Inside the Ropes Attracts Thousands of Admirers
As show partners prepared for the 2016 Golf Industry Show in San Diego, CA the show floor layout allowed for a space to be used to demonstrate equipment. GCBAA was part of a number of phone calls and discussions that ultimately ended up becoming “Electric Ave”. The hall was transformed into a circle track to test ride single rider electric golf/surf boards. Thanks to many GCBAA Members the other half of the hall turned into a fairway, bunker, and green. This area showcased electric mowers and other electric equipment available to the industry. While successful in its first year we knew we could do better the next year. Conversations began early on for another show feature planned for the 2017 Golf Industry Show in Orlando. For this year the entire area was modified to allow a few important features. First the area was moved to the center of the show floor. Early on in the process the team identified the logistics of brining in 150 tons of sand and 9000 square feet of sod into a convention center where over 700 exhibits were also being set-up in two days. It made the most sense not only to manage the buildup but also having the feature in the center of the hall would drive traffic. Additionally the show allowed GCBAA members who were supporting the construction a chance to have their booth around the feature. Finally the design would allow
Thank You Volunteers!
Rick Benson, Benson Construction Company, Inc. Eric Boedeker, TurfPros Chip Bryant, LMC Insurance & Risk Management Chris Clarke, Clarke Construction Group Mark Creighton, Ewing Irrigation Jeff Davis, SportZmix Solutions – Waupaca Sand & Solutions Robert Fleetwood – Fleetwood Services LLC Chaz Henderson, Henderson & Company, Inc. Chris Hill, Course Crafters, LLC Matt Horak, TriEst Ag Group, Inc. Thad Layton, Arnold Palmer Design Company Chris Leahy, Golf Agronomics Matt Lohmann, Golf Creations Jim Lohmann, Golf Creations Jason McCoy, Greg Norman Golf Course Design TJ Swaford, TriEst Ag Group, Inc. Bryce Swanson, Rees Jones, Inc. Steve Syrjala, Prestwick Golf Group Eric Wadsworth, Wadsworth Golf Construction Company Scott Wozniak, Caterpillar Inc.
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for multiple bunker liners to be featured. Special thanks to Bryce Swanson with Rees Jones Designs for working with the committee on the concept and Certified Builder Member Chris Hill with Course Crafters, LLC for working with the team and committee on creating this area. Friday afternoon before the show trucks began to arrive bringing in a base material that was light weight but also able to compact to be shaped into a golf course feature. The material had to be dumped in small piles in the designated area away from floor ports that access convention center utilities. Saturday morning began the tedious job of spreading 150 tons of material shaping the area and creating enough area to demonstrate equipment, feature 4 bunkers, and a green surface. Additionally we needed to incorporate a 28’ Magnolia Tree; stage construction equipment as static displays, lay down two grass varieties and set a 20’ fiberglass bridge. The end result was an amazing centerpiece and focus of the show. Attendees would walk in opening day and see and small a living golf course in the center of the room. Electric vehicles drove around the area, over the bridge, around the green and through the fairway. Thousands of attendees would pass through; stopping to see first hand the different bunker liners being shown. As with anything we do it would not have been possible without the dozens of volunteers and GCBAA Members who support us and our partners. Please enjoy the pictures and if you have not watched the videos visit gcsaa.tv and see the area come together through time lapse videos and interviews with those involved.