You can call the Connecticut Golf Show a major.
At a time when consumer golf shows have suffered sagging attendance, the Connecticut show, having celebrated its ninth year on March 22-24 at the Connecticut Convention Center, thrives.
“It bucks the trend of most consumer golf shows,” says Brian Beaky of Varsity Communications, which runs the show. “The vast majority start up, last a couple of years, and go away. We run eight consumer golf shows around the country, and only Seattle, with about 10,000 attendees, regularly outdraws Hartford.”
It’s a close call. The Connecticut Show drew more than 9,000 attendees again this year, up 50 per cent from when it opened almost a decade ago. Saturday the 23rd set a single-day record when more than 4,000 Connecticut golfers stepped through the turnstiles.
The CSGA continued its visible presence at the show operating out of a large booth at the entrance to the main hall. As has been customary at the show for several years the CSGA unveiled its newest Connecticut Golf PlayBook containing 70 discount offers from courses, shops and simulator clubs around the state. Popular with golfers who enjoy saving money while playing a variety courses in the state, the 2019 Connecticut Golf PlayBook is now available for purchase online at:
https://www.ctgolfplaybook.com/
On Friday on the main stage, veteran CSGA rules official Steve Basson addressed this year's changes to the Rules of Golf, giving attendees a chance to not only to learn the new rules but discover how they can benefit from them.
More than 110 exhibitors from the golf industry and related businesses displayed and offered for sale new clubs, apparel, accessories, as well as measuring devices and swing trainers that are increasingly a part of the game. An indoor driving range, skills contests, lessons from top pros like George Connor, and a front-door giveaway package that included as many as five rounds of golf were part of the appeal of a $14 ticket.
“All in all, it was another terrific year for the golf show and another testament to the strong support the game of golf has in the state of Connecticut,” said Beaky. “We look forward to coming back next year.”
