July 10, 2004

By: Kent Closs
Website: http://www.1st-in-golf.com

Indoor Golf Environment simulator at the PGA Merchandise Show

Bring your A-game to booth 7232 and you could win a full set of Callaway clubs, a $3,000 entry into the Chrysler Classic of Greensboro Pro-Am, and $2,000 cash to get you there.

AboutGolf will be hosting the Chrysler-Callaway Indoor Closest to Pin Contest as part of the debut of their Indoor Golf Environment simulator at the PGA Merchandise Show, starting Thursday, January 29 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

Loyal 'Bud' Chapman, the artist responsible for the well-known 'Infamous Eighteen' series of fantasy golf hole paintings, will hit the ceremonial first shot to kick off the finals. He'll play his most famous creation, The Grand Canyon Hole, recently brought to life by AboutGolf's virtual course developers. 'We thought it fitting that Bud be given the privilege of being the first player ever to tee off on the hole he conceived,' said Bill Bales, CEO of AboutGolf.

Qualifying shots can be played anytime during the show on Thursday and Friday at AboutGolf's booth, #7232. Karen Palacios-Jansen, LPGA Teaching Professional and former Golf Channel guest-host, will handle the announcer chores at the finals on Saturday. Palacios-Jansen will also hold one-hour clinics in AboutGolf's simulator the first two days of the show.

Chrysler, the event's lead sponsor, is one of the largest single sponsors on the PGA Tour, sponsoring four events annually: the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, the Chrysler Classic of Tucson, the Chrysler Classic of Greensboro and the Chrysler Championship. For more than 40 years Chrysler has been involved with the sport of golf on the tour as well as in the amateur ranks.

With our long history of involvement with golf, we're excited to help bring the game inside for our customers, said Jay Kuhnie, Director, Chrysler/Jeep Communications. This technology is truly unique and should help golf enthusiasts everywhere improve their game.

Callaway Golf, co-sponsor of the event, will be promoting its new line of Big Bertha irons and woods during the contest. The new and improved Big Bertha iron will be the exclusive golf club used by all participants. Callaway is the world's largest manufacturer of premium golf clubs, and maker of balls and putters.

We think the debut of the Indoor Golf Environment will validate AboutGolf as representing the best in technology and design innovation in golf simulators, as Chrysler and Callaway have clearly done with their products, states Bales.

If you don't win, second prize is almost as good – a set of Callaway Big Bertha woods, an entry to the Chrysler Classic of Tucson Pro-Am, and $1,000 to get you there. In all, prizes will be awarded to 10 finalists, who each will receive a print of the Grand Canyon Hole, signed and presented by Bud Chapman.

Also see: fitness for golf.

About The Author:

Kent Closs is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-golf.com.  A source of information on golf equipment, golf manufacturers, supplies, tips and more.