Always a first sign of spring in Michigan
Each February the West Michigan Golf Show kicks the butt of cabin fever and gets golfers psyched up for the not-too-distant golf season ahead in Michigan.
This year will be the 31st annual show, Feb. 8-10. DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids houses the show, which has historically brought in the top teaching talent across the country to give seminars, as well as appearances from 12 active or former PGA Tour, Champions Tour and LPGA Tour players over the years. 
Chris O’Connell, teacher for PGA Tour start Matt Kuchar, continues the tradition of outstanding headliners. O’Connell is the co-founder and Director of Instruction at the Plane Truth Golf Institute in Dallas, TX. Among his many honors, Golf Magazine includes him in its Top 100 Teachers in America.
“We couldn’t be happier about Chris being part of the Golf Show,” said Carolyn Alt, Senior Show Manager. “The success of his students such as Kuchar, Hunter Mahan, and Ted Purdy demonstrate his teaching excellence.”
Hundreds of exhibitors from across the Midwest and southern states will attend, ranging from courses and resorts to great price offerings on clubs and merchandise sales. There will be door prizes, free golf lessons, clinics, and the Treetops Par-3 Challenge – an actual golf hole inside – where one lucky golfer might win $25,000.
“The Short game / Par 3 Challenge sponsored by Treetops is a great draw to the show,” said Andy Kitchen, co-owner of Maple Hill Golf in nearby Grandville, which has been at the show every year. “It’s the only one of its kind. No other golf shows have a par 3 contest that is this nice or life-like.
“The West Michigan Golf Show is known for bringing top talent and speakers to the show and that’s always a draw. And golfers can find both the latest and greatest products at the show, and the previous generation products and closeouts. Best of all, the show is when the prices are lowest for the year.”
When: Friday, Feb. 8, 2 pm-9 pm; Saturday, Feb.9, 10 am-6 pm; Sunday, Feb.10, 10 am-4 pm
Where: DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, downtown Grand Rapids
Tickets: $10 online for adults and $12 at the door. Twilight adult rate is $8 at the door for the last 2 hours of the show. Juniors 14 & under are FREE. Tickets available now online at www.WestMichiganGolfShow.com or at DeVos Place Box Office during show hours.
New this year: Admission price is good for the entire run of the show with wristband given out the show.
Parking: Best parking is under DeVos Place. Enter off Michigan St NW or Lyon Ave NW. The Rapid line 11 bus stops in front of DeVos Place.
Specials: Friday is Ladies Night with special events & giveaways for the first 500 women. The $10,000 Putting Challenge. Free golf lessons & Trackman Performance Club Fitting.
Kids are free all weekend, with special youth lesson areas. First 100 patrons every day receive free sleeve of golf balls. Door Prizes awarded every hour.
Show charities: Patriot Golf Day, Folds of Honor, First Tee of W. Michigan, Make-A-Wish
Info: www.westmichigangolfshow.com
