Dec. 3, 2004 – The Gulf Shores Golf Association with 10 signature golf courses and 32 miles of sugar-white-sand beaches has announced that it will participate in the inaugural Birmingham (AL) Golf Expo, Dec. 4-5. This is big news for avid travelers because it’s a result of the world-class golf-and-beach destination’s successful renewal program being implemented post-Hurricane Ivan, which made landfall here.
The Golf Expo will take place at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center. Doors open at noon both days, running until 8 p.m. Saturday and 5:30 p.m. Sunday. The expo is open to the public. Tickets are $7, and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or at the door.
“Participating in the Golf Expo is a watershed moment in the post-Ivan renewal program for the Gulf Shores Golf Association and our lodging, beach and other tourism partners,” says Mark Stillings, President of the Gulf Shores Golf Association and Director of Golf at Kiva Dunes, one of the 10 GSGA member courses. “We would not be there if the renewal program wasn’t progressing better than expected, and we’re grateful to be able to let avid golf-and-beach travelers know that we’re here for them.”
The Gulf Shores-Orange Beach area’s lodging and accommodation inventory is renewing on a daily basis and increasingly accepting check-ins and future reservations. Nearly 85% percent of pre-Ivan inventory is expected back online by March 1, with nearly 95% projected open when Gulf Shores-Orange Beach reaches peak season next June.
“Gulf Shores-Orange Beach has become one of the nation’s most popular golf-and-beach destinations, and given the fact that greater Birmingham area residents are some of our most avid visitors, participating in the Birmingham Golf Expo is a triumphant day for our renewal program,” says Mike McArthur, Executive Director of the Gulf Shores Golf Association. “We’re working hard to ensure resort visitors are provided with the same great course conditions, customer service and the other amenities to which they’ve become accustomed, and the Expo will give us a chance to further demonstrate our success.”
Beside the Gulf Shores Golf Association, Expo exhibitors slated to attend include local golf courses, travel companies, golf tours, swing aid companies, club fitters and resorts. PGA professionals will offer swing tips, many companies will have giveaways, there will be silent auctions both days, and there will be putting and chipping competitions.
For more information about the Alabama Gulf Coast, please contact the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-745-SAND (7263) or www.gulfshores.com
About Gulf Shores Golf Association
The Gulf Shores Golf Association is comprised of 10 exceptional signature golf courses that offer 198 holes of variety and beauty and which challenge serious golfers from the championship tees while delighting fun-loving resort golfers of all skill levels. Gulf Shores Golf Association-member courses have joined forces with numerous hotel and resort accommodations to offer very affordable, yet truly unforgettable “stay-and-play” experiences. Gulf Shores Golf Association’s lodging partners offer a broad selection of accommodations, from a world-class resort and beachfront condominiums, to on-site golf villas and affordable national-chain hotels.
In addition to superb golf, the area has clean, safe beaches, thousands of acres of nature preserves, historic sites, deep-sea fishing, great shopping, and fine restaurants. Whether it’s an annual trip with the guys, a romantic getaway weekend for two, or a week with the entire family, the Gulf Shores Golf Association offers easy golf vacation planning at www.golfgulfshores.com or by calling 1-888-815-1902.
