Portland Golf Expo

If the challenge for the Portland Golf Expo organizers is to carry over to 2009 the energy created in ‘08, then they certainly have plenty to build on. Those exhibiting and those attending the 2008 Expo were quick to praise Expo owners Scott Mayer, PGA, and Peter McFarland for how they increased participation and heightened the overall show experience.

Scheduled March 14 and 15, a Saturday and Sunday at Holiday Inn by the Bay, 2009 will mark the 15th anniversary for what is recognized as “northern New England’s most popular winter golf event.” A record number of exhibitors and attendees certified that tribute.

Exhibitors described the Expo as one that stood out for its “…high energy and variety of vendors,” which to many, including Portland Newspapers’ golf writer Tom Chard, resulted in those attending staying longer because of the wide variety of exhibits. The ’08 Expo saw an increase in golf courses from Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts displaying their offerings.

Also noticeable was the number of manufacturer representatives, who filled a major section of the exhibit hall with demo clubs and hitting nets. That contingent was backed by two retail areas, with Joe & Leigh’s of Massachusetts enjoying lively sales over the two days.

Hourly clinics drew many “students” who received not only swing tips but also pre-season essentials such as warm up exercises and injury prevention.

While preparation for the golf season was the focus, guests also were treated to lots of fun through ongoing raffles and contests. (Winners are posted on this site.) Peter McFarland, commenting on the continuous raffles that were offered both days, “I was amazed at the response we generated from a pretty serious golf crowd…with many folks telling us what a great time they were having."

So what’s in store for next year? According to Scott Mayer there will be more: “Everyone told us what a great time they had, so the challenge is to improve upon what we have. The Casco Bay exhibit hall is an intimate setting, one that allows lots of exhibitor and visitor exchange, so we’ll go forward from there.”

For questions or comments about the Portland Golf Expo, Scott Mayer can be contacted at 207.838.5731, and Peter McFarland at 207.318.6746 or e-mail them at golf.management@hotmail.com.

WHAT:

Golf opportunities and deals from courses in Maine, Cape Cod, New Hampshire, Maritime Provinces.
Enter contests and drawings for golf vacations, green fees, memberships, equipment, balls, bags,and more.
Take full swings with all the major brands of - Titleist, Cobra, Taylor Made, MacGregor, Tour Edge, Callaway, Odyssey, Hogan, Top Flite & Nike, Adams, Square Two and more.
Full swing contests including long drive and closest to the pin with participation of P3ProSwing Simulators/Analyzers.
Golf seminars on technique, golf philosophy, rules and health & wellness.

WHERE: Holiday Inn By The Bay, 88 Spring Street, Portland (See Blog for directions)

WHEN: March 8 & 9, Saturday & Sunday, 9 am to 3 pm

ADMISSION: $8 (Includes - 1 Yr Subscription to Golf Digest or Golf for Women)

Free sleeve of golf balls for admittance after 1:00 (While Supplies Last)

GOLF & WELLNESS SEMINARS:

Scott Mayer - PGA Professional

The Fundamentals of the Mind Seminar

Dr. John F. Hayes' - Chiropractic Orthopedic

Golf Fitness / K-Vest

Jon Frothingham - Natural Fitness

Build your team and make it work for you and your scorecard

Randy Hodson - Maine State Golf Association

New Rules of Golf

Scott Hoisington - PGA Professional

The Scoring Game, Short Game

FEATURES:
Admission Bonus - Free 1 year subscription to golf digest or golf for women

Free sleeve of golf balls for admittance after 1:00 (While Supplies Last)

Professional 10-minute massage
Huge demo day - over 10 sales reps (Take full swing to test all the latest equipment)
Large selection of other apparel and merchandise in the new Portland Expo Pro-Shop
P3ProSwing simulators/analyzers for demo use and contests
Unique educational seminars
Showcase of regional golf courses offering great deals
Health and wellness exhibitors for golf conditioning

Golf travel and vacation providers with stay and play prizes and deals

CONTESTS:

50/50 Raffle (New winner with every $100 collected - all day long)

Proceeds to benefit Maine Chapter PGA Scholarship Fund
Fox Ridge GC

Putt to win golf vacation
TD Banknorth Portland Open

Putting Contest for Maine Open Pro Am Entry

2 Portland Golf Expo Putting Contest

Various Prizes

Maine Golf Hall of Fame Raffle to Benefit Maine Golf Hall of Fame

One day golf school for 2 at Mayer's School of Golf

First Tee Raffle to Benefit Jr. Golf

Golf for 4 with Carts at Nonesuch River Golf Club & Two Jr. Sets of Clubs
Putting contest at the Pepsi Golf Village

P3ProSwing Closest to Pin / Long Drive

Ongoing drawings / raffles / giveaways

Exhibitor (Prize Donations) Links

MAINE CHAPTER PGA

Golf Management PO Box 8221 Portland, ME 04104-8221
Scott Mayer (207) 838-5731, golf.management@hotmail.com
www.portlandgolfexpo.com
www.mayersschoolofgolf.com