Official Show Program
2008 Toronto Star Golf & Travel Show Feb. 29-March 2, 2008
by Jeffrey Reed

Show Introduction

It’s the largest consumer golf show in North America, and once again the Metro Toronto Convention Centre hosts The Toronto Golf & Travel Show.

With exhibitors from all areas of the golf and travel industries, this year’s show won’t disappoint. Visit exhibitors showcasing the latest and greatest in golf equipment, apparel and accessories. Learn about great golf courses, golf destinations and travel deals. And while you’re at the show, be sure to test drive the newest 2008 golf gear, and get great tips from the pros.

When you’re at the show, you’ll be amazed at the variety of opportunities waiting for you. The Nevada Bob’s Golf retail pavilion brings 4,000 square feet of great deals. Check out the latest in clubs, bags, apparel and accessories. The Manufacturer’s Showcase will once again be a hot spot, as companies including Callaway, Nike and Mizuno – the list goes on! – are ready to boast about their latest gear.

How would you like to win a trip to Ireland? Visit the Tourism Ireland booth at the Toronto Star Golf & Travel Show to enter for your chance to win! You and your favourite golf partner could be on your way to Ireland for five rounds of world-class links golf. All you have to do is visit the show, and sign up for your chance to hit an eagle in the Emerald Isle. An Irish Golf Getaway – from the Toronto Golf & Travel Show, Tourism Ireland, Zoom Airlines and Toronto’s Sports Radio THE FAN 590. 

This year’s show welcomes Lipton Green Tea as the official sponsor of the Ladies Tee feature area. Here you’ll find premiums such as a Lipton tea bag which looks like a typical tea bag, but actually contains golf tees plus a ball marker. The Lipton Ladies Tee section will also test your skills on the mini putting green. As well, guess how many tees fit into a bottle of Lipton Green Tea with Citrus, and you have a chance to win fun prizes from Lipton.

The 2008 Toronto Golf & Travel Show wouldn’t be complete without daily fashion shows. This year, Lipton Green Tea also sponsors daily shows showcasing the latest trends in golf apparel. See for the first time up close and personal what fashion trends are going to sizzle on the fairways and greens this season. It’s all brought to you by Lipton Green Tea.

At the Lipton Ladies Tee area of the show, you can sample refreshing Lipton Iced Teas. The delicious Lipton Green Tea with Citrus, and thirst-quenching Lipton White Tea with Raspberry will be available for your pleasure. You can also get a coupon for Lipton Iced Tea’s antioxidant-rich beverages for ladies on the tee, or on the go. Quantities are limited.

Be sure to watch for the daily golf fashion shows, Friday 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., Saturday 12 noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. There’s also live entertainment at the 19th Hole Lounge, where refreshments, demos and live jazz from Wave 94.7 FM will keep you entertained. 

The Play Golf Ontario Pavilion returns to the Toronto Star Golf & Travel Show. Book your round of free Ontario Golf – one of 5,000 free rounds of golf! Just stop by the National Golf Course Owners Association Pavilion. WestJet Vacations is presenting some exciting new golf packages at the show, where you can enter for a chance to win a trip to Kelowna, B.C. And, the first 100 visitors to the show each day will receive a free seven-day rental, courtesy Rogers Video.

A popular haunt amongst junior golfers and their parents, the Pizza Pizza Junior Zone returns to this year’s show. Kids will have an opportunity to putt for a free slice of pizza – make a hole-in-one, and enjoy a free slice of Pizza Pizza’s delicious pizza. Even if you don’t make a hole-in-one, you’ll walk away with a buy one, get one free coupon. In addition, Pizza Pizza is giving away 200 free junior golf clubs each day at the show. Be one of the first 200 kids to visit the Junior Zone on Friday, Saturday or Sunday and you will get a free golf club, courtesy of Pizza Pizza. 

Parents: you will want to be sure to fill out a ballot at the Pizza Pizza Junior Zone, where you will have an opportunity to win free pizza for a year! If your name is drawn, you will win one free, three-topping pizza each month for an entire year – that’s almost a $200 value! Be sure to fill out a ballot for your chance to win “Hot & Fresh Pizza Pizza.”

The 2008 Toronto Star Golf & Travel Show runs February 29-March 2 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building. Hours are Friday 12 noon to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: adults $15, Twilight golfers (50-plus) $10 after 2 p.m., children under 12 free when accompanied by an adult.

Callaway Golf

The 2008 Toronto Golf & Travel Show is excited to welcome Callaway Golf, and its 2008 product lineup. With more than 30 new offerings from the Callaway, Odyssey and Top-Flite brands, the lineup represents the most extensive new product initiative in Callaway’s history.

“The new 2008 product line continues to demonstrate Callaway Golf’s cutting-edge industry leadership,” says Scott Reid, managing director of Callaway Golf Canada.

Callaway Golf’s Fusion series includes the FT-i Tour Low CG (Centre of Gravity) Driver. Designed with input from Callaway Golf’s Tour players including Phil Mickelson, the FT-i Tour Low CG Driver has discretionary weight positioned lower and in the extreme corners, producing the highest Moment of Inertia (MOI) of any Callaway Golf driver.

