Following its launch in November 2006 at Birmingham’s NEC, when over 14,500 golf enthusiasts were reported at the three-day, the organisers were optimistic for the future of the event and planned the 2007 Show for 30th November to 2nd December back at the NEC.
Last month, however, came news that the 2007 show had been cancelled with ‘golf industry politics’ cited as a major factor behind the decision.
Now with new management and new sponsorship, the UK Golf Show will ‘get real’ and move outdoors to Whittlebury Park Golf & Country Club in Northamptonshire from Friday 11th to Sunday 13th April 2008
The new format will give visitors a total golf day experience that takes place outdoors and allows them to play on real greens, real fairways and in real bunkers.
Lee Haggan, UK Golf Show marketing director, explains, “The show had a great turn out in 2006 with both visitors and exhibitors impressed with the range of products and services available. However, golfers don‘t want to drive golf balls 30metres into nets; they want to play golf and with Whittlebury Park hosting the show, we can offer them the whole experience actually on the golf course rather than in an exhibition hall.”
The UK Golf Show 2008 has plenty of professionals, celebrities and surprises lined up but a major attraction for visitors will be taking part in the ultimate golfing challenge. A handful of visitors selected at random throughout the event will have the opportunity to tee off in the hope of winning a mouth watering £1,000,000 if they manage to get a hole in one.
This new-look outdoor event will make use of Whittlebury Park’s top-class facilities, which includes two 18-hole championship courses that will be divided between manufacturers, features and competitions. Lee added, “By using the actual course rather than indoor driving ranges, artificial greens and simulated competitions, amateur and professional golfers will be able to test their skills in a normal playing environment.
“The longest drive competition will take place on a real par five and the nearest the pin on real par threes, and we plan to have golfing professionals hosting putting and short game clinics on separate greens. Golfers will be able to test the latest equipment on four fifteen-bay full length driving ranges, as well as take advantage of the custom-fitting services from the major manufacturers’ tour vans and then trying their new club straight away.”
As well as numerous features, the show will have exhibitor villages located around the site with a retail centre based in the clubhouse, seminars and fashion shows on the live stage. It will offer a host of family entertainment, activities and a camping and caravan site for those who want to make a weekend of it. The venue also has beautiful suites available that can be used for VIPs and corporate entertaining, with special packages to be announced in the near future.
Companies and individuals wishing to enquire about exhibiting or sponsorship opportunities at the UK Golf Show 2008 should contact the sales team on 0845 890 9094 or email enquiries@theukgolfshow.co.uk.
UK Golf Show 2008 www.theukgolfshow.co.uk