GOLF

This week is the PGA of America’s world famous Merchandising Show and a number of local enthusiasts traveled together to Orlando, FL for this unique golf event.

The show is conducted at the Orlando convention center and there will be over 1 million square feet of golf related merchandise.

Imagine three or four driving ranges set up together with hundreds, if not thousands of different golf shops lined up beside each other. In addition to the cutting edge of golf club technology, there is fashion with all kinds of presentations, fashion shows, including education programs to enjoy.

For years I would attend strictly to attend educational seminars. One year, my schedule was crowded and I had decided not to go when a friend of mine made this comment.

“I think you should go just to see people and network,” the friend said. “Observe who attends because most of the industry leaders attend.”

This was Lou Miller who, at one point, owned what’s now Cobblestone Park. That year, I was waiting in line for food and ended up eating lunch and spending several hours with Kathy Whit-worth, LPGA Hall of Fame member.

(Incidentally, the LPGA Hall of Fame is the most difficult in sport in which to become a member.)

The event kicks off with an amazing outdoor demo day at Orange County National. It is a demo day on steroids. Then the convention center runs for 3 consecutive days.

For me this is the ultimate “boy in a toy store” experience. When I leave, I always regret not seeing everything.

Ishaan Vasudeva is a student of the game and soon will be working on a masters’ degree at the University of South Carolina. She is part of a big group attending the show.

“I want to gauge the state of the golf market itself, new developments and trends,” Vasudeva said.

Jared Beard, who has never been to a show, is attending his first show day.

“I just want to see what’s out there,” he said.

Brad Frick is a golf teacher.

“I want to see the new technology and see old friends I have not seen in years,” Frick said.

John Brock, a real estate expert, is smiling while answering.

“I am so excited about learning,” Brock said.

My oldest son, George Bryan IV, is attending from an educational perspective.

“I go get a golf lesson from Mike Bender and then attend to see all the new clubs and equipment,” he said.

Technology is advancing rapidly. Our ability to analyze, assess and measure is greater than ever before. My hopes are that the game becomes more fun and simple as a result of such advances.

Speaking of simplifying, kids are great at this. On the Irmo-Chapin Recreation Commission Winter Youth golf tour, Charwood Country Club, Hidden Valley Golf Club, Indian River Golf Club, LinRick Golf Club, The Spur at Northwoods and Timberlake Plantation golf courses held play last Sunday afternoon.

In the Palmetto Smiles and Midlands Electric Girls Competitive Division, Bella Bernagozzi from Lexington finished first. Chase Cline of Chapin finished first in the Clemson Friends of Junior Golf and GMK Associates Boys Competitive Division.

Lexington taking HOF nominations

The Lexington Wildcat Athletic Booster Club is now accepting nominations for the Class of 2019 Athletic Hall of Fame.

Nomination forms can be found at www.lexingtonwildcats.com . Nominations be emailed to Coach Brandon Smith at cbsmith@lexington1.net or mailed to:

Attn: Brandon Smith

Lexington High School

2463 Augusta Hwy.

Lexington, SC 29072