Minnesota golfers who want to do a little practice putting in their own back yards can now have the very same state-of-the-art synthetic greens used in many commercial applications. And, depending on the space available, they may even add a sand trap! Visitors to the upcoming Womens Home Expo™ will be able to see and feel the turf, and have the chance to win one for themselves. While at the show they can also can have their golf swing analyzed with a new home version of a computerized golf simulator, similar to what the pros use.

Offered exclusive to Minnesotans by Lakeville-based GolfGreens of Minnesota, these low maintenance greens are growing in popularity because they have a putting surfance very similar to the natural bent grass green. These spectacular greens were developed by GolfGreens Systems, Inc. (GGS), a company that has built more than 1,000 backyard greens ranging in size from as small as 180 square feet to more than 4,000 square feet.

"GGS has researched the market in terms of applying the best known and available raw materials to the construction of an outdoor green," explains Troy Johnson, owner of GolfGreens of Minnesota. "With an objective to obtain the best installation processes, the company applies specifications and proprietary procedures that have been developed through the construction of greens in all weather conditions and environments."

Johnson adds that, "GGS greens are constructed of a compacted crushed rock sub base material which provides contours and undulation, an advanced UV treated synthetic fiber "turf carpet" and like natural greens, a specially processed top dressing sand, the key component which gives the ball a natural roll and absorption on chip shots."

As a sponsor of the Womens Home Expo™, to be held November 12-14, 2004 at the Minneapolis Convention Center, GolfGreens of Minnesota is giving away one backyard putting green, valued up to $5,000, to one lucky Minnesota golf enthusiast. Johnson and other experienced representatives will be on hand at the expo to discuss custom design options including size, contour and other features such as sand traps.

GolfGreens of Minnesota also will be demonstrating the revolutionary Home Country Club driving range, a state-of-the-art golf simulator system that allows you to work on your game at home - even if it's snowing outside! Manufactured by the same company that makes professional golf simulator systems, the Home Country Club driving range enables you to drive, chip, putt or play golf like you would on an actual course, and gives you immediate feedback on every swing. Choose your distance from the pin, and practice all the clubs in your bag. This computerized system also allows you to play the most beautiful courses in the world without leaving home.

The three-day show also will give attendees access to hundreds of home improvement and design resources under one roof. Guest celebrities will include television hosts Joan Steffend of HGTV's Decorating Cents and JoAnne Liebeler (Passport to Design, Home Savvy and Room for Change), as well as designer Mark Montano of TLC's While You Were Out. Montano will conduct demonstrations on stage both Saturday and Sunday.

Ask the Pros

As a special treat, show producers are putting together a special designer panel that will meet on stage each day to answer audience questions. The public also is invited to Ask the Pro Before You Go by visiting the official expo Web site at www.101expos.com. Design questions submitted from that site are being directed to one of the many professionals who will be exhibiting at the show. It's a great way to make contact with experts before the show and prepare for your face-to-face meeting.

Show hours are November 12 from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., November 13 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and November 14 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $3 with the half price coupon available on the Web site (www.101expos.com), and free to kids 17 and under when accompanied by an adult.

Benefiting Other Area Women
One dollar of every paid admission will be donated to WomenVenture, a nonprofit economic development agency for women. WomenVenture's mission is to assist women in securing their own economic success and prosperity. WomenVenture helps women start and grow their own businesses, change or develop careers, and train for well-paying jobs in non-traditional industries.

This year's Womens Home Expo™ is sponsored by FM 107, TLC's While You Were Out, KSTP TV, Sea Dreams, SimonDelivers, KSTC 45 TV, GolfGreens of Minnesota and Stressfree Living.

The Womens Home Expo™ is produced by Mid-America Events & Expos, Inc. which also produces the Body Mind Life Expo™, the Seniors Spring Show™ and the Seniors Expo™.

Media note: For further information, or to set up an interview with Troy Johnson, may contact Media Relations at 612-798-7220.

For Viewers or listeners: More information on the Womens Home Expo™ can be found at www.101expos.com or call the Expo hotline at 612-798-7256.

Troy Johnson founded GolfGreens of Minnesota, LLP in 2003, and has exclusive territory rights to the state of Minnesota through GolfGreens Systems, Colorado Springs, CO. GolfGreens of Minnesota sells and installs the highest quality low maintenance synthetic greens on the market. It also is the exclusive distributor for the Home Country Club golf simulator. Troy was an aircraft mechanic for nearly 15 years until getting furloughed due to 9/11. "A lot of my friends started their own contractor or handyman business," he states. "I wanted to do something a little more fun. I love to golf and I know Minnesota loves to golf. This is a great combination: bringing my attention to detail from working on aircraft, and my love of golfing, to people's backyards." Johnson says that backyard greens are a great way to introduce youngsters to golf.