GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The West Michigan Golf Show tees off Thursday at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids.
The 37th annual event is moved up a day this year so as not to conflict with Super Bowl Sunday. ShowSpan Senior Manager Carolyn Alt was a guest on West Michigan's Morning News. She told WOOD Radio it is a good opportunity to introduce kids to the game.
"Just get their hands on a club, just kind of see it. So, we work with The First Tee . They have a fantastic junior golf area inside the show. It's a space (where) we just don't sacrifice. You have to have it. It is part of the future of the game," Alt said.
Tickets cost $12 for adults, and children 14 and younger get in free.
Representatives from many golf courses and retailers around the state attend the show each year.
"Everybody loves to walk out with something in their hand, but what you don't see is all the conversations, all the booking plans. The groups that come and plan their outings," Alt said.
On Thursday, Ferris State University will give away 400 sleeves of golf balls. The first 400 attendees will receive a free sleeve
Even if you've never played golf before, organizers say going to the Golf Show can get you hooked on the sport.
"I went before I was a golfer and then became a golfer, because it's a fun sport. It's a great thing to do in the summer. You're outside, healthy, walking," Alt said.
Here are more details from a Showspan news release:
What:
For over 35 years, West Michigan has ‘teed off’ the golf season with the West Michigan Golf Show. With the area’s top equipment dealers, courses and resorts, golfers can get stocked up and book their first tee-time of the year. Other attractions include: The $100 Hole-Out Challenge; A Closest to the Pin Contest; and a Long Putt Contest where someone may walk away with $10,000.
When (Note: new opening/closing day):
Thursday, Feb. 6, 1 pm-7 pm;
Friday, Feb.7, noon-8 pm;
Saturday Feb. 8, 9 am-6 pm.
(No Golf Show on Super Bowl Sunday)
‘Early Bird’ Incentive thanks to Ferris State University
The first 400 people on Thursday (only) will receive a free sleeve of golf balls
Where: DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, downtown Grand Rapids.
Tickets:
$12. 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 Lots of special ticket promotions online!
Parking:
Closest and warmest parking is under DeVos Place. Enter off Michigan St NW or Lyon St. Parking for only $3 is available at Dash Lot Area 9 on Seward Ave. where you can take a free trolley to the front door of DeVos Place! Trolley runs on an 8 minute loop and is scheduled for an hour before show opens to an hour after show closes each day.
Specials:
A $10,000 putting contest, long drive contest, and a special Family Fun Golf Zone with lots of fun stuff for kids! Door prizes every hour.
Sponsors:
Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Golf Association of Michigan, Ferris State U’s Golf Management Program, ForeverLawn West Michigan, LeafFilter
Charities:
First Tee of W. Michigan, Make a Wish Foundation, Folds of Honor and Patriot’s Day
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