ATLANTA, Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Golf World magazine, a Golf Digest publication, has recognized a record nine PGA TOUR Shops, operated by The Paradies Shops, on its list of 100 Best Golf Shops for 2008. This is the 13th straight year PGA TOUR Shops have been prominently represented on the list.
Now in its 23rd year, the 100 Best Golf Shops list is compiled by Golf World editors and contributors, measuring on-and off-course, private, public and resort shops on revenue, shop appearance, and success of promotions and recent initiatives.
"To be named to this list with shops from celebrated courses as Medinah, Pinehurst and Doral is an honor, and we are excited to have our PGA TOUR Shops recognized by Golf World for 13 years in a row," said Gregg Paradies, president and CEO of The Paradies Shops. "The PGA TOUR has long set the standard as the most recognized name in golf, and The Paradies Shops is proud to represent this legendary brand as an exclusive partner since 1991."
"We were very gratified to learn that nine of our PGA TOUR airport shops received the award for Top 100 Golf Shops. It is no surprise to us as Paradies is a first-class organization and we truly value this partnership of nearly 20 years," said Tim Hawes, PGA TOUR Senior Vice President, Retail Licensing.
The list of PGA TOUR locations to receive the high honor include: Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Reno/Tahoe International Airport, San Francisco International Airport and Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, along with repeat winners from last year's list -- Jacksonville International Airport, Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Kissimmee, Pittsburgh International Airport and Palm Beach International Airport.
Golf World also recently awarded The Paradies Shops' Detroit PGA TOUR Shop location its "Best Initiative" award, recognizing the location for its commitment to providing exceptional customer service through innovative promotions, including shopping by appointment, $1 parking and special discounts to experience the in-store golf simulator. The Paradies Shops is dedicated to exceed the expectations of customers through outstanding merchandise and award-winning service at all PGA TOUR locations and throughout all 68 markets served.
About the PGA TOUR
The PGA TOUR is a tax-exempt membership organization of professional golfers. Its primary purpose is to provide competitive earnings opportunities for past, current and future members of the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour; to protect the integrity of the game; and to help grow the reach of the game in the U.S. and around the world.
In 2008, the three Tours will compete in 108 events for approximately $355 million in prize money. Tournaments will be held in nine countries outside the U.S. and in 37 states.
In addition to providing competitive opportunities for its membership, TOUR events also generate significant funds for local charities. In fact, the three Tours have surpassed the $1 billion mark in overall charitable contributions. The PGA TOUR's web site address is www.pgatour.com and the company is headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.
About Golf World
Golf World magazine is the "best weekly news magazine of golf" and is published by Golf Digest. The magazine provides in-depth coverage and access to all the pros, as well as comprehensive stats and analysis for the PGA TOUR, LPGA, Champions Tour, Nationwide Tour and International Tours.
About The Paradies Shops
Named Best Airport Retailer for the past 12 consecutive years by Airport Revenue News, The Paradies Shops was established in 1960. A family-owned business, The Paradies Shops operates over 500 stores in 64 airports across the United States and Canada. With extensive experience in operating both local and national brands, to include CNBC News, PGA TOUR Shops, Brooks Brothers, Brighton Collectibles, Harley-Davidson, and The New York Times Bookstores, The Paradies Shops maintains a substantial presence as one of the largest airport retailers. Additionally, The Paradies Shops operates several hotel properties and the retail program for the Georgia Aquarium, the world's largest aquarium, located in Atlanta. For more information, please visit www.theparadiesshops.com.
Website: http://www.theparadiesshops.com/
Website: http://www.pgatour.com/