If the expanding 2011 Denver Golf Expo is an indication, those in the golf industry must be bullish on the economy.
Last year’s expo featured 120 exhibitors. This year, at least 145 exhibitors have signed up.
The annual three-day event at the Denver Merchandise Mart Pavilion and Plaza begins Friday morning.
“Understandably, people have tightened their belts for a few years,” said Mark Cramer, who owns and operates the expo. “But I think that has left a pent-up demand for golfers to purchase new equipment or to go on a golf vacation this year or maybe just play more often.”
Cramer is expecting a bump in attendance. The 2010 expo drew a three-day attendance of 9,750. That was down from 10,200 in 2009 and 11,100 in 2008. Cramer said substantial attendance increases at other public expo-like shows at the Merchandise Mart such as the recent Indian Market have made him optimistic about this weekend.
“I’ll be disappointed if we’re not back over 10,500 for this one,” Cramer said.
Exhibitors offer special coupons, discounts and other expo-only deals for golf clubs, bags and balls, golf apparel, golf antiques and collectibles, vacations and resorts, and for green fees at more than two dozen area courses.
Quality used sets of clubs that have been donated to the Colorado Golf Association and Colorado Women’s Golf Association will be sold to support youth programs. Member pros of the Colorado Section of the PGA of America will give free lessons and seminars. Equipment giveaways and free green fees are available to all who walk through the doors.
There’s also a putting contest and an indoor driving range to test out the latest clubs. Manufacturing reps from every major golf equipment brand will be represented, Cramer said.
“There were years when I’d have to almost beg some reps to participate,” Cramer said. “But this year everybody wanted in. That has to be a good sign for the economy, and for golf.”
Expo hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors (50 and older) and $8 for active military and veterans. Kids 16 and younger will be admitted free.
The Denver Merchandise Mart is located at Interstate 25 and 58th Avenue. There is no charge for parking.
Tom Kensler: 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com
