Golfexpo Optimism

Golfexpo 2000 at the NEC from November 2-5 will be 'the place to do serious business this year', according to Cliff Dews, chairman of the European Golf Industry Association.

Shrugging off suggestions that Britain's biggest annual golf trade show was threatening to become an anticlimax with so many leading manufacturers not taking part, Dews said: "With the additional purchase of 'ClubHouse' and the inclusion of a retail area, Golfexpo 2000 will be the industry's most comprehensive exhibition yet. Pre-registration for the trade days is at an all-time high and tickets for the public days are selling well.

"The NEC has done a first-class job in consolidating the needs of the industry and we believe that Golfexpo is destined to be the best trade show that the European golf industry has seen in years."

Golfserve have confirmed the launch of their new Internet service - PGANetwork.net - and will be sponsoring the Internet Cafe where visitors can register and check emails. The 'Chip & Run Theatre' will incorporate a real-turf green and a chipping area while the range of events to be held in the Arena includes fashion shows, club demonstrations and the David Edwards Trick Golf Show.

The Memorabilia auction is an opportunity to view and bid for historical golf equipment, including a few celebrity heirlooms.

Vistors will also be able to relax in the Ashworth Michelob 19th Hole and watch live coverage of the Volvo Masters from Montecastillo, Spain.

November 2-3 will be trade days only but the show will be open to the public for the last two days at a cost of £8 for adults, £5 for children and OAPs, and £5 for car parking.

*Golfexpo 2001 will be held at the same time (September 28-30) as next year's Ryder Cup match between Europe and the United States at The Belfry, which is just a few miles from the NEC.

However, eyebrows are being raised within the golf industry as this year's Golfexpo is only just returning to the November slot which is generally favoured by manufacturers and retailers.

The rationale for the proposed change comes in two main parts - the NEC car parks are going to be used by golf fans attending the Ryder Cup, and transport will be laid on to and from The Belfry. Secondly, there is no room at The Belfry for the 'golf village' which has become an integral part of the Ryder Cup, but there is at the NEC.

“The Ryder Cup is the golfing event in next year’s calendar and we are obviously delighted to be working alongside the organisers,” said René Bros, NEC exhibition manager. “The presence of the golf village at Golfexpo will enable all enthusiasts, with or without competition tickets, to experience the Ryder Cup phenomenon.”