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Big names, big times in Anaheim
Special events make the 2007 GIS a can’t-miss event
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GCSAA has some familiar faces and one unsung hero coming to Anaheim to help make the 2007 GCSAA Education Conference and Golf Industry Show an event to remember.
The Opening Session, again presented in partnership with Bayer Environmental Sciences, kicks off at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 22. Accepting the 2007 Old Tom Morris Award will be Charlie Sifford, the first African-American to play on the PGA Tour full time. A 2004 World Golf Hall of Fame inductee, Sifford won the 1967 Hartford Open, the 1969 Los Angeles Open and the 1975 PGA of America Seniors Championship.
Sifford’s 2004 induction into the Hall of Fame has deservedly brought this golf trailblazer back into the limelight. When Sifford hoisted the trophy at the Hartford Open, he made history as the first African-American to win on Tour. Sifford, along with former heavyweight champion Joe Louis and others, fought to rescind the “Caucasians only” clause on Tour, which was stricken in 1961. Sifford’s hard work and dedication helped pave the way for other minority athletes.
The keynote speaker for the Opening Session will be another World Golf Hall of Fame member, Johnny Miller. An accomplished golfer, television commentator, author and golf course designer, Miller knows his golf. Long renowned as one of the game’s most insightful, passionate and opinionated figures, he’ll be bringing all that and more to the Opening Session.
Golf Industry Show General Session
Feeling a bit unmotivated? Then hustle to the Golf Industry Show General Session, Friday, Feb. 23, from 8:30 to 10 a.m., produced by GCSAA, NGCOA and CMAA. Attendees will hear Pat Croce, former NBA team owner, talk show host, restaurateur, best-selling author and golf course owner speak about his amazing enthusiasm and tenacity.
Croce first worked his way to the top as a pioneer in the physical therapy field. Later, as owner and president of the Philadephia 76ers, Croce took a team stuck in last place to the top of the standings. He would then go on to host TV shows, write best-selling motivational books, own golf courses and develop casinos. A highly coveted motivational speaker, he earned the honor of “best motivator” from Sales & Marketing magazine. Croce will take his motivational fury with him to Anaheim to try to instill a little bit of that same drive and passion in his audience.
President’s Celebration
On Friday, Feb. 23, GCSAA will honor the 2006 President, Sean A. Hoolehan, CGCS, with a rollicking good time at the President’s Celebration. A sit-down dinner, followed by the traditional awards program, and then dessert start off the evening. Once the last spoon is set down, attendees will get to dance the night away to a GCSAA favorite — the supremely talented Pink Flamingos. Attendees at the 2005 President’s Celebration will remember the Flamingos, who rocked the house while getting the audience involved. Singing, dancing, laughing — wherever the Flamingos go, a good time follows.
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