West Michigan Golf Show Kicks off the Indoor Show Season
Winter is a tough time for many Michigan golfers. While surrounded by snow and sub-zero wind chill temperatures, thoughts of green fairways and smooth putting surfaces are often a distant memory.
Spring can’t seem to arrive too soon. Besides an occasional visit to a golf simulator, one proven cabin-fever remedy is the West Michigan Golf Show set to tee off on Feb. 9-11 at the DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids.
“The West Michigan Golf Show prides itself as being the unofficial start of the golf season,” said Carolyn Alt, Senior Show Manager. “There’ll be great deals, great places to play golf and great prizes to win all weekend.”
Now in its 36th edition, the Golf Show also allows patrons to start making reservations and tee times at Michigan’s most popular courses and resorts. “Our patron surveys indicate 56% are avid golfers, playing 30 or more rounds yearly,” said Alt. “Many of them make their tee-times during the Golf Show.”
Besides more than a hundred exhibitors—ranging from courses and resorts, including those in sun-belt locale, to sales of equipment, clothing and accessories, there are a host of favorite attractions.
There will be a $100 Hole-Out Challenge, sponsored by Crystal Mountain Resort, where patrons may purchase three shots and have a chance to win a C-note right on the spot by holing a pitch shot. Proceeds will help support several charities.
Another favorite is the $10,000 Long Putt Contest where good (or lucky) putters compete each day for a new putter and a chance at $500. On Sunday, three finalists will compete for fabulous prizes and one putt for 10 grand.
Parents with aspiring junior golfers should stop at the Family Fun Golf Zone with special attractions aimed at fostering a lifelong love for the game. The First Tee of West Michigan and its representatives will staff this popular area.
The Golf Association of Michigan (GAM) has exhibited at every show for the past 36 years. The state’s largest golf association with 90,000 members, the GAM will allow new members to sign up at the Show and provide information on its many member benefits.
Savvy attendees know parking is a breeze: There’s convenient parking beneath DeVos Place, across the street, or $3.00 parking in DASH lot 9 on Seward Ave. with free shuttle service to the show every 10 minutes.
Just remember: Friday, Feb. 9, 2 pm-8 pm; Saturday, Feb.10, 9 am-6 pm; Sunday, Feb.11, 10 am-3 pm. Tickets are $12; and juniors 14 & under are FREE. Your ticket gets you free re-entry all weekend. Purchase your ticket at the box office or online with no added fees at www.WestMichiganGolfShow.com
Designated charities are First Tee of West Michigan, Make a Wish Foundation, Folds of Honor and Patriot’s Day. The Golf Show is produced by ShowSpan Inc. and more information may be found at www.WestMichiganGolfShow.com
