The Buzz

Annual ING Industry Honors

The International Network of Golf was formed in 1990 and is a non-profit, media-based networking association whose mission is to improve and enhance communication and education throughout the golf industry. GMS's president, Holly Geoghegan, is a founding member and an advisory board member. GMS has marketed numerous programs and sponsorships for ING since its inception.

In an effort to elevate ING's visibility and recognition in the industry, GMS co-created the Industry Honors in 1994. The Industry Honors have been called "the Academy Awards" of golf and recognize outstanding achievements in a variety of business and marketing categories.

Nominations are submitted from members and non-members of ING. Committee chairs along with their committee members select three final nominees which are then voted on by the ING membership. GMS' Holly G. is chairperson and coordinates the event held annually at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando.

There will also be product displays, guest speakers, and daily instructional clinics by PGA Master Professional Luther Blacklock of Explanar in ClubING. A second media reception sponsored by Johnson & Wales University is set for Thursday at 5:30 p.m.

Nominees for this year's ING Industry Honors will be recognized and winners announced at the ING Industry Honors Presentation Press Conference, Room 309A, Jan. 30, 12:30 p.m. during the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando.

2008-09 ING Industry Honors Nominees

PRODUCT INGENUITY

Market Leaders

• Bridgestone B330-RX Golf Ball
• Exotics XCG/CB2 Fairway Woods
• TaylorMade Tour Burner Irons

Emerging Companies

• Rife Putters
• SkyCaddie SG5
• Sun Mountain ClubGlider Travel Bag

BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT

• ClubLink Corp.
• Haggin Oaks Golf Complex
• Total Golf Adventures

GOLF COURSE DESIGN

• Mike Dasher
• David McLay Kidd
• Brian Silva

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

• Total Golf Adventures
• Traverse City Junior Golf Association
• Youth On Course

TOURNAMENT SERVICE

• PGA Tour Superstores World Amateur Handicap 25th Anniversary
• Tiger Woods Foundation Chevron Charity Tournament
• Trashmasters International

TELEVISION

Individual Commercial

• Cobra Drivers - "Sinister Suction"
• RBS - "Over The Tree"
• Titleist - "I Mark My Ball"

Commercial Series

• Callaway Tour Series Balls - "Good Ball"
• Crowne Hotels - "Phil Mickelson Roundtables"
• Cobra Speed Drivers - "David Feherty And The Yellow Chair"

PRINT ADVERTISING TRADE

• Syngenta
• Toro

TRAVEL/REAL ESTATE

• Pinehurst Resort
• Kiawah Island
• The Fairmont St. Andrews

PRINT ADS PRODUCTS/SERVICES

• Adidas
• Srixon
• Yes!

PUBLIC RELATIONS/PROMOTIONS

• Golf Digest/NBC U.S. Open Challenge
• Nike Juice E-Mail Blast
• Tour Edge Multi-Manufacturer Media Day