14th West Michigan Golf Show Marks Improved Start of Season

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Michigan golfers know there are two events that mark the true start of the season: One, for which it's tough to get a ticket, is an exclusive invitational tournament in Augusta, Georgia; the other is open to everyone and takes place in downtown Grand Rapids.

The 14th Annual West Michigan Golf Show marks the rebirth of a classic. Golf enthusiasts will find that everything they have grown to love about the show has been improved, and they will find more than ever before.

First, a couple of significant changes.

After years of filling the Ford Fieldhouse to capacity, the West Michigan Golf Show this year gets new digs more suited to its ever-growing popularity. The move to its new home in The Grand Center means more convenient parking, and a bigger, roomier, easier show to browse, with more exhibitors, demonstrations, seminars, and features.

The other important change is that the show will take place January 18 - 20, giving golfers a chance to test out equipment, tune up their swings, and make getaway plans earlier than ever before.

ShowSpan, Inc. is also proud to note that in expanding the West Michigan Golf Show, they have added a variety of special features for Women and Junior Golfers.

Some of the things golfers will find at the 14th Annual West Michigan Golf Show include:

FREE TITLEIST BALLS (sponsored by Titleist)

A free 2-pack of Titleist golf balls rewards anyone who buys their tickets online at www.WestMichiganGolfShow.com. Plus, free 2-packs will be handed out to the first 100 people each day who buy tickets at the show.

1/2 PRICE ADMISSION FRIDAY

Golfers who bring an old club to the show on Opening Day receive half price admission. All the equipment collected will go to the Michigan chapter of Clubs for Kids, a charity organization dedicated to giving every child the opportunity to participate in this great game.

EQUIPMENT

RETAILERS Dozens of retailers from around the country will be on-hand with "Golf Show Special" pricing. It's a great time to find that wedge to fill a "gap" in the bag, or get the best deal on that new set of irons. And, for the first time, golfers can demo clubs right at the show in an expansive testing area.

COMPANIES At least 15 Equipment and Soft Goods companies will be at the show with the latest gear and fashions. With booths staffed by experts, it's a great way for golfers to get all their questions answered and get the scoop on new technology.

TRAINING/INSTRUCTION/FITNESS

Golfers will find everything they need to get their swings and bodies in shape for the game. The show features chiropractors, physical therapists, and personal trainers specializing in golf fitness and injuries. For healthy technique, visit representatives from renowned golf schools including the Rick Smith Golf Academy, the David Leadbetter Golf Academy, the Jim Mclean Golf School at Grand Traverse Resort, and Natural Golf, to name a few.

COURSES AND RESORTS

Over 100 Golfing Destination booths featuring thousands of courses give vacation planners everything they need for the perfect golf getaway. New to the show this year: Play Florida Golf represents more than 50 destinations in the Sunshine State, covering hundreds of courses and dozens of resorts. Golfers will also find special-rate packages for Michigan's favorite golfing destinations, as well as representatives from South Carolina, Indiana, Montana, and others.

ORGANIZATIONS

Representatives from the most respected organizations in the game, including GAM, the USGA, Girls Golf Club, the First Tee Foundation, and the PowerBilt MI Junior Tour will be at the show.

TRUE INDOOR GOLF

For a chance to tee it up, hit off the turf, and putt it out in mid-January -- without leaving the state -- check out the West Michigan Golf Show's Indoor Par 3s at the Grand Center. Constructed by Everett's Landscape Management, these two "up-north" style holes feature elevated grass tees, shots over water, real sand traps, living pine trees, and wild grasses. The artificial greens and Tee Boxes provided by Players Turf International and installed by Mainline Exterior Services are truly state-of-the-art.

Foursomes will tee off every 10 minutes throughout the show, and honorary starters include local media personalities and political dignitaries.

Indoor Golf is generously sponsored by Harvey Cadillac and Harvey Lexus.

SEMINARS

A wide range of seminars by such noted professionals as 1995 LPGA Teacher of the Year Kay McMahan, and PGA Master Teaching Professional Charlie Vandenberg, will be going on non-stop throughout the show.

Kay McMahan (Innerform Golf Academy) "Swing Basics 101" and "Coaching your partner, How to Play & Practice Peacefully" Charlie Vandenberg (Kent Country Club) "What I Don't Teach" and "Fit for Golf" Patti Butcher (Patti Butcher Enterprises) "Ask Patti! What every woman wants to know and was afraid to ask." Rolla Frisinger (PowerBilt MI Jr. Tour) "Junior Golf Development" Tonia Branch (G.A.M.) "Handicapping 101" Ed Tonak (Scott's Golf Center) "The Benefits of Club-Fitting"

FREE LESSONS AND CLINICS

Expanding on a favorite feature from past shows, the 14th Annual West Michigan Golf Show is pleased to offer free five-minute lessons, sponsored by CenturyTel, with a host of respected PGA and Teaching Professionals. This year we've increased the number of pros -- including women -- and added space, which means less waiting in line!

Also, golfers will want to take advantage of free clinics on a wide range of the game's aspects, including putting lessons, a number of clinics specially designed for Women Golfers, and Junior clinics sponsored by the First Tee Foundation.

CONTESTS

LONGEST DRIVE/GUESS YOUR DISTANCE

Each day, prizes will be awarded to the longest men's drive, longest women's drive, and to the person who most closely guesses the length of their drive.

Friday, WLAV's Ed Buchanan -- "Uncle Buck" -- will do a live remote, as well as take on all comers in what he promises will be friendly competition.

Proceeds go to the Alzheimer's Association, West Michigan Chapter.

$10,000 PUTTING CHALLENGE

A perennial favorite at the Golf Show, the three-day event is back this year with all qualifiers competing in a tense final round for a chance at the big prize.

Friday's competition features a live radio remote by WKLQ and the Killian's Beer Cart close at-hand.

Proceeds go to the Alzheimer's Association, West Michigan Chapter.

PAR 3 CHALLENGE (Sponsored by Harvey Cadillac and Harvey Lexus)

Taking place on one of the indoor holes, golfers have the chance to win a lease on either a Cadillac Escalade or Lexus SC430 by scoring a hole-in-one.

Proceeds go to Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

CLOSEST TO THE PIN

Golfers can win prizes each day by putting it closest to the pin on a famous par 3 in the show's golf simulator.

Proceeds go to charity.

19TH HOLE

With all there is to see and do at the show, golfers will welcome the opportunity to take a break at our 19th Hole, with plenty of seating, a bar and other refreshments, and big screen satellite TVs showing the weekend's professional events from around the globe.

ShowSpan, Inc. would like to thank Applied Imaging for their generous sponsorship of the 14th Annual West Michigan Golf Show.

Golfers who can't make it to the Masters can still participate in one of the game's time-honored traditions, and this year there are even more reasons to spend time at the 14th Annual West Michigan Golf Show. So whether you "walk" or "ride", get down to the Grand Center and get the 2002 season off to a great start.

Discount coupons are available at area Speedway Gas Stations or www.WestMichiganGolfShow.com.

Date & Hours Admission Friday, January 18 4pm - 9pm Adults: $7.00 Saturday, January 19 10am - 7pm Children (6-14): $3.00 Sunday, January 20 10:30am - 5pm 5 & Under: Free

January 7, 2002