The FT-i Squareway Woods boast an MOI approaching that of Callaway Golf’s best-selling drivers. They use Fusion Technology to provide unprecedented accuracy, forgiveness and stability for longer, straighter shots off the tee for from the fairway. Callaway’s FT Fairway Woods boast stainless steel face and body design, combined with a tungsten-infused dual-runner sole to enable Callaway Golf engineers to strategically position discretionary weight for a higher MOI and precise positioning of the CG. The Opti-Fit® Weighting System allows golfers to choose a Draw or Neutral CG bias to fit their individual shot shape.

Callaway’s FT Hybrids offer superior forgiveness, and also make use of the OptiFit® system. The FT i-brid Irons are a new Fully Integrated Set Design that smoothly transitions from super game improvement mid- and short-irons to the new i-brid design – clubs that blend the control and accuracy of traditional irons with the forgiveness, distance and versatility of hybrids. The lightweight titanium body, TPU SenSert® and heavy Tunite® alloy combine to create the most forgiving and playable clubs Callaway has ever made. As well, Callaway’s FT Irons deliver the utmost in performance and playability, thanks in part to multi-material construction, an a Tunite® cradle which has been optimized with the addition of Extreme Notch Weighting.

Callaway is also excited about its X-Series, including the Hyper X and Hyper X Tour Drivers, the new X Fairway Woods and the X-Forged Wedges.

The innovative Hyper X Driver introduces Hyerbolic Face Technology, redefining the look, feel and speed at which golf balls leave the clubface. Tour models offer enhanced workability through square faces. The new X Fairway Woods boast the Modified X-Sole Design featured in Callaway’s X Hybrids. This means low leading edge and clean turf interaction. And the X-Forged Wedges, designed by the legendary Roger Cleveland with Tour players’ input, provide better players with features such as soft 1020 carbon steel for incredible feel, and a tighter heel-toe radius for increased versatility.

Big Bertha from Callaway Golf provides additional features for today’s demanding golfer. The new Big Bertha Irons feature the same Fully Integrated Set Design as the FT i-brid Irons, as well as increased offset, larger hitting area and constant width sole in the mid- and short-irons.

Of course, Callaway Golf’s ball offerings for 2008 are impressive. The Tour i and ix golf balls are the result of high-tech design. In fact, Callaway calls the new Tour i “the most technologically advanced Tour ball every developed.” Innovative four-piece inertia technology uses a tungsten-infused outer core to shift weight away from the ball’s centre, reducing driver spin for maximum distance and straighter shots. The Tour ix is slightly firmer for more explosive distance.

While at the show, be sure to ask about Callaway Golf Canada’s unique partnership with the Canadian Professional Golf Association (CPGA). This partnership offers golfers a free 30-minute lesson with the purchase of any driver or set of irons from Callaway Golf’s 2008 product line.

As well, ask about the Callaway Golf in Schools program, developed by the Golf Association of Ontario (GAO). It’s a true grassroots initiative brought to schools, designed with fun and safety in mind to give children an opportunity to experience and learn a game that helps build character and promotes life-long activity.

Scotland: Home Of Golf

St. Andrews, located in the North-East of Fife in Scotland, is recognized worldwide as the Home of Golf, a distinction built upon six centuries of sporting tradition.

Looking down the 18th fairway from the Old Course’s famous Swilcan Bridge remains one of golf’s most memorable and unique images – one guaranteed to set the pulse of any golfer racing. Standing there, you will feel a sense of being part of the history of the oldest golf course in the world, where the game was first played as long ago as 1400.

The Old Course is just one of 10 golf courses which have helped the town of St. Andrews to become synonymous with the sport. These range from established championship courses such as the New Course, Jubilee and Eden, to newer championship courses which are also proving popular including Kingsbarns Golf Links, the Duke’s, Devlin and Torrance. In addition, the town offers an intermediate course in the Strathtyrum and a beginners’ course in the Balgove. 

The Old Course was recently named as the second best course to play in world outside of the U.S. by Golf Digest (2007). Kingsbarns Golf Links (17th) and the New Course were also named in the Top 100 list.

In 2008 the newly constructed Castle Course will open in St Andrews, increasing the number of courses to 11. It’s now open for bookings, and will begin play this June.

Alan McGregor, chairman of the St Andrews Golf Development Group and general manager of St. Andrews Links Trust, commented, “With six centuries of golfing tradition, St. Andrews is viewed by the world as the natural home of the sport and is the perfect place to spend a week or weekend playing golf. Nowhere else in the world will you find such a concentration of high quality golf courses, allowing visitors to spend more time on the greens and less time travelling.”

Golf is just the beginning of the St. Andrews experience. By going there, you have chosen to visit one of Europe's finest and most varied resort destinations. Whether you choose to stay in the town or use it as a base to explore, St. Andrews has something for everyone.

St Andrews is not only a popular holiday destination, but an increasingly prosperous business centre. David Scott, Kingsbarns Golf Links director of golf, emphasises, “St Andrews’ location makes it a perfect base for accessing the many other excellent golf courses in the Kingdom of Fife and Scotland.

