgahq.com
PING: Pete Samuels, (602) 687-5487, petes@pinggolf.com
