LAKE MARY, FL – (March 23, 2017) – Attendees of the 27th Annual ING Spring Conference in May will get a free stroll though history during the Opening Night Reception at the World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum.

This annual gathering of media and golf industry executives is set for May 21-25 at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine. The non-profit, media-based International Network of Golf conducts the conference, which is open to anyone in the golf industry or media.HOF 4

The opening night festivities will take place in the World Golf Hall of Fame Museum, located next to the host hotel, the WGV Renaissance. Attendees will be granted free entry into the museum, and will be allowed to stroll through the dozens of exhibits at their leisure. There will also be contests, including one on the golf simulator.

Museum visitors cross over a replica of St. Andrews Old Course’s famous Swilcan Bridge and enter a wonderful world of golf’s history.

Among the many exhibits to explore:
Member Locker Room – This area has been expanded and renovated to include a new entrance, 22 new lockers, and the addition of a more clubhouse-type feel that includes leather couches, a new sound system and a 70-inch television. The “Championship Moments” video, highlighting each Hall of Fame member, plays on the TV screen.

HOF Locker RoomPast Inductee Exhibits – Members who aren’t in the current class are still celebrated in the Hall of Fame, and their accomplishments can be seen in the Recent Inductee Exhibits.

The Royal and Ancient Game – Learn about more than five centuries of golf lore, from its formative years in Scotland to its global expansion, by exploring the early stick-and-ball forerunners that preceded the modern-day game.

Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf Theater – The Hall of Fame’s Founding Partner created one of golf’s most beloved television shows with Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf.

Wall of Fame – The center of the Museum is Shell Hall, where members of the World Golf Hall of Fame are honored on an 88-foot-long Wall of Fame.

The World Golf Hall Of Fame and Museum last year announced its 2017 Induction Class: Henry Longhurst, Davis Love III, Meg Mallon, Lorena Ochoa and Ian Woosnam. These five new members will be enshrined at the World Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on September 26 at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City the week of the Presidents Cup.

Major Moments ExhibitAlong with the time spent exploring golf’s history in the World Golf Hall Of Fame & Museum, the conference will feature a full schedule of networking and educational events, including the popular One-On-One Appointment Show, where exhibitors conduct a series of 15-minute meetings with media members and attendees of their choice. Also on the schedule:

  • DEMO LAB: This is a wonderful opportunity for attendees to test the latest golf equipment and training aids on the practice range and green.
  • EDUCATION: The theme of this year’s educational seminars and workshops is “Golf: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow.” Sessions include Marketing & PR, Social Media Marketing, and Golf In The Future. Speakers include short-game guru Dave Pelz, who will also participate in the Demo Lab, and World Golf Foundation CEO Steve Mona.
  • GOLF: The WAGT National Qualifier on the Slammer & Squire course at the World Golf Village. This individual stroke play net competition will be divided into five flights. Winners of those flights will earn complimentary entry and accommodations in the World Amateur Golfers Tour National Championship. Also, the 10th Annual Durland Cup team scramble will take place on the Slammer & Squire on Wednesday.
  • NETWORKING: Several networking sessions are planned, including the Opening Night Welcome Reception and the Tuesday Night Banquet.