PGA Professional Ken Morton, Sr., TaylorMade’s M1 Driver and Knuth Golf’s High Heat Driver were among the winners in the 23rd edition of the ING Industry Honors, announced at the PGA Merchandise Show.
Called by many the “Academy Awards of the Golf Industry,” the ING Industry Honors program recognizes outstanding achievement in the golf business. The non-profit, media-based networking organization International Network of Golf conducts the awards program.
Nominees in a dozen categories are submitted throughout the year from anyone in the golf industry. Sub-committees that include experts in each category then trim the entries to the top three in each category. ING members then vote electronically to determine the winners, who are announced and recognized at the Industry Honors Presentation Press Conference. Holly Geoghegan of Golf Marketing Services is the committee chair.
Morton is one of the most-awarded golf professional in the history of the PGA as Director of Golf at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex. He has won five national PGA awards including the prestigious PGA Golf Professional of the Year award and been inducted into the PGA of America Hall of Fame and California Golf Hall of Fame.
The M1 driver has a multi-material construction, highlighted by a proprietary 7-layer Carbon Composite Crown. The crown is precision-formed and built ultra-thin, ultra-lite and high strength to maximize weight savings. This savings was repositioned to build a weight-loaded sole, moving overall clubhead weight lower and center for a more efficient power transfer. Slip Stream sole glides through turf dramatically minimizing contact for maximum speed through impact.
The High Heat was named on more media “top products” lists than any other driver at the 2015 PGA Show. Gary Van Sickle called High Heat with its 25% deeper and 18% lower CG, and 24% higher MOI compared to major brands, “the most significant technological innovation from the show . . . and a game changer for amateur golfers.”
French Lick Resort was a winner in two categories, both involving the Legends Championship conducted at the Southern Indiana resort. French Lick won in the PR/Promotions category and the new Video Marketing category.
A complete list of winners is below. The presentation took place Thursday in the ING Hospitality Room, and was sponsored by PGA Golf Exhibitions. For more information, visit inggolf.com.
WINNERS & NOMINEES – 2015 ING INDUSTRY HONORS
BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT
Winner: Ken Morton, Sr. PGA Professional
Also Nominated: Mike Davis, USGA; Michael Hughes, NGCOA
DIGITAL MARKETING
Winner: Swingclick/Revolution Golf
Also Nominated: Destination Kohler; Southern California G.A./Golf Pulp Media
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
Winner: Kay McMahon, Golf 8.5
Also Nominated: Kelli Corlett, Haggin Oaks; Dr. Bob Winters
PRINT ADVERTISEMENT – Products & Services
Winner: Under Armour – “The Scary Thing Is…He’s Just Getting Started.”
Also Nominated: Callaway Golf – “Leave No Yard Behind”; SuperStroke – “Quiet Your Hands. Hear The Roar.”
PRINT ADVERTISEMENT – Travel & Real Estate
Winner: Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club – “You’ll Never Look Back…”
Also Nominated: Scottsdale CVB – “Scottsdale Is Transformative”; St. George, Utah-Red Rock Trail – “#ThereIsAPlace”
PRODUCT INGENUITY – Emerging Companies
Winner: Knuth Golf High Heat Driver
Also Nominated: DST Compressor Club; Swingclick
PRODUCT INGENUITY – Market Leading Companies
Winner: TaylorMade Golf M1 Driver
Also Nominated: Cobra Golf KING LTD Driver; PING G30 Driver
PUBLIC RELATIONS/PROMOTIONS
Winner: The Legends Championship at French Lick Resort
Also Nominated: Troon Golf’s Breast Cancer Awareness Program; Volvik DS-77 Golf Ball Hole-In-One Challenge.
TOURNAMENT SERVICE
Winner: Haggin Oaks Golf & Guitars
Also Nominated: Gary Player Invitational Series; The Legends Championship
TV INDIVIDUAL COMMERCIAL
Winner: Bridgestone Golf eSeries – “Drone Fire”
Also Nominated: HSBC – “It’s Anyone’s Game”; TaylorMade Aeroburner – “Made Of Speed.”
TV COMMERCIAL SERIES
Winner: Skechers – Featuring Matt Kuchar
Also Nominated: Geico – Featuring the Cave Man; Hyundai – Featuring David Feherty
VIDEO MARKETING
Winner: French Lick Resort – The Legends Championship.
Also Nominated: Groove Caddy; PGA Village/GMS.
