September 29, 2015 – Frank Caliendo, a stand-up comedian and impressionist, will be the entertainer for the Closing Celebration, Feb. 11, the final day of the 2016 Golf Industry Show in San Diego. The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), which hosts the industry’s largest golf course management trade show annually, made the announcement on behalf of its 17,500 members and the Closing Celebration sponsor John Deere Golf.
The event’s theme, “Everything Under the Sun,” highlights the scope of educational, exhibitor and networking opportunities available Feb. 6-11 at the GCSAA Golf Championships, the GCSAA Education Conference and the industry trade show. Many of the sessions will have a focus on key issues, ranging from water conservation to advocacy. GCSAA will also host marquee events to recognize its annual award winners, including Herb Kohler, the 2016 recipient of the Old Tom Morris Award.
Caliendo, 41, is best known for his comedic impersonation of sports personalities, especially former NFL commentator John Madden; but he covers a wide range of impersonations that also include former presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton. He has performed at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and been a special guest on many national sports shows and late-night talk shows, including “Fox NFL Sunday” and “The Late Show with David Letterman.”
“I’ve had two main jobs in my lifetime,” said Caliendo, who started his stand-up comedy act in local clubs throughout his Milwaukee hometown area. “Most people know me from comedy, but I worked on the golf course grounds crew at Westmoor Country Club in Brookfield, Wis., during high school and college. Now I’ll get to combine those two things. It’s been a while since I’ve been on a fairway mower, but I still remember how much better that was than taking care of bathrooms and moving tee markers on tee boxes.
“How about (Jon) Gruden on a triplex mower, or (Al) Pacino rolling a green? I’m pretty sure some of that will happen during the show. Maybe even (Donald) Trump building a wall between a bunker and a green. Who knows?”
Caliendo has mastered more than 100 impersonations, and some of his best are current football icons Jon Gruden, Mike Ditka, Ron Jaworski and Chris Berman. He also hits the mark with his impersonation of basketball hall-of-famers Charles Barkley and Bill Walton.
He traces his comedic roots to Jonathan Winters and Robin Williams, and includes Williams among his celebrity voices, along with Morgan Freeman, Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro. He also has added an impersonation of Donald Trump just in time for the 2016 presidential race.
Caliendo is in the midst of a 13-state show tour titled the “Live Frank Tour,” and his performance in San Diego is between shows in his home state of Wisconsin.
About GCSAA and the EIFG
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization in the United States. Its focus is on golf course management, and since 1926 GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to nearly 18,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org or find us on Facebook or Twitter.
The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. Visit EIFG at www.eifg.org or find us on Facebook or Twitter.
About the Golf Industry Show
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) presents the Golf Industry Show annually. It is an innovative trade show designed for the owners/operators of golf facilities, and the professional members of the golf course and club management industries. Featuring the GCSAA Golf Championships and the GCSAA Education Conference, as well as the largest exhibit floor in the industry, the event combines education, networking and solutions for golf course superintendents, owners/operators, general managers, chief operating officers, architects and builders.
The Golf Industry Show is presented jointly with the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), along with supporting organizations: the Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA), the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA), the National Golf Foundation (NGF) and the United States Golf Association (USGA). The 2016 event will be held Feb. 6-11 at the San Diego Convention Center. Visit www.golfindustryshow.com.
