(Grand Rapids, Mich.) When it comes to the West Michigan Golf Show, there’s no red state ver-sus blue state mentality inside the halls of DeVos Place. There’s only a green state-as in thoughts of grass, fairways, putting surfaces and golf courses. There’s no debate on the matter. If you love golf, you must attend the Show on Feb. 10-12.
Here are the highlights of the Show, better than ever in its 29th edition:
• At the Applied Imaging Seminar Stage, the Golf Show welcomes back Bobby Wilson, a 5-time National Long Driving champion, who was a fan favorite here three years ago. Other present-ers include Jason Guss, Michigan’s 2013 PGA Teacher of the Year, Joe Charles, Treetops’ Director of Instruction and golf fitness & training expert Graham Polakoff, OmniKinetics.
• The Treetops Par-3 Challenge is a mainstay of the Show. Patrons compete for prizes and a chance at a $25,000 ace at a fully landscaped golf hole while raising funds for charity. With a large and protected grandstand nearby, it’s also a fun place just to watch great shots and big misses.
• Parents and junior golfers love the PGA Family Fun Zone where activities include: taking a swing at Golfzilla and GolfGator, large inflatable targets; clinics from The First Tee of West Michigan; and miniature golf. Plus the latest info on junior golf including the highly popular PGA Junior League and the Drive, Chip & Putt Championship. All juniors age 14 and under are admitted free on Sunday with the first 100 receiving a free hat.
• Ladies’ Night is Friday and offers special events and giveaways just for women. The first 500 women on Friday receive a special goodie bag.
• Benefitting First Tee of West Michigan, there’s a Saturday morning pancake breakfast ($6/adults & $4/kids) starting at 9 AM in the Grand Gallery at DeVos Place.
• “Try before you buy” is the advice imparted at the Ferris State PGA Golf Management Club Testing Area where many top club manufacturers will have the latest equipment for patrons to hit.
• Test out your skills on a virtual golf course, provided by RealGolf, and get your ball closest to the pin for the chance to win some fabulous prizes from Grand Haven Golf Club. And try the Odawa Casino Long Putt contest where putting finalists earn a chance to win a Boyne Stay & Play Package and a shot at $10,000. Or if driving is your strength, try your swing in the Long Drive Contest to win great prizes! (Note: Bobby Wilson is not eligible!)
• At the Shanty Creek booth, check out its GolfBoard on display-an alternative to the traditional golf cart. It’s a combo of an electronic snowboard and golf cart that allows players to cover a course by operating the device while standing on it, with their clubs right in front of them.
• Renew or sign up for a membership with the Golf Association of Michigan and receive a spe-cial gift as a bonus. Learn about GAM Golf Days- fun, casual one-day events at exclusive Michigan golf courses, public and private.
• Courtesy of the Michigan P.G.A., golf pros are giving free lessons all weekend, providing pa-trons with golf tips to get them ready for skills contests at the show and the new season.
• Retail outlets and golf courses offer an incredible shopping experience for clothing, equipment, shoes, accessories and more. And get knowledgeable advice in the process.
• Stop by the Forest Dunes booth and learn why The Loop by Tom Doak earned the Best New Public Golf Course award by Golf Digest in 2016.
• Feeling lucky in support of a good cause? Buy a $20 raffle ticket at the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame booth and earn a chance to play Bay Harbor, Crystal Downs, or Oakland Hills. Now that’s the ticket!
Produced by ShowSpan, Inc., the West Michigan Golf Show is sponsored by Treetops Resort, Applied Imaging, Odawa Casino, Golf Association of Michigan, and the Michigan PGA. 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. A multi-day ticket for all 3 days is $15 and a twilight rate ticket is $7 for adults for the last two hours of the show each day. 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
