OLDSMAR - Golfers looking to gain more satisfaction from their games are encouraged to take part in Golfest, the two-day club-fitting event Friday and Saturday at The Downs Golf Practice Facility. Admission is free both days.

    Hours are from noon-6 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday. Matt Mitchell and Bobby Capobianco, instructors at The Downs Golf Practice Facility, will be available from 10 a.m.-noon on Saturday for free 10-minute lessons.

    The event is geared toward “anybody who is looking for new golf clubs,” said Joey DiPompo, Director of Golf at The Downs Golf Practice Facility at the south end of Tampa Bay Downs. “There is no better opportunity to buy golf clubs than this event.”

    Individuals wishing to be fit for new clubs must register online at www.tampabaydowns.com or inside The Downs Golf Practice Facility Pro Shop. Available club companies that will be represented include Bridgestone, Cleveland, Mizuno, PING, TaylorMade, Tour Edge, Srixon, Wilson and Callaway.

    Anyone who signs up for a complimentary club fitting will receive a coupon for a 10-percent discount toward their purchase of a new set (the discount does not apply to PING) at the event.

    Golfers also have the opportunity to “trade in” their old clubs and “trade up” to their new set, receiving a voucher for the assessed value of their current set that can be used toward the purchase of a new set.

    Players can also get fitted for balls through Bridgestone’s Autonomous Ball Fitting Cart, “Otto.” “You take five swings with a driver from 7 feet away, and ‘OTTO’s’ FlightScope launch monitor generates an algorithm to give you your best Bridgestone golf ball recommendation, based on such measures as clubhead speed, spin and launch angle,” DiPompo explained. “A lot of golfers don’t know what ball they should be playing, and this will solve that problem.”

    During the two days of Golfest, half the range will remain open for regular public play, with the other half devoted to club fittings.

    “A lot of people think the big box stores have the best pricing, but that’s a myth,” DiPompo said. “They are not going to give you a better deal than us. If you are a golfer of any skill level, this is your place to meet directly with the companies, try the product, get fit and buy it.”

    Golfest will also feature discount sales in the Pro Shop, with 25 percent off all bags, 20 percent off headwear and 10 percent off select balls; a silent auction; and a raffle to benefit the Tampa Sickles High boys and girls golf teams, offering more than $3,000 worth of prizes.

For details, call the Pro shop at (813) 854-4946. comments powered by Disqus