RAPID CITY, S.D. — Meadowbrook Golf Course will host a TaylorMade fitting and demo day on Memorial Day as part of an effort to introduce more golfers to the game and bring expanded golf opportunities back to the city course.
The event is scheduled for Monday, May 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Meadowbrook Golf Course. According to Meadowbrook head golf professional Tina Heinbaugh, the event marks the return of a large scale fitting and demo day to the course after several years without one. Heinbaugh said TaylorMade representatives will be on site with new equipment, including the company’s latest woods and irons, while also offering complimentary club fittings for golfers interested in testing equipment. “It’s been a long time since Meadowbrook has been able to host a fitting and demo day from a vendor,” Heinbaugh said. “TaylorMade has graciously agreed to come.”
Golfers attending the event will have the opportunity to test new TaylorMade Qi35 woods, irons and Qi Max irons. Heinbaugh said attendees can also schedule individual fitting sessions ranging from woods and irons to full bag fittings, with golfers able to reserve appointment times online ahead of the event. She added that golfers who place orders during the event will also have access to special demo day pricing.
According to Heinbaugh, demo days have traditionally been common at golf facilities around the country, with major equipment companies traveling regionally to offer fittings and equipment testing. She said Meadowbrook had not hosted a fitting event like this in recent years because of staffing limitations and logistical challenges. Since taking over at the course earlier this year, Heinbaugh said she has worked to rebuild partnerships that allow Meadowbrook to host larger events and introduce more people to the game. “Since starting in January, I’ve been able to secure some of these through partnerships that we now have at Meadowbrook,” Heinbaugh said. “I’m looking forward to having them out here.”
In addition to the TaylorMade event, Heinbaugh said Meadowbrook recently launched a new women’s golf instruction program called First Swing Social Ladies Clinics. The clinics are designed to introduce beginner golfers to the fundamentals of the game in a relaxed and less intimidating environment. The program covers putting, short game instruction, full swing basics and golf course etiquette.
Heinbaugh said many new golfers, especially women, can feel overwhelmed by the traditions and rules often associated with golf, which can discourage people from trying the sport. “It can be really intimidating and overwhelming,” Heinbaugh said. “I think a lot of female golfers or new golfers in general feel overwhelmed by the amount of information and the history of the etiquette of the game.”
She said Meadowbrook is focused on creating an atmosphere that feels approachable for beginners. Golfers are not required to wear collared shirts and can participate even if they do not own clubs or golf balls. Heinbaugh said her goal is simply to make the game feel more welcoming and accessible to anyone interested in trying it. “I just want people to play,” Heinbaugh said. “I want to introduce people to the game. I want them to feel comfortable.”
The TaylorMade fitting and demo day is free to attend. Golfers interested in reserving a fitting time can register through Meadowbrook Golf Course or contact the golf shop directly for more information.