Visit www.standrewsgolf.org for a virtual tour of golf in and around St. Andrews.

Golf East Lothian

Just to the east of Edinburgh lies a golfer’s paradise of 22 stunning courses, including the world famous links at Muirfield, Gullane, North Berwick and Dunbar. The county stretches from the location of the world’s oldest continuously played golf course at Musselburgh on the edge of the capital, through the pristine villages of Longniddry, Aberlady and Gullane, ending near Dunbar, 30 miles to the east.

The county is not just about links golf – it has a superb collection of inland and parkland courses that guarantee an enjoyable variety of challenges for all tastes, budgets and abilities. Nineteen courses are open to the public and there is always a warm welcome waiting with friendly clubhouses, affordable green fees, a great variety of accommodation and outstanding restaurants.

Visit www.golfeastlothian.com for more information.

Golf, Ancestral Roots in the East of Scotland

With the Year of Homecoming taking place in Scotland in 2009, and the Angus & Dundee Roots Festival being held this year, the links between golf and ancestry is in the forefront. Various partners including Zoom Airlines, Hilton Dundee, Carnoustie Country, Golf East Lithonian and the East of Scotland Golf Alliance. There are packaged products available which coincide with various festivals, and many golfing opportunities available in Golf’s Historic Heartland.

Be sure to stop by the various exhibits from Scotland at this year’s Toronto Star Golf & Travel Show.

Lipton Ladies Tee

Did you know that tea is the world’s most preferred beverage, second only to water? When you visit this year’s Toronto Star Golf & Travel Show, make sure you visit the Lipton Ladies Tee section, and find out why tea is one of the world’s favourite beverages.

This year’s show welcomes Lipton Green Tea as the official sponsor of the Ladies Tee feature area. Here you’ll find premiums such as a Lipton tea bag which looks like a typical tea bag, but actually contains golf tees plus a ball marker. The Lipton Ladies Tee section will also test your skills on the mini putting green. As well, guess how many tees fit into a bottle of Lipton Green Tea with Citrus, and you have a chance to win fun prizes from Lipton.

The 2008 Toronto Golf & Travel Show wouldn’t be complete without daily fashion shows. This year, Lipton Green Tea also sponsors daily shows showcasing the latest trends in golf apparel. See for the first time up close and personal what fashion trends are going to sizzle on the fairways and greens this season. It’s all brought to you by Lipton Green Tea.

At the Lipton Ladies Tee area of the show, you can sample refreshing Lipton Iced Teas. The delicious Lipton Green Tea with Citrus, and thirst-quenching Lipton White Tea with Raspberry will be available for your pleasure. You can also get a coupon for Lipton Iced Tea’s antioxidant-rich beverages for ladies on the tee, or on the go. Quantities are limited.

Did you know that green tea is said to have been discovered in 2737 BC by a Chinese emperor, when some tea leaves accidentally blew into a pot of boiling water? Initially used as an offering and as medicine, green tea contains antioxidants, and unlike other teas it is the least processed. In fact, consumption of green tea and specialty tea has risen rapidly in recent years.

Pepsi-Cola Canada Ltd. and Unilever Canada Inc., through the Pepsi Lipton Partnership, now make available across Canada a new Lipton Green Tea, in both regular and diet versions. A new, premium Lipton Green Tea with Citrus satisfies consumer demand for “better for you,” and great-tasting beverage options.

“Green tea has been enjoying unprecedented consumer popularity of the global health and wellness trend,” said Alan Koval, director of the Pepsi Lipton Partnership. “Lipton is the number one tea brand in the world, and now, Canadians can enjoy a premium quality and delicious green tea in a variety of convenient packages, including cans, single-serve bottles and six-packs.”

Also from the Pepsi Lipton Partnership, a new, rare, premium Lipton White Tea with Raspberry, in both regular and diet versions, is available from coast to coast. Lipton White Tea with Raspberry appeals to those looking for a cold and delicious tea beverage that is part of a healthy lifestyle.

White tea has been a popular choice in Asian culture for centuries, but is relatively unknown in Canada compared to black, Oolong and green teas. In recent years, this has begun to shift as our love affair with tea continues to grow, and we begin to appreciate the light taste of white tea varieties.

“White tea is all the rage. It has a rare, exotic quality that consumers love,” says Koval. “We’re very pleased to be able to offer an iced white tea that is not only great tasting, but a great fit for the health conscious Canadian.”

See you at the Lipton Ladies Tee for Lipton Iced Tea!

Ireland Golf

There is a saying in Ireland that visitors are guaranteed “craic,” an Irish word for “have fun or a good time.” In fact, the Emerald Isle is an ideal destination for a golfing holiday. From its many storied golf courses, to its myriad of festivals and beautiful green countryside, Ireland offers so much to do – on and off the course.

Visit the Golfing in Ireland area at the Toronto Golf & Travel Show, and discover that in Ireland, “Golf doesn’t get any better.” From the smallest village to the biggest city, championship golf courses in Ireland have been designed by some of golf’s most renowned architects and players. A rarity in North America, Ireland boasts 30 per cent of the world’s link courses.

