The recent PGA Merchandise Show was deemed a success in today’s economy because its participation numbers were only off by 4.5% from last year. The stalwarts in the industry were there (i.e. Adidas, Nike, Titleist, Taylor Made, Cutter Buck, Ping and on and on). There were even some new companies that were ‘launching’ their products at the show. They are either very brave or extremely unfortunate to be trying to get off the ground in this economy.
The Show always offers a plethora of things to touch, see and feel and this year was not a disappointment. If a newcomer to golf were to attend the PGA Show they would be sure that the recession has not hit the golf industry. The glitz and glamour was everywhere. Young beauties were handing out information for their respective companies to anyone that came near. Trust me…a lot of literature was handed out, not sure any of it was read but that’s a whole other topic. The latest and greatest tools of the trade were on display from golf clubs, GPS range finders, training tools and gimmicks, high end fashion, full-swing simulators to golf carts and driving range accessories.
The thing that really caught my attention though was the appearance of two well-known LPGA stars from different generations, greeting fans in two totally different areas of the convention center. It’s not THAT they were there. It was HOW they interacted with the crowd. The two women I am referring to are Nancy Lopez and Paula Creamer.
The Pink Panther
I witnessed Paula at the Adidas booth signing autographs and posing for pictures. That’s all in a day’s work. What caught my attention is how she acted when a young girl of no more than 9 years of age approached her. The girl was obviously star-struck and did manage to get Paula’s autograph but it didn’t stop there. Paula took more time than usual and asked the young girl questions about things in general. When Paula then offered up a chance for her to have her picture taken with her ‘idol’ the smile that broke out on that young girl’s face was priceless. Front teeth missing and all, it was perhaps the sweetest smile I have seen in years.
Over at the Nancy Lopez Golf Booth, Nancy was signing autograph after autograph and in her typical style engaged everyone that stopped by.
Nancy Lopez
After signing one particular autograph, a baby held by the person just finishing up in line started crying. Nancy stood up, chatted a bit more with the mother and then offered to hold the baby to help settle her down. Of course, Nancy is a more than a golfer, she is a mother as well. Did she need to take the time to stop the procession of adoring fans for a few minutes to attend to a slightly cranky one? Not at all. She was just being Nancy.
These two ladies GET IT! They know what it means to be a role model and an Ambassador of the Game of Golf. They go the extra mile and add some personal attention to what some athletes feel is a necessary evil. Granted these aren’t extreme examples of connecting with fans but that’s what made them so noticeable. They were ordinary moments during an ordinary meet and greet session that left this author with an extraordinary sense of pride to be a witness to what makes the LPGA so wonderful. I have been and will continue to be a huge fan of both Paula Creamer and Nancy Lopez. These women ROCK!
Your comments are encouraged. Have you witnessed any “ordinary” moments like these?
Thanks for visiting Ladies on the Tee Golf Blog at www.sherrytabb.com
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Tags: Adidas, game of golf, golf industry, ladies on the tee, LPGA, Nancy Lopez, Nancy Lopez Golf, Paula Creamer, PGA Merchandise Show, role model, sherry tabb, These Women Rock
Shoot we should have met at the show!
Sorry we didn’t. That would have been nice. I did meet a couple of other Twitterers there. Maybe next time!!