17th Annual West Michigan Golf Show Coming Up in February

Even in the middle of winter, one tee time local golfers never miss is the West Michigan Golf Show set for February 4-6 at the DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids. Now in its 17th year, the West Michigan Golf Show will attract thousands of golf enthusiasts to hundreds of exhibits, interactive golf areas, equipment and merchandise, clinics and free lessons.

This year some lucky golfer may even earn $25,000 as part of the Macatawa Legends Short Game Challenge. Meanwhile, over on the seminar stage, such experts as legendary teacher Jim Flick and award-winning course designer Ray Hearn will be providing free seminars.

Highlights and details of the upcoming West Michigan Golf Show, produced by ShowSpan Inc., include:

• Over 100 booths of golfing destinations, representing thousands of golf courses, resorts, lodging and golf schools from throughout Michigan, the Midwest, Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia and Arizona.

• Over 75 booths of equipment, clothing and merchandise the "one stop" shop for drivers, irons, putters, wedges and fairway fashion.

• Headliner Jim Flick, sponsored in concert with Boyne Super Five Golf Schools, will appear on Saturday and give instructional clinics. Flick, who counts among his pupils Jack Nicklaus, is ranked as one of the top-10 golf teachers in America by Golf Digest. Dean of Golf Instruction at Boyne Golf Academy, Flick has taught in 23 nations and given over 1,000 three-day golf schools.

• Other seminars will feature Ray Hearn discussing "The Grass is Always Greener: the elements of golf course design." An award-winning architect, Hearn has designed a number of acclaimed courses throughout the U.S and Michigan. He is a member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects. Also appearing on the seminar stage will be John Dal Corobbo, 2004 Michigan PGA Teacher of the Year and Director of Instruction at the Golf Center at Michigan State University; and rules maven Dr. Roger Ostrander, who officiated at the 2004 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills.

• The $25,000 Macatawa Legends Short Game Challenge, where golfers will face an amazingly landscaped trouble shot with water, bunker, rough and trees. One lucky golfer may win $25,000 with a single shot.

• Free golf lessons compliments of Boyne Golf Academy.

• $10,000 Putt Fore Cash, Closest to the Pin Contest by Shanty Creek Resort, Long Drive for Men and Women, and Guess Your Yardage contests.

• Club demos of the latest equipment from Powerbilt, Tour Edge, Nike, Yonex and more.

For additional details about the show, visit http://westmichigangolfshow.com.