A links course is the oldest style of golf course. They tend to be located on or very near to a coast, on sandy soil amid dunes, with few water hazards and trees and, due to their location, are often windy. On many links courses, the outward nine holes are played in one direction, and the inward nine in the opposite direction. Come visit Ireland, and put your skills to the test at top ranking courses along thousands of miles of dramatic coastline.

Scotland is golf’s home, but the game was perfected in Ireland. Irish golf holds a special place in the heritage of the game, producing great players such as Christy O’Connor Sr., Fred Daly, Darren Clarke – star of the 2006 European Ryder Cup team – and Padraig Harrington, gold medalist at the 2007 Open Championship.

With internationally acclaimed courses situated in some exceptionally beautiful locations, Ireland has become the destination of choice for golfers in the know. Ireland’s famed K Club hosted that 2006 Ryder Cup, and Royal County Down Golf Club hosted the 2007 Walker Cup. With fantastic championship courses, thrilling vistas, luxurious resorts, friendly people and a mild climate that’s perfect for outdoor sports, Ireland is ideal for all golfers.

After a bracing ground of golf, celebrate with your teammates in the clubhouse where you will discover an Irish welcome at the 19th hole that is unique – unlike that found anywhere else in the world. In fact, there is so much to see and do off the course. Experience the charm and hospitality of the people. Follow in the footsteps of the myths and legends that surround Irish history to discover the vibrant present day Ireland. Embrace the warm welcome of a country house in a picturesque rural town or village, and take in the sights and sounds of the two cosmopolitan cities – Belfast, and Dublin.

Northern Ireland is home to rugged coastline and two Royals. Royal County Down, selected by Golf Digest at the #1 links course outside of the U.S., boasts a fine test of golf plus spellbinding scenery. Royal Portrush, #4 on Golf Digest’s list, winds along the craggy cliffs of the Atlantic Ocean.

Magnificent courses lie along the southern stretch of Ireland West. Lahinch, Doonbeg, Ballyliffin – a hidden gem, Carne Golf Links and Rosses Point are all stunning. In Ireland South, the natural beauty of the mystical and unspoiled Ring of Kerry is enhanced by outstanding links courses, including the reknown Ballybunion, and Waterville.

While in Dublin, you may want to shop for handicrafts, Irish linens, and Aran sweater, Belleek china or Waterford crystal. Ireland’s East and Dublin areas also feature well-known golf courses including The K Club, Portmarnock, The European and Druids Glen.

Indeed, getting to Ireland is easy and once you’re there, the course is only a drive away, anytime of the year. “Golf doesn’t get any better” than in Ireland.

Six Million Canadian Golfers

Canadians are passionate about the game of golf, but it’s much more than just a game: golf is an industry. An Ispos Reid study conducted on behalf of the Royal Canadian Golf Association concluded recently that golfers spend $13 billion a year in Canada on green fees and memberships, gear, apparel and golf trips. 

In Ontario, there are about 2.3 million golfers – six million in Canada. But compared to the U.S., that’s small potatoes. In the U.S., the 2005 Golf Economy Report from Golf 20/20 compared golf industry numbers to those of 2000. Golf 20/20 revealed, the game generated an average annual growth of 4.1 per cent compared to a 2000 study. Total impact in the U.S. was $195 billion, and 2 million jobs. In total, the game was responsible for $76 billion in goods and services. 

Here’s a breakdown of 2005 numbers. The largest piece of the pie relates to golf facility operations ($28 billion); followed by hospitality and tourism ($18 billion); real estate ($15 billion); golf supplies ($6.1 billion); course capital investment ($3.6 billion); charities ($3.5 billion); and endorsements, tournaments and associations ($1.7 billion). 

So, how are today’s millionaire golfers faring? According to a Golf Digest report, Canada’s Stephen Ames ranked sixth amongst all professional golfers in terms of percentage of overall income stemming from on-course earnings. Ames made $2,899,676 million in 2007, accounting for 68.23% of his overall income. Steve Stricker’s $7,663,077 ranked him first in this category with on-course earnings totalling 87.45% of his overall income. Lorena Ochoa ranked second, with $4,364,994 totalling 69.67% of her income. 

Here’s where it gets interesting. According to the Golf Digest study, Greg Norman’s $24 million earned off-course accounted for almost all of his earnings in 2007 – 99.97%. Michelle Wie’s corporate earnings totalled $12.5 million – 99.92% of her total earnings. Arnold Palmer’s $29.5 million ranked him third – 0.17% of Arnie’s earnings stemmed from playing golf. Then there’s John Daly, who made $9,250,000 off the course – representing 95.38% of JD’s overall intake. 

What did Tiger do? Mr. Woods brought in a cool $122,702,706 in total income. A distant second, Phil Mickelson totalled $49,572,685 – nothing to sneeze at, but a distant second from the World’s No. 1. 

Next time you’re looking over a 3-foot putt and playing for a buck a hole, consider all of the above and maybe your knees will stop shaking. 

But they probably won’t. That’s what’s great about the game of golf: it means so many different things to so many different golfers. On the other hand, on that rare occasion when you hit that perfect 210-yard draw over water with your 3-iron and give yourself a birdie chance – making a shot like the pros on the PGA Tour – that’s what makes golf so special. Because on any given shot, we can play like the pros. 

