Gary McCord, the popular golf television analyst, author and speaker, has signed on as a keynote speaker at the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) 56th Annual Management Conference & 22nd Annual Team Dealer Summit.

McCord will provide the concluding keynote speech on Tuesday, May 19 at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix, AZ.

“Gary’s optimism for life, no matter what challenges come your way, will be a great message for all of our attendees to take back to their businesses,” said Matt Carlson, NSGA President & CEO. “He brings a unique perspective on the world of golf.”

McCord has said “life is full of ups and downs, good and bad, but it wouldn’t be fun any other way.” He poked fun at his PGA Tour career, where two runner-up finishes were his best in 422 tournaments, by having the license plate “NO WINS” on his car for years.

As McCord put it, he was “trapped in the headlights of bankruptcy” when he suddenly found himself in broadcasting. He only had 15 minutes to prepare for his first TV assignment, but his ability to combine humor and outspokenness established him as one of the best-known golf analysts for more than 30 years.

As an author, the fourth edition of his best-selling instructional manual “Golf for Dummies” was released in 2011, and he has also penned an autobiographical collection, “Just a Range Ball in a Box of Titleists”. He also appeared in the Kevin Costner movie Tin Cup.

At this year’s Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit, McCord joins football legend Herm Edwards, who will be the kickoff keynote speaker on the morning of Monday, May 18. There will be more announcements coming about the rest of the speaker lineup and education sessions for the Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit.

Speed Networking, which has become one of the most popular features of the event, will return Monday afternoon as retailers and team dealers have the opportunity to talk with manufacturers in a series of short, structured meetings.

The Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony will cap off the event on Tuesday evening with the induction of Peter Capolino (Mitchell & Ness Nostalgia Company), Robert Greenberg (Skechers) and Klaus Obermeyer (Sport Obermeyer).

Photo courtesy NSGA