Jan. 17, 2019

This paid piece is sponsored by Austad’s Golf.

If you are a golfer in the Sioux Falls area, 2018 may have felt like a dream. Over a 12-month span, Sanford announced plans to construct Great Shots, a world-class golf entertainment facility; Austad’s Golf conducted a complete renovation and expansion of its golf superstore; Tiger Woods won the Tour Championship; the Sanford International hosted the world’s best players on the Champions Tour, including Jack Nicklaus; and now, Austad’s has announced it has taken over and revamped the Great Plains Golf Expo.

Significant momentum continues to build in Sioux Falls around the sport of golf.

“As great as 2018 has been for the golf community, 2019 will be even better,” said Ryan Austad, president of Austad’s Golf. The first significant change golfers will notice is the annual golf expo now will take place Feb. 9 and 10 at the Sanford Pentagon.

“While Austad’s has always played a large role in the golf expo, we’ve never run the event,” Austad said.

“The opportunity came about to take over the show, and we felt like it was a chance to create an experience we know golfers will love and to continue to give back to the community, specifically The First Tee.”

The Pentagon is a natural fit as a world-class complex that offers the space needed to create such experiences, he said.

“In addition, we at Austad’s have found great partners in Sanford Golf who bring tremendous knowledge, science and resources to the game, all in an effort to help people play their best golf.”

According to Austad, the revamped golf expo will have the feel of a golf major.

“The goal is to have something interesting and unique going on around every turn. People want an experience, they want to have fun, they want to get out of the cold February weather and swing a few clubs. This expo will provide that opportunity.”

Here are a few of the show experiences Austad’s is excited to share with visitors:

• Swing and get fit for the 2019 equipment from every major golf manufacturer, including Titleist, Ping, Callaway, Cobra, TaylorMade, Tour Edge, Mizuno, Wilson, Cleveland and more.
• Compete against Steve Stricker in a long-drive contest.
• Win the Grand Falls putting challenge, and get a free foursome and dinner at the Rees Jones course. Three winners will be chosen for this $500 prize.
• Eat lots of local food samples – you’re welcome, foodies.
• Bring your clubs to the show to be re-gripped with special pricing.
• Learn from Sanford Golf experts on the science of golf fitness and nutrition.
• Learn from Sanford Golf PGA Professional Todd Kolb on how to play your best golf.
• Shop over a half-million dollars in specially priced inventory from Austad’s: clubs, shoes, apparel, balls, gloves and more.
• Talk with local course operators, and sign up for exclusive show specials that will save you money.
• Beat ESPN personality Jeff Thurn in a long-drive contest, and get entered to win the new Callaway driver.
• Enjoy refreshments at one of three 19th Hole lounges while you watch the AT&T at Pebble Beach.
• Get loose with a massage demonstration from MedSense.
• Listen to informative speakers on hot topics such as golf rule changes, hitting your drives farther and more.
• Kids younger than 10 enter for free. Fun games, bouncy houses and popcorn will keep the kids entertained.
• First 500 people to the show receive a gift bag valued at over $100.

Tickets for the Great Plains Golf Expo can be purchased by clicking here or at any Austad’s Golf.  GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness members and kids younger than 10 get in free.

“2019 will be another great year for golf,” Austad said. “We’ll get it kicked off in a big way with the Great Plains Golf Expo Feb. 9-10!”