Just make sure you only bet a buck a hole, though, and that your playing partner isn’t Tiger Woods.

Pizza Pizza Junior Zone

If you’re a kid – or a kid at heart – then you will most certainly want to stop by the Pizza Pizza Junior Zone, destined to be one of the most popular hot spots at this year’s Toronto Golf & Travel Show.

“Hot & Fresh Pizza Pizza” is a slogan sports fans are familiar with, as Pizza Pizza is a long-time sponsor associated with numerous teams and venues. From the Toronto Blue Jays to the Montreal Canadiens, Pizza Pizza has become synonymous with great food and good times.

Here at the Toronto Golf & Travel Show, the Pizza Pizza Junior Zone features a number of exciting events. Kids will have an opportunity to putt for a free slice of pizza at the show – make a hole-in-one, and enjoy a free slice of Pizza Pizza’s delicious pizza. Even if you don’t make a hole-in-one, you’ll walk away with a buy one, get one free coupon.

In addition, Pizza Pizza is giving away 200 free junior golf clubs each day at the show. Be one of the first 200 kids to visit the Junior Zone on Friday, Saturday or Sunday and you will get a free golf club, courtesy of Pizza Pizza. 

Parents: you will want to be sure to fill out a ballot at the Pizza Pizza Junior Zone, where you will have an opportunity to win free pizza for a year! If your name is drawn, you will win one free, three-topping pizza each month for an entire year – that’s almost a $200 value! Be sure to fill out a ballot for your chance to win “Hot & Fresh Pizza Pizza.”

In 2007, Pizza Pizza celebrated its 40th anniversary. Founded by Michael Overs in 1967, Pizza Pizza now includes 531 Pizza Pizza outlets, plus 48 Pizza 73 outlets. Last year, Pizza Pizza purchased Pizza 73 in Alberta and added to its chain of quality restaurants. In addition to its number of Ontario locations, Pizza Pizza now has three Montreal-based restaurants.

There are more than 1,500 Pizza Pizza employees who live by the promise, “Always the best food – made especially for you!” In total, there are 28 million customer orders processed each year – 50 per minute! The familiar Pizza Pizza phone number – ending in 11-11 – is a well-known part of contemporary pop culture.

Always enhancing its menu, which includes delicious pizza and multi-grain dough, wings, salads and soon-to-be-added breaded shrimp, Pizza Pizza has won numerous awards over the years. In 2007 alone, Pizza Pizza was voted Reader’s Choice for Best Pizza by the Newmarket Aurora Banner, City Parent, Brampton Guardian and Hamilton’s The View.

Did you know that Pizza Pizza introduced the industry to the first insulated delivery bag, centralized single-number ordering system and 40-minute delivery guarantee? What’s more, Pizza Pizza has established its own university which provides comprehensive training for all facets of the business. And, Pizza Pizza introduced a lunch program with a fundraising component which currently serves more than 1,200 schools.

In fact, Pizza Pizza is an involved member of the communities in which it operates. The Pizza Pizza Slices for Smiles Fund, the Sunshine Games, a myriad of sports sponsorships – including the Toronto Golf & Travel Show – and many charitable donations are all associated with Pizza Pizza.

What are you waiting for? Visit the Pizza Pizza Junior Zone at the show, and be sure to enjoy some “Hot and Fresh Pizza Pizza.”

Nike Golf

Nike Golf is passionately dedicated to honouring and respecting the traditions and heritage of the game of golf, and to providing committed golfers with the absolute best equipment in the game in every product category. After all, the world’s number one player, Tiger Woods, trusts his game with Nike Golf.

With headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike Golf designs and markets golf equipment, apparel, balls, footwear, bags and accessories worldwide. Nike is excited about its 2008 golf offerings, and you will be, too, when you visit Nike at this year’s Toronto Golf & Travel Show.

There’s a lot of buzz surrounding Nike’s second generation of SQ SUMO drivers: the Nike SQ SUMO² 5900, and SQ SUMO 5000, both 460cc drivers.

The SUMO² 5900 features a square-shaped head, a deeper face, a convex crown, and redefined body shape to increase ball speed and accuracy. With the Moment of Inertia (MOI) at the maximum allowed of 5900, the SUMO² 5900 offers greater forgiveness on off-centre hits with a tighter shot dispersion. This result is the straightest, longest and most accurate driver Nike Golf has ever made. Featuring Nike’s PowerBow weighting, the weight in the SUMO² 5900 is repositioned to the farthest corners of the Nike PowerBow design, optimizing head stability and delivering ultimate accuracy. The SUMO² 5900 has a multi-thickness face, which maximizes faster ball speeds from every point on the face.

The SUMO 5000 is a more traditionally round-shaped driver with a deep-face profile. This gives golfers the freedom to shape the ball or hit it long and straight. The PowerBow design strategically positions weight in the club head to optimize the centre of gravity (CG) location.

Also new from Nike in 2008: the super game improvement SQ SUMO iron set, which Nike Golf’s chief designer, Tom Stites, calls “the most forgiving iron Nike Golf has ever developed.”

