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January 26, 2006
Why you should support David Leadbetter Golf products...
It only took a few minutes at the PGA Merchandise Show for my head to start spinning. Thousands of clubs, balls, gadgets, toys, clothes, etc... etc... etc... and not enough hours in the day to take it all in.
So we'll start slow and cover as much as is possible over the next few days (or probably weeks).
I picked up lots of sales brochures and business cards for followups, and there's still more research to do. But for now, I've got plenty of material to give you a glimpse of the goings on at the 2006 PGA Merchandise Show.
My biggest impression of the day wasn't any of the shiny new toys or cute booth models, but a relatively old golf standard. David Leadbetter has been around for a while, and while most of us know him from infomercials and appearances on the Golf Channel, I got a chance to see a different side today.
After a short demonstration of his latest training aid (the SwingSetter), Mr. Leadbetter proceeded to, in his own words "get on his soapbox", and tell the audience that everyone associated with the golf industry in America needs to find ways to get kids learning and playing golf. Leadbetter, stated that the single biggest difference between this country and every other is lack of accessibility to affordable golf for kids.
According to Leadbetter, a youngster can join some of the premiere clubs in Australia for around $100 (without his parents being members). Coincidently, I was told a story the other day by a friend of mine who lives in Florida. He took his 10-year-old son out for a round to a very cheap ($20) and not very well maintained course in Tarpon Springs, Florida. It was around noon and while there were available times, the dude at the pro shop looked at the youngster and said to my buddy, "I'm worried you guys might hold up some of our regulars, why don't you come back at three".
Needless to say, my friend and his son went home. Sometimes it's easier to just shoot some hoops in the driveway than feel like a bother at your local course.
I agree with David Leadbetter about needing to do something about kids being embraced by the golf industry. I know his words were from the heart, I could see it in the way he spoke to kids afterwards and signed autographs for them. The Leadbetter golf machine is gaining some momentum with the launch of quality products, services, and association with high-profile clients... I wish them well, because I think they'll use some of that power for the good of the game.
I'll be reviewing Leadbetter's latest instructional DVD "Leadbetter Interactive" very soon. It is (hands down) the best production I have seen in the area of sports instruction, and I've seen them all.
As always, Stay Tuned...
Associated Links:
David Leadbetter's Official Site
Leadbetter Interactive Instructional DVD Series
The SwingSetter - Training Aid
Filed under MERCHANDISE SHOW | Authored by BogeyMan | Comments (2)
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We have a course in the area that has a very low rate for kids to join for the year. There are also several courses that work with the juniors in our area. Two of our teachers at the middle school worked a deal with two of the local courses to play free two days a week for about 12 weeks.
Posted by: dave at January 28, 2006 4:15 PM
That story about your friend really annoys me!! I grew up playing at a mediocre muni (mats for tees...) but it was $4/9 for juniors Mon-Fri, and I could get in 70 rounds/year. Without that base, I wouldn't still be playing today.
My pet peeve is empty courses that won't let kids play for cheap.
I'm going to the Milwaukee Golf Show in March, and I'll be looking for his product booth.
Posted by: Nick at January 29, 2006 1:20 PM
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