The Great Plains Golf Expo in Sioux Falls, South Dakota is always a sure fire way to beat the winter blues, and the move to February put it smack dab in the middle of cold and snow. Expo-goers were greeted with a bright, warm and cozy Sanford Pentagon that was filled with more exhibits, merchandise, equipment and most importantly golf courses. The weather was great for out of town travelers and the attendance the first day was over 4000, which was more than the entire 2018 Golf Expo combined!
First and foremost, the venue change is fantastic. It had a better flow to it as it circled the outer ring of the Sanford Pentagon. This marked the first year that Austads organized the event that was presented by Sanford Power Golf TKGA Academy. I was excited to see what the new group would bring, and I was pleasantly surprised. Golfers were welcomed by the Sioux Falls Golf staff and got to spin the now famous wheel of prizes. Next stop was golf course booths from around the area including many new courses. Product vendors such as Carsley Golf, Fling Golf, and SportGames as well as KWSN, Nyberg's Ace, and Nebraska Golf Passport.
Around the bend was the usual kid's bouncy houses that are always a favorite and next was something new. Seminars were done both days on the GreatLIFE Stage, and they were well attended. It was hard to ignore the Sanford Power Golf TKGA Academy with its giant projection screen showing the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am as well as showcasing the 2019 Sanford International trophy presented by Cambria. Hit the simulator and take on ESPN radio personality Jeff Thurn in the ESPN Long Drive Contest!
Around the final turn was the huge Austads display that offered great deals on apparel, clubs, shoes, balls, gifts, and equipment. Over $500,0000 worth of specially priced inventory! And to cap it off was the driving range area filled with demo clubs to try out from all of the major manufacturers including Ping, Callaway, Mizuno, Nike, Taylormade, Odyssey, Titleist, Cobra, Tour Edge, and Wilson Staff. Certified club fitters helped golfers find the right equipment for their game.
My favorite part of the Golf Expo each year is the silent auction. Many great items are donated each year and are auctioned off each year to benefit The First Tee of South Dakota and The South Dakota Golf Association, SDGA. Tom Jansa and Coralee Jorgensen work each year tirelessly to promote golf in South Dakota, most specifically, youth golf. Sioux Links is proud to help them going forward by listing all of the Junior Golf events available each year in our print publication and online. Thank you for your time and efforts!
Derek Soukup
Sioux Links, Editor