Golf equipment and teaching aids weren’t the only items that debuted at Tuesday’s PGA Show Demo Day at Orange County National Golf Center.
So did Drive For Show LIVE, a collaboration from PGA Golf Exhibitions and Buffalo Groupe, LLC that showcases media personalities, celebrities, PGA of America Golf Professionals and creators through a series of live events.
“It’s all about having fun,” said Michal “America’s Caddie” Collins, who hosted a skills challenge on the club’s 360-degree range. “It’s combining the entertainment aspect with the sport of golf as we try to get new eyeballs on the game.”
Hally Leadbetter was part of Tuesday’s festivities as she was behind the wheel of a Club Car range-picker, conducting interviews while golf balls were whizzing by. Collins also hosted The Lie Detector, powered by Trackman, where show attendees can see if their clamed driving distance matches reality.
“Drive for Show LIVE builds on the momentum of PGA Show Week with first-of-its-kind competitions and original content that showcase the broad and evolving appeal of golf,” said PGA Golf Exhibitions Vice President Marc Simon. “This new programming will spotlight industry-leading brands, the expertise of PGA of America Golf Professionals and reinforce golf’s growing relevance with a diverse and engaged consumer audience.”
Collins has the background, doing standup comedy for 20 years while spending 10 years as a caddie. He looped for Chris Couch when he won the 2003 Korn Ferry Tour Championship and hosted a golf show on ESPN.
“I could care less about how you hit a cut 7-iron,” Collins said. “Are you someone I want to spend hours with on the golf course and go have a beer with afterward? It’s always been about the opportunity to bond with people you want to hang out with on and off the golf course.” —Craig Dolch