I have attended every one of these shows since they started in the 1980’s. I was a little shocked to realize this year’s show is next weekend (March 5,6,7). Seems much too early. In 2000 we had a mild Winter and I played 18 holes at Kensington and then went to the Golf Show. Not going to happen this year.
Many years I have a specific objective for the show (e.g. purchase a quality standbag for $50 or less). Right now I seem fairly well set as far as equipment. I always look at shoes to try to find a deal but the last couple years have had slim pickings. One of my best purchases goes back to the days when Dexter shoes were still made in the USA. I found a prior year’s edition (Dry Sports?) in my size and with a 2-year waterproof guarantee for $20. I walk and play close to 100 rounds a year so inevitably my shoes start to leak after 12-18 months. I sent them back to Dexter and got a new pair for the cost of shipping them to Maine.
I am always on the lookout for “free” deals and typically score a couple free rounds from local courses. The only time I have ever won a prize of any value was the very first show decades ago. It was a dozen Maxfli DDH golf balls. The golf show was held at the Novi Hilton’s conference room (now the Sheraton, I think). My guess is no one expected the turnout they got because it was wall-to-wall people and one could barely move.
See all of you next weekend in Novi. I will be the guy looking at the bargain shoes!