National Golf Show Rated a Hit
Thousands of golfers attended the inaugural National Golf Show and those making the trip to Birmingham’s NEC rated the three-day event a big hit.
The new show’s popularity with both the public and exhibitors has led to event organisers the Golf Show Group announcing dates for next year’s show.
More than 10,000 visitors attended the golfing extravaganza and among them was BBC TV sports presenter Manish Bhasin who is looking to get back into golf following a busy few years which included the birth of his daughter and a recent trip to the Cricket World Cup.
He said: "The golf show has been brilliant. It’s a bit of a must for any golf enthusiast.
"You can test out any putters you want; all the clothing’s available to buy, and you’ve got the little quirky bits. I’m going to be trying my luck on the simulators.
"This is a good way to grow the game of golf. I’ve seen some youngsters around – and I’m not talking about 18/19 year-olds, but seven or eight-year-old boys and girls wearing golf gear and coming here. It just shows how much they love the game. Golf is at a real high at the moment."
Mark O’Connor, 42, from Dudley, agreed the event was good for youngsters, he said: "I’m here with my nine-year-old son Ben and we’ve been quite pleased with it.
"He’s had a go on a few things and picked up a few tips from the Lee Westwood Academy, so much so that he’ll probably go and attend one of the three-day academies in the summer hopefully.
"Overall it’s been worth coming – we’d do it again."
Tricia Wrinch, 48, made the slightly longer trip from Surrey where she has recently begun playing at North Downs Golf Club, and as a beginner was very impressed with what was on offer.
She said: "It’s been worth the trip. It’s a good opportunity to try out some new kit and there are always some bargains to be had. You can get tips as well so I’d say it is a good all-round show.
"I’ve picked up some bargain clothing but it’s a good place to try out other stuff as well. I don’t know how this show compares to others but there’s plenty of golf coaching, golf schools and golf clubs here, so I would have thought it was a good way to find out about the sport. I’ve had a 15-minute lesson, which has been really helpful. I’d definitely come to more shows like this."
The overwhelmingly positive feedback for the launch event has prompted organisers the Golf Show Group to announce the National Golf Show will return to the NEC in 2012 from April 20-22.
For all the latest information on the event visit www.nationalgolfshow.com.