Nike uses its standard PowerBow weighting, repositioning weight low and deep to promote extreme MOI. The SQ SUMO irons have a long heel-to-toe length and wider sole. Irons 4 through 7 boast an ultra-thin Cryo Steel face plate welded around the perimeter of the clubhead, which increases the Coefficient of Restitution COR across the face. This means outstanding energy transfer for your iron play. A TPU polymer insert is also designed to soften the feel of the clubs at impact.

The golf swing starts with a firm foundation, and Nike Golf has come up with a winner in the TW 8.5 Zoom Elite golf shoe. This top-of-the-line Nike Air Tour shoe features a myriad of new technology designed to keep you stable, warm and dry during your round. Premium full-grain leather uppers, and Caged Air-Sole unit provide outstanding comfort. A full-length Poron sockliner molds to the contour of the foot. Rubber T@C5 (traction at contact) outsole provides maximum grip. A Nike rubber Power Channel Outsole gives better balance, smoother weight transfer and strong push through impact. Forefoot Flex Channel in this shoe allows your foot to flex where it’s supposed to, especially on demanding uneven ground and hilly lies.

The Tiger Woods Platinum Apparel collection will have you looking like a pro on the fairways and greens this summer. This new collection represents an intersection between Nike Golf’s luxury line, and its performance wear. It’s modern, edgy and performs as well as you would expect from Nike Golf – a leader from tee to green.

Callaway For Women

From drivers, fairway woods and irons, to stunning fashions suitable for fairways, greens and the 19th hole, Callaway Golf offers everything for the female golfer. It’s part of Callaway’s showcase at the Toronto Golf & Travel Show, where women can prepare for the upcoming season in style.

Callaway Golf Apparel for women presents comfort and style in its Fall/Winter 2008 lineup. With Drysport, comfort performance is the mantra with the women’s collection. Combined with great colour stories and flattering silhouettes, the entire line is sure to turn heads.

Revival from Callaway Golf Apparel is inspired by the free expression of the 1960s, and a tribute to the late Emilio Pucci through prints. Sophisticated, active and fun colors such as Nautical Navy and Olympic Blue are used with Dusk, Metal and White sporty stripes and sexy colour block tops and printed skorts. Tech Pullovers are strong this season as an alternative to sweaters and outerwear. 

The Enchanted line encompasses a strong sporty point of view using Black as a base, along with Taupestone and a pop accent of Teal to round out the group. A mix of performance and lifestyle yarn dye stripe hoodie and Luxury Pima Interlock take you to the next level. Performance bottoms round out this group in longer lean short silhouettes and tech looking capris. 

The Lifestyle group Luminance, combining Black, Espresso, Latte with pop brights such as Rosette and Autumn looks fresh and new. Luxurious Extra Fine Merino Color Block Cardigans keep things exciting in black and espresso heather. This group offers lots of performance stretch layering to wear with the new performance lifestyle outerwear and Callaway’s new signatures Plaid Capri, Tabitha.

Callaway Golf Apparel for women: taking you on and off the course and keeping you looking good at all times.

Callaway Golf’s new women’s gear for 2008 feature the Big Bertha line. The Big Bertha GEMS is a complete set designed for women new to the game, or the occasional, high-handicap golfer looking to play better golf. The GEMS set includes eight clubs which utilize the latest Callaway Golf game-improvement technologies.

The new Big Bertha Driver for women is the result of much research and testing. The 440c titanium head is slightly smaller than a men’s clubhead to reduce the club’s weight. When combined with its slightly longer shaft and core Callaway Golf technologies, the new Big Bertha Driver for women allows a woman to maximize her swing speed for increased ball speed and longer distance. 

As well, the new Big Bertha Fairway Woods complement a woman’s unique swing characteristics, and feature the latest game-improvement technologies. And like the Big Bertha Driver, this club helps promote a draw, reducing fades and slices – and raising confidence.

The new Big Bertha Irons take the guesswork out of their set configuration. High-tech stainless steel clubs consist of i-brids instead of hard-to-hit long irons, and super game-improvement mid- and short-irons. Wide soles improve turf interaction, and a low, deep Centre of Gravity (CG) helps get the ball in the air quickly and easily.

Callaway Golf Apparel, and Callaway clubs for women: be in style, and take your game to the next level.

WestJet Vacations

WestJet Vacations has built a solid reputation as your one-stop shop to affordable, reliable and easy-to-book travel packages to exciting destinations in North America. Now, when you visit the WestJet Vacations pavilion at the Toronto Star Golf & Travel Show, you’ll be greeted with unbelievable show-only travel specials.

WestJet is Canada’s leading low-cost, high-value airline offering scheduled service throughout its 44-city North American and Caribbean network. Named Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Culture for a third consecutive year in 2007, WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. With increased legroom and leather seats on its modern fleet of 70 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, and live setback television provided by Bell ExpressVu on its fleet, WestJet strives to be the number one choice for travellers.

Come visit WestJet at the show, and check out its new Canada Golf Brochure. In addition, and exclusive to the show, WestJet will be offering special packages to Prince Edward Island, and to British Columbia.

