West Michigan Golf Show is Back, Better than Ever
By Terry Moore
After a one-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the West Michigan Golf Show is back and anxious to tee off at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids on Feb.11-13. As Michigan’s longest running consumer golf show, the 34th edition will highlight the top golf destinations in and outside the state, golf retailers and the chance to ‘get in the swing of things!’
“We’re very excited, as are our exhibitors, to again be the unofficial start of the golf season,” said Carolyn Alt, Senior Manager for ShowSpan, Inc. “In the past two years, golf has surged in popularity as a safe and healthy outdoor activity. There’s a pent-up demand for the Golf Show where patrons can plan their trips, buy merchandise and even get a mini-lesson at the show.”
Alt said patron surveys taken at past Shows indicate 72% of attendees made a purchase at the Show and 58% of attendees played 30+ rounds of golf each year. “Avid golfers attend this Show,” said Alt.
Alt is especially encouraged by the attendance at recent Grand Rapids shows. She reported both the Grand Rapids Wine, Beer & Food Festival in late November and the Remodeling & New Homes Show in January approached their pre-pandemic attendance numbers and exhibitors reported sales surpassing previous records.
“The state-of-the-art air filtration system and hygiene standards implemented at DeVos Place have reassured our patrons that we take their safety seriously,” Alt said.
Patrons will again see some favorite attractions. The ever-popular Treetops Hole-in-One-Challenge will remain a centerpiece, an actual golf hole begging patrons to try their luck and skill to make an ace, thus earning $100 on the spot. All monies raised will benefit the Folds of Honor and Patriot Golf Day charities
The Equitable Advisors Seminar Stage will showcase top teachers all weekend, including 2013 National PGA Teacher of the Year Lou Guzzi, who provided great golf perspective to attendees at the 2014 show.
Other favorites include equipment and apparel sales by retailers, putting contests, training & fitness booths, the First Tee Family Golf Zone, and free lessons courtesy of the Ferris State PGM Program.
And the tradition continues of rewarding early birds as the first 100 patrons each day receive a free sleeve of golf balls, courtesy of Boyne Golf. Another tradition is Ladies Day on Friday with special events and giveaways.
Sponsors of the 2022 Show are Treetops Resort, Golf Association of Michigan (GAM), Equitable Advisors, Golf Car Plus, Alliance Beverage, and Ferris State PGM Program.
Admission is $12; Juniors 14 & under are FREE. Avoid the crowds and waiting in line by opting for online tickets. Good for all weekend or readmission, online tickets—with no added fee—are now available at www.WestMichiganGolfShow.com
