(Grand Rapids, Mich.) An exhibitor at the 2016 West Michigan Golf Show on Feb. 12-14, the PGA Golf Management program at Ferris State University is nationally recognized for its success in preparing students for careers in the golf industry. In fact, in association with the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) of America, it was the first such program founded in the country in 1975. Since then, the program has produced more than 1700 graduates, of whom 900 are active members of the PGA. From coast to coast, Ferris State’s PGM alums are now found at the top courses, clubs and resorts in the U.S.
As such, the Golf Show is excited to partner this year with the PGA Golf Management program in its sponsorship of the new Club Testing Area. Under the guidance of PGA Golf Management’s students and staff, patrons will be able to test clubs from the leading manufacturers, including such names as Adams, Cleveland, Cobra, PING, TaylorMade, Titleist, Tour Edge and U.S. Kids Golf.
“We couldn’t be more pleased about the PGA Golf Management’s presence and role this year,” said Carolyn Alt, Senior Show Manager. “As an educational leader, it’s ideally suited to inform patrons about the often confusing and technical side of golf equipment. And the patrons get to test the clubs, too.”
Aaron Waltz, Director of the PGA Golf Management Program (PGM), shared his enthusiasm about the Golf Show. “The West Michigan Golf Show does a fantastic job in creating excitement and awareness about the game,” said Waltz, a 2000 graduate of the PGM program. “We’re proud to be a part of the Show while having the opportunity to provide a valuable service to golfers.”
In addition to the PGM program, Ferris State has an important link with a new exhibitor at this year’s Show, the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame (MGHOF). In 2013, the MGHOF-under the auspices of the non-profit Michigan Golf Foundation- announced it had selected Ferris State’s Katke Golf Course as its new permanent home. With the planned major expansion of the PGM’s Learning Center at Katke GC, the MGHOF’s heralded collection of portraits, plaques and memorabilia commemorating 109 members, including such legends as Walter Hagen, Chuck Kocsis, Dave Hill and Meg Mallon, will be housed and displayed. Currently, FSU is conducting a capital campaign for this expansion and is nearly halfway to its $4 million dollar goal.
At its booth (#1214) at the Show, the MGHOF will share information about its role in recognizing and preserving the achievements of competitive Michigan golfers, but also those of individuals who have contributed to the growth of the game. It will also be selling a limited number of raffle tickets as a fundraiser for the 501(c)(3) organization which conducts an annual election and hosts an outing and induction ceremony to be held this year on June 5 at Katke GC.
Just 500 tickets will be sold at $20 each for the following “Bucket List” selection of prizes: golf for 2 at Crystal Downs Country Club near Frankfort; golf for 3 at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township; golf for 4 and 1 night’s lodging at Forest Dunes Golf Club in Roscommon.
Produced by ShowSpan, Inc., the West Michigan Golf Show is sponsored by Treetops Resort, Applied Imaging, Golf Association of Michigan, Michigan PGA, and Bridgestone Golf. Hours are 2:00 pm-9:00 pm, Friday; 10:00 am-7:00 pm, Saturday; and 10:00 am-5:00 pm, Sunday. Tickets are $10 for adults, $4 for children ages 6-14, and children 5 and under are free. Tickets will be available at the door as well as online at www.westmichigangolfshow.com
Contact:
Carolyn Alt, ShowSpan, at 616-447-2860
Terry Moore, Sportserv Ltd., 616-490-0433, terry50moore@gmail.com
