Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. – The PGA of America announced its initial dates and sites for this year’s Play Golf America Days, which has been expanded to potentially all 41 PGA Sections nationwide. Created to showcase the game of golf in a fun and relaxed atmosphere, Play Golf America Days are presented by The PGA of America. To date, PGA Sections have committed to hosting at least one Play Golf America Day at 48 sites.
Play Golf America Days are events held nationwide where golfers of all ages and skill levels receive complimentary group and individual instruction, including first swing clinics for new golfers, from PGA Professional instructors. Play Golf America Days also offer contests, entertainment and hands-on equipment demonstrations from leading manufacturers. Long range, short game and putting areas will allow consumers to test equipment, while off-range areas will be dedicated to introducing golfers and nongolfers to Play Golf America programs.
“The response from the consumers, PGA Professionals, facilities and manufacturers has been overwhelmingly positive over the past two years from the 15 markets where events were held,” says PGA of America president Roger Warren. “Based on that success, we have now offered all 41 PGA Sections the opportunity to host one of these consumer golf festivals. It is a way to connect consumers with local programs designed to increase their enjoyment of the game. We are very proud that our PGA Professionals continue to show their commitment and passion for growing the game by hosting these types of events.”
The list of 2006 Play Golf America Days to date, including dates and locations, follows and is available at www.playgolfamerica.com.
In 2005, Play Golf America Days were held at 12 facilities with more than 7,500 consumer attendees. About 400 PGA Professional volunteers took part in creative programs designed to introduce the game to new players and encourage existing players to get excited about the golf season.
“Our ultimate goal is to get consumers, whether they are able to attend the Play Golf America Day in their market or not, involved in a player-development program such as Link Up 2 Golf, First Swing or Play Golf America Leagues,” Warren says. “These events showcase what makes golf so special. They are fun, family-friendly and a great way to spend an afternoon outside.”
