Greater Philadelphia Golf Show

Yesterday I attended the third and final day of the Greater Philadelphia Golf Show, which was held Friday through Sunday at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pa. It was the second of what was supposed to be two golf shows held in the region, but the Victory Golf Show had been canceled the previous weekend due to the economy.


The annual golf show is opportunity pick up new or used golf equipment, often at discount prices; learn about local golf courses; or if for those who like travel can find out about golf courses--golf resorts, golf destinations and golf packages. You can also try out the latest golf golf equipment at the manufacturers' demo range, get a free lesson from a PGA pro or test your skill in the long drive and putting competitions. There were also presentations by "Professional Long Driver" Brian Pavlet and "Professional Golf Entertainer" Dan Boever.


Although there wasn't any specific that I needed, I went to the golf show with an eye out for a potential bargain in a few select areas: a 4-wood, Solus wedge and any interesting accessories. While I saw a few 4-woods, none had that "too good to pass up" price tag. One reason I like to go to the golf show on Sunday is that by late in the afternoon, a lot of exhibitors are willing to start negotiating prices on equipment. I was hoping that would be the case with a 61-degree Solus Wedge at the Golfology booth, but no one ever approached me to ask if I needed help or had any questions. So I walked away. I also saw a See-More Putter that had my attention, but again, the price didn't motivate my purchase. So I left the golf show with a nice reusable tote bag from the Shawnee Inn and a handful of brochures and pamphlets.


I did have the pleasure, however, of meeting Joe Logan, former golf writer for The Philadelphia Inquirer, who is now the creator of a great new local golf Web site, MyPhillyGolf.com. If you haven't checked it out yet, I urge to do so. The site contains national and local golf news, reviews of area courses, Joe's golf blog, discussion boards, equipment news and reviews, and highlights and commentary. I've had a link to this site for several months now and I was really pleased when Joe said he was familiar with this blog!


I also met Tony Leodora, a local golf writer and editor of GolfStyles Philadelphia Magazine. Tony, who hosts weekly radio golf show--Golf Talk Live on WNTP 990--can be seen on several local channels doing commercials for Myrtle Beach and he is also a frequent guest on Comcast SportsNet's Inside Golf. With Tony was Inside Golf host Harry Donahue, an anchor on KYW News Radio and the radio voice of Temple University athletics.

This year's crowd at the golf show seemed smaller than in previous years. I heard that Friday's crowd was very small also, while Saturday's was very strong. Perhaps it is the economy. Or maybe people were still digging out from the two snowstorms that dumped over 45 inches of snow on the region. Whatever, I was just glad to be around golf again, if only for the few hours. The groundhog seeing his shadow may predict six more weeks of winter, but The Muni Golfer seeing the golf show predicts golf season isn't too far off.

Photos by The Muni Golfer