LAKELAND, FL – Golf Central Magazine, the Southeast’s longest-running regional golf publication in print and online, is celebrating its 23rd anniversary this month, announced its founder and publisher, Terrie Purdum. Originally known as Florida Golf Central with headquarters in Orlando, Florida, the magazine launched on April 1, 1999, and hasn’t missed a publication date since. www.golfcentralmag.com
“When I birthed this baby, and launched the magazine, my initial objective was to create a monthly state publication that focused on heartfelt, fun, non-intimidating features for avid and beginner golfers alike,” reflected Purdum. “Today, Golf Central magazine has expanded to cover all aspects of the industry including turf, travel, philanthropy, and lifestyle articles while reaching loyal readers in Florida, Georgia, Alabama and my home state of Tennessee.”
In 2009, Purdum was awarded the PGA North Florida Section’s Amateur of the Year Award recognizing her commitment to the game and the magazine’s coverage of both the North Florida and South Florida PGA Section. The magazine has won numerous awards by its team of golf contributors as well as “Publication of the Year” by the International Network of Golf (2017).
Purdum’s true passion lies on the turf side of the golf business. Having grown up spending summers working on her grandparents’ farm in Eastern Tennessee, her love for everything green led to her first job in the golf industry selling ads for Florida Turf Digest.
“I gained a great deal of respect for and education about the role of the golf course superintendents in our industry,” said Purdum. “Through the pages and stories told in Golf Central magazine over the years, that respect only intensified and Turf Life was born on June 2, 2015.”
In seven short years, Turf Life has developed into a lifestyle brand offering customizable “Turf Life” apparel and gear from the leading consumer brand names. From water bottles to decals, to golf shirts, shorts, cozy T-s and more, Turf Life is not just a game, but a way of life providing a unique bond between turf champions across many sports. To expand its ecommerce business, Turf Life has launched its new website, store.turflife.club, and will be offering a variety of limited-edition products in honor of its anniversary.
“My passion for and commitment to the game of golf as well as the industry, has continued to fuel my fire and desire to keep growing my business, that at times seemed against all odds,” said Purdum. “I am so grateful for the many opportunities, friendships, and partnerships publishing this magazine and launching Turf Life has provided.”
www.golfcentralmag.com
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