The P.E.I. package will include seven nights, and, of course, a lobster dinner. Family-oriented packages are featured, plus some special golf packages which have been custom packaged for the female golfer. And if B.C. is your destination of choice, you will want to check out WestJet’s show special which includes B.C. golf in Kelowna. There’s a show contest, too, which is sure to excite you about Canadian travel.

WestJet Vacations is also proud to introduce at this year’s Toronto Star Golf & Travel Show a special Champions Gate Orlando package which includes five nights, plus unlimited golf! Additionally, WestJet brings to the show a Mesquite, Nevada package which includes four nights, complimentary breakfast and reduced golf rates.

With WestJet Vacations, you can count on outstanding, customer-friendly, fun-loving travel which you have come to expect from WestJet Airline. Whether you simply want to get away for a weekend, or plan to enjoy a week-long holiday, WestJet Vacations takes you to great destinations. WestJet asks you to “put your seats in the just-right position,” and choose from WestJet’s wide selection of scheduled flights, as well as its quality products and services available at all of WestJet’s destinations in Canada and the U.S.

When you travel with WestJet Vacations, you’re a guest – even in between plane rides. That’s where WestJet’s experienced partners come in. WestJet has partnered with a wide selection of well-known and trusted companies to offer products and services that will meet your every need and provide you with a quality post-flight experience.

WestJet’s title as Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Culture in 2005, 2006 and again in 2007 was awarded by Waterstone Human Capital. WestJet president and CEO, Sean Durfy, called the award “the result of WestJetters’ relentless commitment to our culture and values. Being successful in the airline industry is extremely difficult. Our culture and our people are great constants and is what has helped us to achieve tremendous growth and success over the last 11 years and will continue to drive our success.”

You know you deserve a vacation. Stop by the WestJet Vacations pavilion when you’re at the show, and be sure to ask about the show-only specials, as well as WestJet’s new Canada Golf Brochure.

Golf Quotes

I have a tip that can take five strokes off anyone's golf game: it's called an eraser. – Arnold Palmer 

Golf is a game that is played on a five-inch course - the distance between your ears. – Bobby Jones 

Golf is a lot of walking, broken up by disappointment and bad arithmetic. – Author Unknown 

Forget your opponents; always play against par. – Sam Snead 

What other people may find in poetry or art museums, I find in the flight of a good drive. – Arnold Palmer 

The reason the pro tells you to keep your head down is so you can't see him laughing. – Phyllis 
Diller 

If you drink, don't drive. Don't even putt. – Dean Martin 

Golf is a good walk spoiled. – Mark Twain 

When I die, bury me on the golf course so my husband will visit. – Author Unknown 

Golf is life. If you can't take golf, you can't take life. – Author Unknown 

Drugs are very much a part of professional sports today, but when you think about it, golf is the only sport where the players aren't penalized for being on grass. – Bob Hope 

Columbus went around the world in 1492. That isn't a lot of strokes when you consider the course. – Lee Trevino 

I've spent most of my life golfing ... the rest I've just wasted. – Author Unknown 

They call it golf because all of the other four-letter words were taken. – Raymond Floyd 

If you're caught on a golf course during a storm and are afraid of lightning, hold up a 1-iron. Not even God can hit a 1-iron. – Lee Trevino 

The first time I played the Masters, I was so nervous I drank a bottle of rum before I teed off. I shot the happiest 83 of my life. – Chi Chi Rodriguez 

My swing is so bad I look like a caveman killing his lunch. – Lee Trevino 

One of the most fascinating things about golf is how it reflects the cycle of life. No matter what you shoot - the next day you have to go back to the first tee and begin all over again and make yourself into something. – Peter Jacobsen

Deerhurst Resort

Deerhurst Resort is a national treasure – a landmark Muskoka resort since 1896. Just two hours north of Toronto, Deerhurst is an inclusive vacation hotspot, boasting world-class golf, spa escapes, resort conference facilities and exquisite dining – plus much more, all within a distinctive lakeside setting.

The Toronto Golf & Travel Show welcomes Deerhurst Resort, who in turn welcomes you to visit their show location for information about their myriad of unique golfing pleasures. Perhaps you have made a day trip to play the beautiful and challenging Deerhurst Highlands Golf Course. With so many other opportunities awaiting you at Deerhurst, consider spending the night during your next golf trip. And, you will want to check out all of Deerhurst’s wonderful golf packages.

The Robert Cupp/Thomas McBroom designed Deerhurst Highlands course is one of Canada’s best, and was recently named Best Course in Cottage Country. With tees ready to welcome every level of golfer, Deerhurst Highlands offers significant challenge for skilled players, and achievable challenge for those golfers simply out to enjoy a round in beautiful Muskoka.

Measuring 7,011 yards from the tips, Deerhurst Highlands is still the gold standard of Muskoka golf. Its view soars out and over the lake, while the course drops dramatically below. Bold granite outcroppings and dramatic terrain shifts are optimized at signature hole #10, where elevated tee areas perch 30 feet high above a natural rock wall. Dense, mature forests characterize most of the course, while holes 4, 5 and 6 break out into an open links-style swirl.

