Another sign of Spring: the West Michigan Golf Show
Along with robins and crocus buds, an early sign of spring for golfers is the West Michigan Golf Show. Now in its 35th year as one of the best consumer golf shows, it’s set to welcome golfers to DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids, Feb. 10-12.
“So many of our patrons tell us they’re excited about the Show because they know winter is largely behind them and getting out on the course is on the horizon,” said Carolyn Alt, Senior Show Manager. “To them, the Golf Show is the next best thing to actually playing the game.”
Alt is especially encouraged by the recent attendance at other shows produced by ShowSpan. “All of the shows so far have had increased attendance over last year. People want to get out, be entertained and connect with others,” said Alt. “And our exhibitors know the value of directly communicating with their customers.”
Patron surveys from past shows bear this out. More than 75% of patrons said they “came to the show for golf equipment and accessories” and 50% came to “plan a golf trip this season.” One patron added: “I enjoyed the numerous courses, the special show pricing and the huge assortment of golf equipment.”
Besides hundreds of exhibits—from courses and resorts to equipment and merchandise—there are interactive displays and contests to engage golfers of all ages and skill levels. Topping that list is the ever-popular Treetops Hole-in-One Challenge where an actual par-three beckons golfers to try their luck and win $100 cash on the spot for an ace. All proceeds benefit Folds of Honor and Patriot Golf Day.
For those needing to knock some rust off their swings, free golf lessons are available all weekend, courtesy of Ferris State’s Professional Golf Management Program. Another standby is the Seminar Stage where some of the best teachers in Michigan provide free presentations to improve one’s game.
Parents and juniors relish the Family Fun Golf Zone with its large inflatable targets and putting and chipping areas. The West Michigan First Tee program expertly manages this popular attraction.
Golfers also like to compete in the Long Drive and $10,000 putting contests which also benefit local charities. With many diverse interests besides the exhibits, it shouldn’t be surprising that the average patron spends almost three hours at the Show.
One noteworthy change this year is that everyone must now purchase their tickets online as there is no box office at the Show. But it’s easy to do at www.WestMichiganGolfShow.com
Tickets are $12 with juniors under 14 free. All tickets are good all weekend.
In terms of parking, it’s best to park below DeVos Place and enter off Monroe St. NW or Lyon St. You can leave your coat in the car and go up one level to the Show entrance. But there’s also $3 parking at the Dash Lot #9 on Seward Ave where the shuttle bus runs on an 8-minute loop and drops people off at the main entrance.
And first 100 early birds each day get a free sleeve of golf balls. And who doesn’t need golf balls ahead of the season?
Show hours are: Friday, Feb. 10, 2 pm-9 pm; Saturday, Feb.11, 10 am-6 pm; Sunday, Feb.12, 10 am-4 pm. Sponsors for this year’s show are: Treetops, Golf Association of Michigan, Golf Car Plus, Alliance Beverage, Ferris State Univ. PGM Program.
For more information, visit www.WestMichiganGolfShow.com
