Golf World in the Park, an innovative public golf festival held last month at Victoria Park, Southport, has been proclaimed as an outstanding success, not just by 6,000 visitors, but also by many of the major manufacturers who operated driving bays at the show.
Plans are now afoot to role out the concept, staging further Golf World in the Park events throughout the UK.
Golf World in the Park was the brainchild of John Ratcliffe, managing director of Tonge International, and his belief in the concept was vindicated with seasoned golfers and beginners, of all ages and from different parts of the country attending the inaugural show opened by Liverpool FC Legend Kenny Dalglish and European Tour Professional, Jamie Donaldson.
This year’s show featured a wide range of activities of interest to beginners and keen golfers alike. These included:
Trick shot show by Noel Hunt.
Clinics given by Ryder Cup player, Philip Price, golf coach Adam Fryer, golf psychologist Dr Karl Morris, Putting Doctor Harold Swash and others.
A Golf Foundation interactive feature area aimed at attracting youngsters into the game.
The opportunity to test clubs from Callaway, Cleveland, Cobra, M Golf, MacGregor, Nike, Olyo, PING, Progen, Srixon, TaylorMade, Titleist, Wilson.
The chance to purchase products from the Golf World in the Park Pro Shop.
“We were absolutely delighted by the success of the first Golf World in the Park and feel sure it is an idea that will develop in the future,” said Charlie Grimley, Tonge international’s event manager. “For me, the lasting memory of the weekend was the number of young children who were eagerly smashing balls into the driving nets, some as young as three or four..
“Importantly, we have exposed the great game of golf to a younger generation and, in some small way, helped to support the fantastic work the Golf Foundation undertake in promoting junior golf.”
Many of the exhibiting manufacturers also proclaimed Golf World in the Park an outstanding success. “Golf World in the Park was a great event for us to attend,” said Euan Armstrong, PING’s product manager. “The event was well organised and the driving range looked particularly impressive. Our bays were fully booked all day; we distributed a large number of consumer brochures and, overall, felt the event was a great PR opportunity for us.”
“It was a great show for us,” agreed Paul Steels of Golf Pride, the world’s No. 1 grip manufacturer. “I can honestly say our stand was busy throughout both days. It was a wonderful opportunity to show the public our new products and also to re-enforce how important it is to re-grip your clubs from time to time.”
“What a fantastic event,” concurred Laurie Flynn, managing director of Long Dog Junior Golf. “From our point of view, the event was wonderful for children and provided us with an excellent platform to promote our products. The event was exceptionally well organised. We will definitely be attending next year.”
More information about Golf World in the Park is available from Neil Gray at Golf Marketing Services on 01438 718399 neil@gmsgolf.co.uk or from Paul Spence at Tonge International on 01704 233700 PaulSpence@tongeinternational.com
Tonge International www.tongeinternational.com