(Grand Rapids, Mich.) With the Michigan golf season winding down and now approaching the Thanksgiving holiday, the 24th annual West Michigan Golf Show pauses to give thanks to its loyal and golf-happy patrons, exhibitors and sponsors. To be held in Grand Rapids on Feb. 10-12, the show is again gearing up to be a major winter golf event, with hundreds of exhibitors covering every nook, hook and cranny of the golf consumer segment.
“From feedback by our exhibitors, the 2011 golf season was a positive one despite the challenges posed by the economy,” said Show Manager Carolyn Alt. “Michigan’s making a comeback so we’re particularly thankful for a rosier business outlook as we plan the 2012 show. As always, the success of the show is largely due to the enthusiasm and support of our patrons, exhibitors and sponsors who help us get better every year.”
Returning as a sponsor for the third consecutive year is Treetops Resort in Gaylord, Mich., which recently reported a record-breaking year for rounds played. It will sponsor the hugely popular Par-Three Challenge, the centerpiece of the show where patrons will tee it up and compete for closest to the pin prizes provided by Treetops and hope to make an ace on Sunday afternoon and earn $25,000. This year, Treetops is offering an unprecedented free round of golf to all Show attendees registering at the Par-Three booth while also sponsoring a grand prize drawing of a 24-person golf trip to the award-winning northern resort.
A new sponsor of the 2012 Golf Show will be Fidelity Investments. A frequently seen advertiser on PGA Tour events and known for its green line and ‘Turn Here’ campaign, Fidelity will be sponsoring the Seminar Stage where headliners and teachers will be imparting expert swing advice and instruction. The West Michigan Golf Show is nationally known for hosting award-winning and acclaimed instructors and 2012 will be no exception with Fidelity’s support.
The Golf Association of Michigan (GAM), a steadfast exhibitor for the past 24 straight years, also returns as a sponsor representing nearly 60,000 amateur golfers in the state. Once again, show patrons can sign up for a GAM membership, which includes the popular Swing & Save Gold Card offering terrific value for green fees at Michigan’s top courses.
Boyne Resorts and the Michigan P.G.A. will be providing free golf lessons all weekend at DeVos Place. Golfers with rusty swings will receive pre-season tune-ups from PGA golf professionals.
And Srixon returns as “the official golf ball of the West Michigan Golf Show.” Anyone purchasing tickets online as well as the first 100 people entering the Show each day will receive a free 2-ball pack of Srixon.
Held continuously since 1989, the West Michigan Golf Show will attract thousands of Michigan golfers to hundreds of exhibits and will feature clinics, putting contests, junior golf instruction, swing analyzers and an unbeatable golf shopping opportunity with countless “golf show specials.” As always, several charities will benefit from their involvement with the show.
Produced by ShowSpan Inc., the West Michigan Golf Show’s hours are 4:00 pm-9:00 pm, Friday; 10:00 am-7:00 pm, Saturday; and 10:00 am-5:00 pm, Sunday. Tickets are $9 for adults, $4 for children ages 6-14, and children 5 and under are free. Tickets will be available at the door as well as online at www.westmichigangolfshow.com
