PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- The PGA of America and U.S. Kids Golf announced the establishment of The PGA of America Family Course Program, a nationwide initiative that is intended to provide PGA Golf Professionals a means to make golf enjoyable for all members of a family, regardless of age and ability.

Building off the success of its Personal Tee Golf Learning Program, U.S. Kids Golf will produce PGA Family Tee Markers, which will enable any golf course to make the transition into a beginner-friendly short course. The program will be a part of Play Golf America, the industry-wide campaign to attract more individuals and families to the game of golf.
Play Golf America

"One of the great experiences in the game of golf is the opportunity to bring families together for a round of golf," said PGA of America President Brian Whitcomb. "We believe that in joining forces with U.S. Kids Golf, the PGA Family Course Program will promote the positives of golf as great recreation for the family, resulting in a shorter time to play a round of golf and bring more people back to the game."

PGA Golf Professionals from across the country will be invited to participate in this program by purchasing a set of PGA of America Family Tee Markers. Each set will include PGA blue and gold tee markers for each hole, along with an official handbook, providing recommendations where PGA Family Tees may be positioned to create short course opportunities at any existing course. PGA blue tee markers will be considered Level 1, for a 1,100-yard nine-hole course. PGA gold tee markers will be deemed Level 2, for a 1,900-yard nine-hole course. PGA Professionals also will have access to scorecard templates to enhance the golf experience for all family participants.

Participating facilities will be recognized and promoted as "PGA Family Courses," while www.PlayGolfAmerica.com will post a list of all PGA Family Courses. In addition, The PGA of America will promote this program and these facilities on an ongoing basis.

The mission of U.S. Kids Golf is to help kids have fun learning the lifelong game of golf and to encourage family interaction that builds lasting memories.

"The traditional golf course set-up is not conducive to families enjoying the game together, because most holes are too long for youngsters and beginners," said Dan Van Horn, founder and president of U.S. Kids Golf. "We're delighted to join The PGA of America in encouraging courses to adopt Family Tee Markers to make the golf experience more inviting for the whole family."

About U.S. Kids Golf
U.S. Kids Golf is based in Atlanta, Ga., and manufactures equipment, apparel, balls and accessories specifically for kids. In addition to more than 4,000 golf shops and retail locations in the U.S., the company's products also are available in Europe, Canada, the Middle and Far East, South America, Mexico and Australia. Through the Personal Tee â„¢ Golf Learning Program and its Local Tours, Regional Championships and the U.S. Kids Golf World Championship, U.S. Kids Golf also provides opportunities for instruction and competition. For more information, call 1-888-3 US KIDS, or visit www.uskidsgolf.com.

About Play Golf America
In 2004, The PGA of America launched a comprehensive package of growth of the game programs under the banner of Play Golf America?, which focuses on adult player development. This initiative is supported by the industry's allied organizations – the PGA Tour, LPGA, USGA, and NCGOA - which participate in the annual Golf 20/20 Conference. Play Golf America, designed to increase participation among new and occasional adult golfers, was developed by The PGA of America, with the support of allied associations including: the LPGA, National Golf Course Owners Association, PGA Tour, USGA and others involved in the annual Golf 20/20 Conference.

The program utilizes the www.PlayGolfAmerica.com Web site to serve as a link for consumers to access fun, affordable and informative programs in their area.

About The PGA of America
The PGA of America is the world's largest working sports organization, comprised of 28,000 men and women golf Professionals who are the recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf while serving millions of people throughout its 41 PGA Sections nationwide. Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has enhanced its leadership position in a $62 billion-a-year industry by growing the game of golf through its premier spectator events, world-class education and training programs, significant philanthropic outreach initiatives, and award-winning golf promotions. Today's PGA Golf Professional is the public's link to the game, serving an essential role in the operation of golf facilities throughout the country.