(Grand Rapids, Mich.) There’s no such thing as a stupid question, right? The only stupid ques-tion is the one that isn’t asked. Armed with those adages, let’s boldly raise our hand and ask some FAQs about the West Michigan Golf Show at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids on Feb. 10-12.
For those new to the show, what can they expect?
Golf, people and fun. With hundreds of exhibits and dozens of interactive areas, the Show touches every aspect of the game-from equipment and clothing to resorts and golf courses to seminars and skill contests. As one attendee wrote on a survey last year, “This Show gets me pumped up for the new season. It’s the next best thing to being outside and actually playing.” And for those thinking of taking up the game, this is a great place to start.
For juniors and families, what’s attractive?
Compliments of the PGA of America and the Michigan PGA, juniors will enjoy GolfZilla and GolfGator-inflatable targets-at the Family Fun Zone. PGA officials and pros will be on hand to talk about several successful “new golfer” programs: the fast-rising PGA Junior League; the Drive, Chip & Putt Championship; and Get Golf Ready programs. Plus, the First Tee of West Michigan will staff a special junior golf interactive area with info about its 2017 programs aimed at getting juniors excited about golf, a character-building game of a lifetime.
What about the seminars? Do they cost extra?
All seminars and golf lessons are free with the price of admission. At the Applied Imaging Stage, 5-time National Long Driving Champion Bobby Wilson will conduct seminars all weekend. His high-energy, entertaining sessions will help anyone pick up more yardage off the tee. Other pre-senters include Jason Guss, Michigan’s 2013 PGA Teacher of the Year, Joe Charles, Treetops’ Director of Instruction and golf fitness expert Graham Polakoff, OmniKinetics.
Are there other fun elements of the Show?
There are putting and long drive contests, closest to the pin events using a golf simulator, free golf tips provided by PGA pros, a new club testing area, and the ever-popular Par-3 Challenge. Of course, to many bargain hunters, the Show is the place to shop for new equipment, apparel, shoes, gloves and accessories. In all, over $1.5 million dollars of inventory will be on the Show floor.
By going to the Show later in the day won’t golfers miss the popular PGA Tour telecast at Pebble Beach?
Not if they visit the Show’s 19th hole where three Big-Screen TVs will keep patrons in the loop about all the action on the majestic Monterey Peninsula.
What’s involved with the Par-3 Challenge?
Expertly constructed by Everett’s Landscape and sponsored by Treetops Resort, an actual par-3 golf hole is a major attraction of the Show. For a modest fee, patrons hit shots and compete for prizes-including a chance to win $25,000 on Sunday-while raising money for the Patriot Golf Day & Folds of Honor charities providing assistance for military families. Balls and clubs are provided as well as lots of support from spectators and friends alike.
Are there door prizes and raffles?
Of course, this is Grand Rapids! Multiple door prizes-equipment, accessories and free golf rounds-are awarded every hour of the Show. Many exhibitors also conduct added drawings at their booths so bring your mailing labels. At the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame booth its limited edi-tion $20 raffle ticket buys a chance at “Bucket List” rounds at top-shelf Bay Harbor GC, Crystal Downs CC, and Oakland Hills CC. And every Show admission includes a one-year subscription to Golf Digest, a $7 value!
Any incentives for showing up early and other specials?
The first 100 people entering the Show each day will receive a free 2-pack of golf balls. Friday is also Ladies Day at the Show with special gift bags for the first 500 women. On Saturday morn-ing starting at 9 am in the Grand Gallery, there’s a pancake breakfast to benefit The First Tee of West Michigan at $6 for adults/$4 for kids. And Sunday (only) is Junior Day where kids age 14 and under are admitted free and the first 100 juniors through the door get a hat, plus Junior events all day, and prizes just for the next Rickie Fowler and Stacy Lewis.
How much does it cost and where can I purchase tickets?
$10 for adults; $4 for children ages 6-14; children 5 & under 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 (available at box office only.) Tickets at the door at DeVos Place or in advance online at www.westmichigangolfshow.com
Produced by ShowSpan Inc. and sponsored by Treetops Resort, Applied Imaging, Odawa Casi-no, Golf Association of Michigan, Ferris State PGM program, and the Michigan PGA. West Michigan Golf Show’s hours are 2:00 pm-9:00 pm, Friday; 10:00 am-7:00 pm, Saturday; and 10:00 am-5:00 pm, Sunday. 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. For more information, visit www.westmichigangolfshow.com
Contact:
Carolyn Alt, ShowSpan Senior Show Manager, at carolyna@showspan.com
Terry Moore, Sportserv Ltd, at 616-490-0433 or terry50moore@gmail.com
Note: A complete media section with images is available at:
https://www.showspan.com/WMG/for-the-media/media-gallery/
