LAKE MARY, FL (Jan. 8, 2013) – A course-length strategic program, a golf training system and a PGA teaching professional are the final ballot nominees in the Player Development Category of the 20th Annual ING Industry Honors awards program.
PGA Of America’s Tee It Forward program, SNAG and Rick Grayson earned enough votes form the sub-committee to make the final ballot in the ING Industry Honors.
Called by some the “Academy Awards of the golf industry,” the ING Industry Honors program is conducted by the non-profit International Network Of Golf to recognize outstanding achievement in 12 categories of the golf business. Holly Geoghegan of Golf Marketing Services and The Golf Insiders radio show is the committee chair.
Over a dozen nominations in this category came to ING from all across the golf industry. A sub-committee vote narrowed the list to the final three. Winners in this and 11 other categories are being decided by a vote of the ING membership this month. Nominees will be recognized and winners announced at the Industry Honors Presentation Press Conference January 25 at 12:30 p.m. at Orlando’s PGA Merchandise Show in ClubING, Room 309.
The International Network Of Golf is a non-profit, media-based networking organization whose mission since 1990 has been to enhance and promote communication and education in golf. Membership is open to anyone in the golf industry, related industries and media. “ING is where media and the golf industry connect.”
The three finalists in this category all have had an impact on player development in the golf industry. Here are descriptions:
Rick Grayson, Connie Morris Golf Learning Center at Rivercut Golf Course in Springfield, Mo. Grayson recently won the PGA Junior Golf Leader Award. Grayson launched a high school golf coaches’ clinic in 1997 that continues today. He guided the formation of the Heart of the Ozarks Junior Golf Foundation, which has raised more than $1.5 million for junior golfers, funding an annual scholarship program and a four-hole course where juniors play for free.
SNAG Golf is a proven first touch development program designed for new learners. It is an easy and fun way to learn and play golf. SNAG contains all the elements of golf but in a modified form. It builds on strong fundamentals of putting, chipping, pitching and full swing to develop playing ability quickly and effectively. In 8,000 schools and 42 countries, SNAG Golf seems unstoppable at introducing golf around the globe.
Tee It Forward, PGA of America – This program, brainchild of Barney Adams, allows amateurs to play the course at the same relative distance as a tour professional would. It encourages golfers to play faster, have more fun and play more often by playing the tees best suited for their abilities. A total of 1,923 facilities registered for the Tee It Forward July promotion. An average of 123 golfers per facility used the guidelines, and 86 percent of the facilities indicated they would continue promoting Tee It Forward throughout the year.
ING exists 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 23 years ago, hosts the annual ING Spring Conference, scheduled this year at Reunion Resort in Orlando May 19-23. Educational seminars, product testing, an appointment show and networking opportunities highlight schedule.
The next gathering for ING is at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando Jan. 24-26, 2013. ClubING (Room 309) will be open all day for members and their guests, with morning coffee, Happy Hour cocktail parties with celebrity guests and entertainment, and prizes and giveaways.
For more information regarding ING, call 407-328-0500 or visit www.inggof.com.
Contact:
Michael W. Jamison
mike@jamisongolf.com
407-328-0500, ext. 1
