LAKE MARY, FL (Jan. 10, 2013) – Mike Bender, ranked as a top 5 golf instructor in the U.S. by Golf Digest, will be the guest speaker following the 20th Annual ING Media Awards Presentation Press Conference. The program begins at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 24, the opening day of the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando. It will take place in ClubING, Room 309A of the Orange County Convention Center.
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.”
Over two-dozen writers, editors, broadcasters and photographers will be honored in 13 categories during the ING Media Awards program. Todd Lewis of The Golf Channel will serve as emcee.
Bender has been listed among GOLF Magazine’s top 100 teachers for over a decade, and is currently among the top 5 instructors on the Golf Digest list, behind only Butch Harmon, David Leadbetter and Jim McLean in the rankings voted upon by his peers.
Bender’s star began to rise after his student Zach Johnson won the 2007 Masters title. Bender also had the unique experience of filling in as Johnson’s caddie at the 2012 John Deere Classic. Johnson won that title in dramatic sudden-death fashion.
Among the two dozen tour players Bender has helped through the years are two-time U.S. Open champion Lee Janzen, former LPGA Tour Rookie of the Year Seon Hwa Lee, Jonathan Byrd and Robert Damron.
Bender recently opened a stunning new facility at Magnolia Plantation Golf Club in Lake Mary, FL, for his Mike Bender Golf Academy. There he utilizes the training tools he created for his students – MEGSA PPE.
The Bender Q&A will be conducted by radio personality Chuck Garbedian, host of the Garbedian On Golf radio show on ESPN in Wisconsin. Everyone is invited to the awards program and Bender Q&A, which will also include a media cocktail reception.
ING exists to bring golf media together with representatives from all walks of the golf industry to introduce new products, 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
