NEC rival to London Golf Show

Golf fans who complained that the London Golf Show was too far to travel and too expensive may have their prayers for a retail show closer to home answered.

While the London event will be going ahead for the second successive year at the ExCel Centre in the City's Docklands from April 27-30, a rival UK Golf Show is set to go ahead at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham from November 24-26.

Show Director Kevin Blair says: "The show will be the only large golf show outside London and will be supported by the De Vere Belfry. It will be fast-moving with top golfers joining us and some really exciting competitions.

"These include a simulated hole-in-one competition to win an £18,000 car, fashion show and longest drive events."

Busy range at the London Golf Show

The three-day exhibitors has already attracted interest from top brands and will place its emphasis on promoting golf to the youth of today, with the aim of encouraging the champions of tomorrow.

Organisers hope it will attract a family audience as the BBC's Good Food Guide Show will share the venue.

Meanwhile the London Show, supported by Direct Golf UK as it's retail partner, is expected to attract over 25,000 visitors able to try equipment on the giant indoor range before buying it in Europe's biggest golf store.

They can also hone their putting and chipping in a specialpractice area and receive tips from PGA professional as well as Harold Swash, putting coach to many top stars including Padraig Harrington and darren Clarke.

Island green at London Golf Show

Show organisers claim that more than 80 per cent of stand space has already been filled - much of it by leading brands including Mizuno, Wilson Staff, Srixon, Snake Eyes and MacGregor, who will be showing their latest products.

There is also a large area devoted to holiday golf destinations from around the world, as well as leading golf complexes in the UK and Ireland.

FOOTNOTE: The TGI Scottish Golf Show is due to take place at the Royal Highland Centre at Ingliston, Edinburgh from June 2-4, in association with VisitScotland.