Colorado’s annual February golf shindig — also known as the Denver Golf Expo — will be held this weekend for the 22nd consecutive year.
The show, set for Friday through Sunday (Feb. 20-22) at the Denver Mart just east of I-25 on 58th Ave., as always is designed to whet the appetite of local golfers as the season approaches. There are deals on everything from equipment to green fees to travel, instruction and educational seminars for golfers of all ages, a demo area, contests, some fun for kids and much more. Typically, about 10,000 people attend the three-day event.
Let’s hit on some of the Expo’s 2015 highlights:
— The popular Used Club Sale this year will feature not only clubs and equipment, but clothing from the 2014 BMW Championship PGA Tour playoff event that Cherry Hills Country Club hosted in September. All the net proceeds from the sale go to the Colorado Golf Foundation, with the money benefiting junior golf development programs. The sale raised $14,400 last year and about $32,000 over the last two years combined.
Those who still wish to donate quality used equipment for the sale can bring it to the Denver Mart on Thursday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
— As part of its centennial celebration this year, the CGA will display its new logo to the public at the Expo. And all CGA members who visit the association’s booth near the entrance to the Expo will receive a CGA centennial ball marker.
Both the CGA and CWGA — which will have an exhibit nearby the CGA’s — will be informing non-members about the many benefits of membership, and telling people about their core programs. And the CWGA will be encouraging women to sign up for one of its CWGA Experience events, golf outings that combine small-group instruction with some fun social interaction with other women interested in the game. The CWGA will be giving out mementos to members who show their GHIN cards — or the smart-photo equivalent.
— As has been the case for years, Colorado PGA professionals will provide free 10-minute lessons to interested attendees.
— The newly rebranded “Junior Golf Central” — formerly known as the Junior Golf Experience — will cater to the younger set. This year, Junior Golf Central will have a theme based around the new nationwide Drive, Chip & Putt junior skills competition that culminates at Augusta National Golf Club the Sunday before the Masters. Each of those three skills will be emphasized at JGC, which will feature a running leaderboard. And the long drives of the youngsters will be announced over the public address system.
— The Colorado PGA, CGA and others will lead educational seminars, with a dozen scheduled over the course of three days. Look below in the “Essentials” area for specific themes and times for the seminars.
— The club demo area, sponsored by Lenny’s Golf, is another popular feature of the Expo, with attendees able to try out clubs that could be difference-makers in their games.
— Some contests will be held — with prizes available — including a long putt challenge and a closest to the pin challenge.
— And, of course, many of the exhibitors give special deals at the Expo. This year, about 135 exhibitors are expected to be on hand. CLICK HERE for a list.
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Denver Golf Expo: Just the Essentials
What: 22nd annual Denver Golf Expo.
When: Friday through Sunday (Feb. 20-22). Open Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Denver Mart (58th Ave., just east of I-25).
Tickets:
Adults, $13; Seniors, $11; Military with I.D., $11; Kids 16 and Under, $3. Available by CLICKING HERE, at King Soopers or at the Denver Mart during Expo days.
Scheduled Educational Seminars:
— Short Game Myths and How Tour Players Hit the Spinning Pitch Shot (Patrick Nuber, PGA), Friday, 11 a.m.
— Par Plan: Break Your Personal Par in 30 Days (Andy Hilts, PGA), Friday, noon
— Prior Teacher of the Year Panel (Ty Walker, Patrick Nuber, Andy Hilts), Friday, 1:30 p.m.
— Uncommon, But Effective Practice Methods (Tom Gibbs, PGA), Friday, 3 p.m.
— Rules of Golf (CGA), Friday, 4 p.m.
— Putting/Short Game/Learning Styles (Don Graham, PGA), Saturday, 11 a.m.
— Colorado Golf Fitness Club (Dee Tidwell), Saturday, noon
— The Difference Between Your Driver & Irons, and How to Take Your Game to the Course (Trent Wearner, PGA), Saturday, 1 p.m.
— GolfSquid (Gary Robinson), Saturday, 2 p.m.
— Navigating College Golf Recruiting (Dustin Jensen, CGA), Saturday, 3 p.m.
— The Importance of Club Fitting (Corey Butler, PGA), Sunday, noon
— Rules of Golf (CGA), Sunday, 1 p.m.
More information: CLICK HERE.
