Swing-femme: What is your assessment of these two years at the helm of the Salon du Golf?

Paul Fitussi: What we managed to do with our entire team was first to improve the image of the Golf Show which had been somewhat damaged. Today we are reaping the benefits because we have done something quite prestigious and qualitative. This can be seen moreover, since there is a great atmosphere, both for visitors and exhibitors.

Paul Fitussi, organizer of the Golf Fair
Photo: © T. Plassais / Swing Féminin

What does the Salon du Golf represent in France?

In France, it is an unmissable event for golf professionals as well as for the general public. This is the reason why, this year we created the Paris Pro Golf Show which is a professional fair. We have set up a business center because we know that there are a lot of exchanges and opportunities that are created during the fair. People meet at the show to discuss and have a little idea of ​​what will happen in 2015. It is the unmissable entry-season event and the third biggest golf event in France with the Open de France and the Evian Championship.

And in the rest of the world?

There are many golf lounges in major cities around the world, starting with the one in Orlando in the United States. On the other hand, in Europe, we are the leading trade fair for the general public in terms of size and attendance, with more than 26 visitors in 000.

How do you select the exhibitors?

They just have to have something to do with golf. We also have exhibitors who make wine. It may seem incongruous but on all golf courses, when there is a competition, there are wine producers. It is a bit of a golf game just like charities. This year, we have chosen not to have resellers. I know that there are people who come to look for sold goods and who may leave unhappy. There is not that this year at the fair, but some 120 exhibitors who have interesting products and novelties. Now, there is no one selling furniture or helicopters, even if, joking aside, I would have liked to have manufacturers of drones so that our visitors can practice filming their favorite routes…

Reunion Island at the Salon du Golf
Photo: © T. Plassais / Swing Féminin

What are the major events that punctuate the show?

We have the putting competition which allows you to win a car valued at € 62. You have to putt at 000, 6 and 12 yards to hope to win the jackpot. We organize in our space conferences hosted by Cyril Bougaux (Canal +) with golf stars like Franck Lorenzo Vera or Thomas Levet, but also many professionals who simply give advice to players. All the exhibitors make endowments and competitions. There is therefore entertainment everywhere throughout the show. The golf authorities are obviously present.

What are your plans for the 2016 edition?

As you know in 2016, golf is once again becoming an Olympic discipline. I will therefore contact all the other Olympic sports federations and have them come to the show for free to introduce them to golf. We will likely have a charming ambassador in the person of Laura Flessel, double Olympic champion, six times world champion and once European fencing champion.

Interview by David Raynal

www.salondugolf.fr