ABOVE: Traveling Golfer staff presents a driver to one happy 2008 winner – and his Dad!

By: Marjorie Cook

With the rush of the holidays past, and the ringing in of the New Year but a fond memory, the month of January brings only more snow and fading memories of your best round in 2008. As the cold and snow continue to torment those of us in the more Northern climates, the one shining beacon golfers have to look forward to for now is their local Golf Show.

Your Traveling Golfers will help you kick off that season January 31 & February 1 at the 4th annual Hamilton Golf & Travel Show, followed by the 15th annual London Golf & Travel Show on February 7 & 8. We will all be looking forward to the BIG ONE, The 20th annual Toronto Star Golf & Travel Show, February 27-March 1. The Traveling Golfer is looking forward to participating in each of these shows, and everyone is working very diligently to make sure the Winning Tee Promotion is even more exciting than it was in 2008.

So, yes it is still a wonderful time of the year; one where golf retailers, golf destinations and golf courses will all convene to bring hope and joy to those feeling more than just a little depressed about the never-ending white stuff that continues to fall to the ground. By attending these golf shows, and stopping by the Traveling Golfer booth, you will have an opportunity to win great golf prizes with the Winning Tee Promotion.

How does this promotion work? Glad you asked!

Every visitor to each show will receive a golf tee upon entering the show, and just like last year, each tee will have the chance to be redeemed for amazing golf prizes! It's that simple – get your tee, come to see us at the Traveling Golfer, walk away with a great prize. While at the shows you will have the opportunity to test your new clubs before you buy them at the Nevada Bob's Club Test Range. You do need new clubs don't you? They deals will be HOT as the Nevada Bob's staff have been working the suppliers for some great Show Specials. If you have yet to get your hands on the National Golf Course Owners Red Book then you are not taking advantage on tons of savings on Green Fee's and we all like those 2-for-1 deals. You won't miss the "Play Golf Pavilion" at any of the shows. And of course, who amongst us doesn't wish that we could get away from all this cold and white stuff? There will be plenty of destinations to choose from either direct of if you need some expert advice or assistance the Merit Golf Vacations staff will be on hand. Merit Golf Vacations can set you up in almost any golf destination around the world. Oh, and one other thing - just by visiting the Traveling Golfer booth you will be eligible to participate in a draw that could see you win a trip to either Mississippi or North Carolina.

The Hamilton Golf & Travel Show, January 31 & February 1st, takes place downtown at the Hamilton Convention Centre. Show hours are: Saturday 10 to 6 pm and Sunday from 10am to 5pm.

The London Golf and Travel Show returns to the Progress Building at the Western Fair Entertainment Centre on February 7 & 8. Show hours are: Saturday from 10am – 6pm and on Sunday from 10am – 5pm.

This year's show promises to provide both great golf information and entertainment to all. After stopping by the Traveling Golfer booth, show visitors will have an opportunity to putt to win a brand new Infiniti G37 Coupe courtesy of London Infiniti, or enter a virtual long drive competition in Golf without Limit's Golf Simulator. The new interactive lounge will provide the latest in golf video gaming, plus Bob Martin and Ron Lampman of Golf Unleashed will be on hand with their unique golf trick shots. With more than 60 golf courses and resorts represented, you will be sure to find the golf information you are looking for.

The Toronto Star Golf & Travel Show, February 27 to March 1st, will see the Traveling Golfer at the North Building of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The show runs Friday from noon to 8pm, Saturday 10am to 6pm and Sunday from 10 am to 5pm.

In addition to the exciting Traveling Golfer area, the 20th annual Toronto Star Golf & Travel Show will feature the latest in golf equipment, accessories and clothing, plus deals and savings from golf courses, golf destinations and travel retailers. The National Golf Course Owner's Association will be giving away free rounds of golf, and WestJet will be offering unbelievable show-only travel specials with great deals to a variety of golf destinations. On Saturday February 28 from 12pm to 2pm, show visitors will have an opportunity to meet Wendel Clark at the WestJet Pavilion, and Junior Golfers will have an opportunity to enter the Pizza Pizza putting challenge and win a free club.