(Grand Rapids, Mich.) For 30 consecutive years the West Michigan Golf Show has never missed a tee time for winter-weary golfers needing a touch of spring-even if it’s indoors. With that as an intro, here’s a helpful FAQ (frequently asked questions) guide for new and returning patrons headed for the show on Feb. 9-11 at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids
For people never attending the show, what can they expect?
Golf, golf and more golf. With hundreds of exhibits and dozens of interactive areas, the Show covers every aspect of the game-from equipment and clothing to resorts and golf courses to seminars and skill contests. In short, there’s stuff to see, to do and to buy. And many people plan their golf vacations at the Show. In fact, savvy patrons book their golf packages right at the Show.
What about the seminars? Do they cost extra?
All seminars and golf lessons are free with the price of admission. World Golf Hall of Famer and 18-time LPGA winner Meg Mallon will be on stage on Friday and Saturday to talk about the game and her outstanding career. She’ll be joined by Bill Hobson, the host of Michigan Golf Live, heard across the state. Other presenters include Alison Curdt, the 2015 LPGA Teacher of the Year; Jason Guss, Michigan’s 2013 PGA Teacher of the Year: Joe Charles. Treetops’ Director of Instruction: Ian Hughes, GolfTEC: Patti Butcher, Golf Channel Academy; and Jeff Caminiti, Maple Hill.
For juniors and families, what’s available?
Compliments of the PGA of America and the Michigan PGA, juniors will enjoy GolfZilla and GolfiGator-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; Drive, Chip & Putt Championship; and Get Golf Ready programs. Plus, the First Tee Program of West Michigan will staff a special junior golf interactive area- with news about its 2018 programs aimed at getting juniors excited about golf, a character-building game of a lifetime.
What are the 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, Trackman Performance clubfitting, and the ever-popular Par-3 Challenge. Of course, to many bargain hunters, it’s hard to match the Show for its retail offerings of new equipment, apparel, shoes, gloves and accessories. Maple Hill Golf, a Show staple for 29 years, will have over $1 million dollars of inventory.
Explain 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-raising money for the Patriot Golf Day & Folds of Honor charities providing assistance for military families-and compete for prizes including a chance to win $25,000 on Sunday. Balls and clubs are provided as well as lots of support from spectators and friends alike.
For past attendees, what’s new at the Show?
Besides headliners like Meg Mallon and Alison Curdt, there are more than a dozen new exhibitors including golf courses, destinations and equipment. And the Ferris State Professional Golf Management Program will be running free Trackman Performance clubfitting sessions to match the best equipment to a player’s swing.
Any incentives for showing up early?
The first 100 people entering the Show each day will receive a free sleeve of balls. The Show opens on Friday at 2 pm, well ahead of the busy afternoon drive. Friday is also Ladies Day at the Show with special gifts for the first 500 women. Sunday is Junior Day where kids 14 yrs and younger are admitted free and first 100 get a new hat. And all attendees receive a bonus subscription to Golf Digest magazine with their admission-a $7 value!
How much does it cost and where can I purchase tickets?
$10 for adults; $4 for children ages 6-14; children 5 & under free. For $15, there’s an adult ticket good for all 3 days. Also, at the door only, there’s a twilight rate of $7 for the last two hours of the Show each day. Tickets at the door at DeVos Place or in advance online at www.westmichigangolfshow.com
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Produced by ShowSpan Inc., the Golf Show is held at DeVos Place and is sponsored by Treetops Resort, Applied Imaging, Golf Assoication of Michigan, Michigan PGA, and Ferris State PGA Management program. Show hours are 2:00 pm-9:00 pm, Friday; 10:00 am-6:00 pm, Saturday; and 10:00 am-4:00 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
Note: A complete media section with images is available at:
www.westmichigangolfshow.com/media
Contact:
Carolyn Alt, ShowSpan Senior Show Manager, at carolyna@showspan.com
Terry Moore, Sportserv Ltd, at 616-490-0433 or terry50moore@gmail.com
