Five sponsors have been announced for the 28th Annual ING Media Awards program, 
which will be presented as part of the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando Jan. 25-28.
Prize sponsors include Bridgestone Golf (balls), Towel Tag (towels) and Zero Friction (golf gloves). The Host sponsor is the PGA Show. CertiFresh Cigar® returns this year as the Distribution Sponsor, assisting with shipping costs of prizes to those who can not attend the show.
The 28th Annual ING Media Awards program will be Wednesday, January 26 at 12:30 pm in Room 312A at the PGA Merchandise Show. Anyone attending the PGA Show is invited to the presentation. Dessert will be served afterwards.
Bri
dgestone Golf USA – Based in Covington, GA, Bridgestone manufactures premium golf balls, clubs and accessories under the Bridgestone and Precept brands. The company started making golf balls in 1935 and today has more golf ball design patents than any other company. Beginning in 2006, Bridgestone revolutionized golf ball selection with its custom ball-fitting program, identifying a golfer’s ideal golf ball based on personal swing characteristics. Bridgestone has conducted over 2.1 million fittings via a combination of live-fitting, online selection and its VFIT video ball fitting. The consumer data gathered from ball-fitting continues to inspire Bridgestone’s innovative golf ball designs. Bridgestone Golf is represented on international professional tours by icons such as Tiger Woods, Fred Couples, Matt Kuchar, Bryson DeChambeau and Lexi Thompson.
CertiFresh Cigar® – For over 20 years, CertiFresh Cigar® has offered the finest 
brand-name cigars that are delivered in a perfectly humidified custom package. Boveda’s patented two-way humidity control device is the cornerstone of CertiFresh packaging. The device keeps cigars at a precise 69% humidity that guarantees their freshness for one year without a humidor. CertiFresh packaging is individually customized for an impact like no other cigar sales program, and has revolutionized how premium cigars are distributed to and sold at nontraditional cigar retailers.
The PGA Show, organized by Reed Exhibitions (RX) in partnership with the PGA of America, is the most meaningful rallying point of the year for the business of golf and is the world’s doorway to the game’s future. PGA Professionals and industry leaders form a dynamic international community to network and test the newest products, programs and ideas to inspire innovation, create solutions, and build business and passion for the game. By discovering all that is new, PGA Professionals and buyers drive more value to their facility, differentiate their shop from competitors and further their career.
Towel Tag utilizes “Pull-Thru Technology” to create an entirely new generation of 
functional bag tags. Towel Tag is designed to temporarily secure a golf towel without the use of grommets or hooks. Each tag is manufactured using two separate compounds to create a functional bag tag with exceptional durability. They are ideal for temporary storage of golf towels, head covers, rain gear, outdoor and layered clothing. Towel Tag uses the latest printing technology to create a customized Towel Tag suited for every golfer, team, organization, or golf event.
Zero Friction is known industry wide for producing cutting edge products and 
creative packaging for its retail partners. Zero Friction’s line includes gloves, performance tees, rangefinders, balls, bags and accessories. The company established the performance golf tee market, creating the only performance tee to ever carry the PGA TOUR logo. Zero Friction’s colorful line of compression-fit gloves takes the guesswork out of sizing with a universal fit. Zero Friction The Zero Friction Wheel Pro is the latest introduction, a two-in-one combo product – golf bag and push cart.
The non-profit International Network of Golf conducts the contest, recognizing the best and brightest among its media members. Of the categories in the ING Media Awards, seven are for writers: Travel Writing, Business Writing, Opinions/Editorials, Feature Writing, Profile Writing, Equipment/Apparel Writing and Competition Coverage.
Other categories include, Excellence in Publications, TV Shows, Radio Shows (two categories), Podcasts and the Internet Video category.
Judging is done by a panel of three independent experts in each category
