World Golf Foundation CEO Steve Mona will be a guest speaker at the 27th Annual ING Spring Conference, scheduled for May 21-25 at the World Golf Village and Hall Of Fame Museum.
The non-profit International Network of Golf, the industry’s only media-based networking organization, conducts this annual gathering of media and golf companies and leaders. ING is “where the media and golf industry connect.”
Anyone in the golf industry and media is invited to join ING and attend the conference. Call 407-328-0500 for details.
Mona has enjoyed a storied career in the golf industry, and has been CEO at the World Golf Foundation since 2008. The mission of the World Golf Foundation is to unite the golf industry in support of initiatives that enhance the growth of and provide access to the game of golf worldwide, while preserving golf’s traditional values and passing them on to others.
Through The First Tee, the World Golf Foundation focuses on positively impacting the lives of young people. Under the banner of the World Golf Hall of Fame, it recognizes and celebrates golf’s greatest players and contributors and serves as an inspiration to golfers and fans worldwide. The World Golf Foundation’s GOLF 20/20 initiative pursues programs to ensure golf’s continued growth and vitality. All World Golf Foundation initiatives work together to support the growth of the game among youth, women and minorities, while also fostering diversity within the golf industry.
Prior to the World Golf Foundation, Mona served as CEO of the Golf Course Superintendents of America for 15 years, where he helped raise the stature of that important organization with many groundbreaking initiatives. Mona, who received a bachelor’s degree in journalism (cum laude) from San Jose State University, also worked as assistant manager of press relations for the United States Golf Association, and as executive director of the Georgia State Golf
Association.
He will speak to the ING attendees on various topics, including what the golf business might look like in five years. That fits the conference theme, GOLF: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.
Mona joins golf’s foremost authority on the short game and putting, Dave Pelz, as guest speakers at the conference. Pelz tirelessly studies the game to help golfers use practical techniques to shoot lower scores. His current project is a breakthrough system for Green Reading. Pelz also coaches three top players on the PGA Tour and serves as brand ambassador for Cleveland Golf and Srixon Golf.
Also on the ING Spring Conference schedule:
DEMO LAB: Companies with golf clubs, putters, training aids and instructional programs, including Dave Pelz, get space on the range and putting green to display product. Attendees, including dozens of golf writers, broadcasters and editors from media outlets across America come through the Lab to capture first-hand knowledge of the equipment. There is also a skills challenge during the Tuesday morning session.
ONE ON ONE APPOINTMENT SHOW: The most popular element of the conference year in and year out, this tabletop show is where exhibitors conduct a series of 15-minute meetings with media members and attendees of their choice.
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.
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 Aug. 3-5 at ChampionsGate Resort in Kissimmee, FL.
One of the five ING qualifiers in 2016, Jim Smith, won his flight in the National Championship and went on to represent the USA in the World Championship in South Africa, expenses paid, where he finished third.
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.
