Mid America Events & Expos

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PGA Master Professional Jock Olson to offer tips to golfers at the Sports & Recreation Expo for Women

Now more than ever, women throughout Minnesota are becoming fascinated with golf. “It has a lot to do with the challenge, the social aspect, and the fact that you get to play the game outside on a beautiful piece of property,” observes PGA Master Professional Jock Olson, who oversees all golf operations at Interlachen Country Club. “Women are the fastest growing segment of new golf players. It’s not a simple game to take up, but once you learn the proper fundamentals it can be a lot of fun.”

Olson and Interlachen Teaching Professional Andrea Kellar will be on hand at the upcoming Sports & Recreational Expo for Women (www.101expos.com) to give women tips on improving their golf game. The expo will be held March 24-25, 2007 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

“There are many reasons women are attracted to game of golf. First, it’s a truly challenging game that is played on some of the most spectacular locations in the world. Secondly, it teaches all who play it important life skills such as honesty and integrity because there are no referees,” says Olson. For women who are interested in taking up golf for the first time, Olson offers the following advice:

Get professional instruction. “Over the years, I’ve seen that having a spouse or significant other try to teach you the game just doesn’t work as well as getting professional instruction. Learning the basic fundamentals, such as understanding the mechanics of the golf swing, is extremely important. When I’m teaching a clinic, we spend quite a few sessions making sure you understand and are learning the fundamentals properly.”

He adds that how you hold onto the club – the golf grip – is probably your most important fundamental skill. “If your grip isn’t fairly good to begin with, you’ll have problems hitting the ball straight.”
Your first set of clubs doesn’t have to fit you perfectly. “For a typical beginning lady golfer of average size, with average hands, generic ladies clubs are appropriate. As you become more skilled in the game, you might want better clubs that are fitted more accurately.”
Dress comfortably. “Come dressed in casual street clothing, such as a golf shirt and loose slacks or shorts. If you don’t have soft-spike golf shoes, most rubber-soled shoes including tennis shoes are fine.”

The Sports & Recreation Expo for Women will feature hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the latest in sports, fitness and recreational gear and equipment, clothing and related accessories, plus nonstop seminars to help attendees stay at the top of their game. With industry experts and women sports participants such as PGA Master Professional Jock Olson, Teaching Professional Andrea Kellar and members of the Minnesota Lynx, the show is intended to inspire women to achieve their goals, and find even more fun and challenges in their recreational activities.

This year’s sponsors include the 2008 U.S. Women’s Open, KSTC Channel 5, KSTP Channel 45 and Stressfree Living.

Media Note: For additional information, or to schedule an interview with Jock Olson or Andrea Kellar, contact Media Relations, Inc. at 612-798-7220.

Biography -- Jock Olson

PGA Master Professional at Interlachen Country Club since 1994. Jock oversees all golf operations at Interlachen. He was awarded the 2002 National PGA Golf Professional of the Year Award by the PGA of America. In 2005, Jock was inducted into the PGA Golf Hall of Fame located in Port St. Lucie, Florida. He is a past National Director of the PGA and is currently the Honorary President of the Minnesota PGA. Jock represents the Titleist Golf Company as a member of their advisory staff. He is a quarter century member of the PGA and has been extensively involved in the PGA of America on a state and national level since 1976. Jock is the former Head Golf Professional at Cedar Rapids Country Club, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; former Head Golf Professional at Burlington Golf Club, Burlington, Iowa; and former Assistant Golf Professional at Des Moines Golf & Country Club, Des Moines, Iowa. Jock is married and has three daughters. He is a graduate of Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Radio and Television and a minor in journalism.