What are GRAA Award Winners most looking forward to headed into this month’s PGA Merchandise Show?
Mike Woods PGA Director of Golf Haggin Oaks Golf Complex Sacramento, California 2017 GRAA Top 50 Public Facility
“This is my 22nd year attending the PGA Merchandise Show, and I always find that it exceeds my expectations. In 2018, I look forward to many wonderful educational events, seeing products to improve our range experience, and strategizing with our manufacturer/vendor partners to maximize our retail business in the coming year.”
Shawn Humphries Founder Elite Performance Systems Grapevine, Texas GRAA Elite Growth of the Game Teacher
“I use this as an opportunity to accomplish three things: 1) Schedule meetings with key industry executives for current and future projects. 2) See the latest training tools introduced. 3) Reconnect with fellow industry coaches. It is a great venue to take care of a ton of business in three days that would normally take weeks, if not months, to accomplish.
Dick Smith Jr. PGA General Manager, Manhattan Woods Golf Club West Nyack, New York 2017 GRAA Top 50 Private Facility
“I’m really looking forward to the seeing new Drivers from TaylorMade. From what I’ve heard, the new tech is a game changer and can’t wait to see what it’s all about.”
Alison Curdt PGA Director of Instruction Wood Ranch Golf Club Simi Valley, California 2017 GRAA Growth of the Game Teacher
“I’m anticipating further expanding my knowledge and understanding of current teaching modalities and trends through the PGA Education Track. This will help my teaching business become more robust and develop me as an instructor.”
Ralph Landrum PGA General Manager The World of Golf Florence, Kentucky 2017 GRAA Elite Growth of the Game Teacher
“I am really looking forward to speaking with the folks from Toptracer and learning more about their new practice range technology. If Toptracer is as good as I anticipate it being, it should really increase our range revenues at the World of Golf.”
Matt Clay PGA General Manager Del Mar (California) Golf Center 2017 GRAA Top 50 Public Facility
“We are looking to expand our entertainment options including glow/night golf and other fun options to bring in new business. We want to look at ways to increase engagement and make practice more enjoyable. On top of that, the education seminars are always high on my list, and this year offers some great topics on best practices to help us continue to grow our business.”
Andy Mickelson PGA Director of Golf Mistwood Golf Club Romeoville, Illinois 2017 GRAA Top 50 Public Facility
“This year is going to be the year of the driver. I’m most excited to see what Callaway has in the new Rogue after such a strong performance last year with the Epic. TaylorMade also is generating some buzz around the Twist Face technology and how it will eliminate mishits. I’m expecting Callaway to have the edge, but both companies will come out of the Show with momentum. “I know we already have a lot of interest building. Not only is our staff buzzing about them, but also the customers we fit at our performance center are already asking for these products. I always find the Show is the best place to unveil product because it gets us pros excited and it empowers us with the right knowledge to bring back to our customers at our club. I think there is true value in keeping the equipment-unveiling cycle around the Show.
Rob Stocke PGA Director of Instruction White Columns Country Club Macon, Georgia 2017 GRAA Growth of the Game Teacher
“I’m excited for the 2018 PGA Show. Looking forward to seeing and testing many of the new clubs being introduced – there’s a lot of buzz around several new drivers and wedges. I’m planning to check them out and report back to my students. Along with several networking and advisory board opportunities, I have a variety of instructional seminars on my schedule. The PGA Show is definitely the best place to see new products, learn new ideas, network and improve your business!”
Michelle Holmes Director Of Instruction Michelle Holmes School of Golf Chesapeake, Virginia 2017 GRAA Growth of the Game Teacher
“The PGA Show is by far my favorite week of the year. The networking opportunities allow you to work with and learn from some of the best minds in the business. U.S. Kids Golf and golf training aids will be my first stops. I also love seeing new vendors. I’m super excited to see BIRTEE GOLF, listed as a new vendor this year.”
Andy Warren PGA Head Professional The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe (California) 2017 GRAA Top 50 Private Facility
“My goal at this year’s PGA Show is to find new vendors for our shop that we don’t already do business with. Being at a private club, we see our members day in and day out. So we’re constantly looking for new products and brands to keep the membership engaged. The PGA Show is the best place for us to meet the next company that will drive new sales in our shop.”
