Final Thoughts on 2014 Golf Shows

As March begins with yet another blizzard battering the Windy City in the never ending winter of 2014, I thought this would be an opportune time to finally filter through the 7.4 lbs (yes, I weighed it) of  brochures, pamphlets, magazines, newsletters, books, balls and tees that I accumulated at the Chicago Golf Show last Sunday.  Here are some observations and random thoughts on the 31st annual event:

Where the Tinley Park Expo is a relatively small, intimate affair, the show at the Rosemont Convention Center is gigantic by comparison, with the biggest difference the number of out-of-state courses and resorts represented, as at least 70 booths were dedicated to luring local golfers.  For the facilities located in warmer winter climes, that objective may be less difficult to achieve after the last few months.

But I did feel sorry for the rep from the Lake Cumberland Golf Club & Resort in Kentucky, who looked like he would rather be in a hundred other places than passing out brochures in Chicago in February.

They could accurately rename this the "Chicago Golf and Travel Show".

I don't enjoy paying $13 to park.

Only 2 public courses from the southern regions of the Windy City Public Golfers Guide had individual booths (Mistwood and Cog Hill), highlighting the north side / south side divide between the 2 shows...

And I absolutely have to get out to Mistwood in 2014, the pictures on the monitor of the 2013 Golf Digest "Best U.S. Renovations You Can Play" looked phenomenal!

I talked to the reps from Metamora Fields, a newer links style course just outside Peoria, and as a proud graduate of Bradley University, I'm always thinking of excuses to take a road trip downstate, and a long weekend of golf with three of my college buddies may be in the cards this year.

I consider myself a patient person, but that was tested when a representative of a home repair company tried to coax me to his booth by offering a quote on roof repairs.  I had to politely but firmly inform the persistent salesman that I was here for the golf, and when I was ready to repair my roof, I would attend the home improvement expo!  He finally relented and let me continue on my way...

I also promised my wife that I would not complete any applications related to time shares and vacation clubs, and I had one young lady implore me by blurting "But I get a commission if you fill out the form!"  Sorry, a promise is a promise...
 
Every year I tell myself to bring return address labels, and every year I'm reminded that I once again forgot when I see someone smarter than I applying them while I suffer writer's cramps.

I stopped by Cam Golf (one of many golf equipment vendors present) and I finally purchased the classic Zebra putter that I was eyeing at the Tinley show.  I don't know if it will help me sink more putts, but at least I like the way it looks and I can't wait to get on the course to try it out!

Maybe some day I'll break down and buy a Bettinardi...

And with that thought, I must once again clear the snow off my driveway.  Golf season can not arrive soon enough...