For a quick round or a chance to warm up before the big links, the par-64 Deerhurst Lakeside Golf Course beckons with a McBroom redesign that lets you use every club in your bag. The front nine skirts Peninsula Lake, and the back nine challenges with more demanding holes. Slick undulating greens, strategic water hazards and deep bunkers welcome all levels of players.

New to Deerhurst Resort is the $400,000 practice facility. Golfers know how important it is to warm up before a round. Now, Deerhurst offers a state-of-the-art practice area to help get your special day at Deerhurst off to a terrific start.

Deerhurst Golf Academy provides the perfect excuse for you to stay and play at Deerhurst. A wide range of unique golf instruction programs for every level of golfer will take your game to a higher level. A customized program – just for you – or a preset private, semi-private or group lesson will certainly help your game. Corporate golf events are always welcome at Deerhurst, too.

In January, Deerhurst Resort welcomed its new Director of Golf, Simon Bevan. A seasoned yet young, dynamic golf professional, Bevan honed his skills at venues including Grandview Golf Club, and Glen Abbey Golf Club. He’s now in charge of two 18-hole courses, a busy corporate tournament schedule, a golf academy and retail outlets at Deerhurst.

According to Deerhurst Resort general manager Joseph Klein, “Someone with Simon’s credentials and destination knowledge is an ideal addition to the Deerhurst Resort team. We’re known for being the forerunner of championship golf in Muskoka, and in 2007 Deerhurst was selected as one of the world’s Top 100 golf resorts. This year, we’re delighted Simon will be keeping us on course toward an even greater player satisfaction and industry success.”

An active member of the local community, Bevan is the current president of the Huntsville-Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce, and has served on the town’s Economic Development Advisory Committee.

When it comes to overseeing a successful operation like Deerhurst Resort, Bevan says, “It’s really all about building good relationships with your members, your staff and your guests.”

This golf season, make sure to drive to Deerhurst Resort – and enjoy your stay, fine dining and overnight accommodation, too. Deerhurst truly is a once-in-a-lifetime golf/resort destination – and it’s practically right in your backyard.

Nevada Bob’s

An incredible 4,000 square feet of great deals await you at the Nevada Bob’s Golf Pavilion, sure to be a highlight for any visitor at the 2008 Toronto Golf & Travel Show.

Nevada Bob’s Golf has been “your golf specialist in Canada” for more than 35 years. Locally owned and operated, Nevada Bob’s takes pride in its personalized, expert service. The golf experts at Nevada Bob’s know and love the game, and it shows in the way they do business. In fact, Nevada Bob’s knowledgeable owners and associates can help you choose from the latest equipment, fashions and accessories, offer golf tips, make course recommendations, and suggest equipment changes or adjustments that can help improve your game.

As part of the Forzani Group Ltd., Canada's largest national retailer of sports equipment, footwear, and apparel, Nevada Bob’s Golf offers you incredible prices, too. In fact, Nevada Bob’s backs that up with its Confidence Guarantee, which includes its price match, returns and custom fit policies, meaning Nevada Bob’s won’t be satisfied unless you are.

Personal service and going that extra yard has always been the Nevada Bob’s Golf way. That’s why it has specialized, ongoing services to help you get the most out of your game. Nevada Bob’s Golf: “Your game. Your store.”

Eagles on the course may be rare, but a Nevada Bob’s, personal services are part of an everyday promise. The perfect gift for the golfer who has everything, and for special group outings, gift cards come in any denomination, plus they are redeemable at most stores across Canada. Want to show off your corporate colours and logo? Planning a golf tournament or outing? Looking for incentive programs for your business? Nevada Bob’s can deliver winning results on all of your promotional, event or prizing needs.

Of course, Nevada Bob’s Golf is home to the latest in golf equipment, apparel and accessories. See it fly before you buy! Nevada Bob’s offers you the opportunity to test and demo any equipment it sells, in the great outdoors, on the course or at the range, every day. All Nevada Bob’s stores also offer hitting areas, as well as putting greens. And the pros at Nevada Bob’s know, golf technology continues to change the game at a dizzying pace. Keeping your equipment up-to-date is critical to your game’s success, which is why selected stores now offer a trade-in program for your old clubs. For details, drop by the store nearest you.

Regardless of your skill level, Nevada Bob’s friendly staff have the expertise and state-of-the-art in-store custom fit technology. This ensures that you have the right clubs for your game. From re-gripping to customizing your lie angle, the pros at Nevada Bob’s fully-equipped stores will take care of all your repair needs, too – usually while you wait! Nevada Bob’s offers a super selection of shafts, extensions and flexes to suit your needs.

And don’t forget Nevada Bob’s Junior Half-Back program. Nevada Bob’s will grow with your kids! Purchase a set of junior clubs this year, and receive half of the original price back, towards the purchase of a new set next year.

You can’t miss Nevada Bob’s 4,000-square-foot pavilion at this year’s show. Here’s the perfect opportunity to check out the 2008 clubs, apparel and accessories sure to make you a winner on the course this year.

Nevada Bob’s Golf: “Your Game. Your store.”

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