PGA Championship gear at Whistling Straits: "It looks like a department store, but it's actually a tent"
SHEBOYGAN -- The PGA Championship at Whistling Straits will take place from August 13th through the 16th, and golf's biggest stage has merchandise store to match.
By the time Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth and Tiger Woods tee off at Whistling Straits, the only way you'll be able to tell the difference between the golfers and the fans is by their swing.
That's because PGA officials want everyone to look the part.
"It's a little more grand than tent. It looks like a department store, but it's actually a tent," Mike Quirk said.
Quirk is the senior director of marketing for the PGA.
"This entire tent is filled with PGA Championship product," Quirk said.
Quirk says it's actually the only place in Wisconsin where golf gurus can buy PGA Championship gear.
"I think the first thing people will notice is the size and scale of it," Quirk said.
It's 36,000 square feet, to be exact.
It will be open to fans throughout the tournament -- but this Saturday and Sunday, it's open to the public for FREE!
"No ticket necessary and I think it's also great for -- even if you have a ticket next week, you're going to come and you're going to focus on watching golf, which is the most important thing. Come this weekend and you'll beat the rush," Quirk said.
It's a huge pop-up store selling official gear for fans.
"Why this big is with the number of spectators we're expecting, with somewhere around 200,000 and more expected to be here next week, a tent this size fits our needs," Quirk said.
So for the common man, dreaming of playing for the cup at Whistling Straits -- they can at least look like a champion.
This Saturday, August 8th, and Sunday, August 9th, the Championship Shops at Whistling Straits will be open to the public from 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. for a special Grand Opening Celebration Weekend prior to the start of the 2015 PGA Championship.
No tickets or credentials are required for the public to attend the Grand Opening Weekend. Parking is complimentary and located at the General Public South lot near the entrance to Whistling Straits.
During the Grand Opening, fans will be able to shop and take photos with both the Wanamaker Trophy and the Ryder Cup Trophy (Reminder: The 2020 Ryder Cup will be played at Whistling Straits), plus enjoy multiple on-site golf activities, live music, and local Sheboygan food and beverage. Additionally, some Nike-sponsored athletes will be on hand on Saturday, August 8th, to sign autographs.
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