NASHVILLE, Tenn. - To celebrate and promote the game of golf in the state of Tennessee, Gov. Phil Bredesen has proclaimed May as "Play Golf Tennessee Month." The announcement was made during the week of the LPGA Franklin American Mortgage Championship, which is being played at The Vanderbilt Legends Club in Franklin, Tenn.

"Play Golf Tennessee Month" is designed to encourage and inspire Tennessee citizens to play more golf or take up the game for the first time, by taking advantage of the multitude of opportunities that are being offered by golf course owners, PGA Professionals and golf facilities.

Aligning with the national Play Golf America campaign, "Play Golf Tennessee Month" coincides with PGA Free Lesson Month, where individuals can register to get free 10-minute lessons from PGA Professionals throughout the U.S. during May. In Tennessee, approximately 172 PGA Professionals have signed up to provide free lessons at their golf facilities. Participation by Tennessee PGA Professionals in PGA Free Lesson Month is the second highest in the nation, with 34% of its membership offering free lessons. Consumers can find a PGA Professional in their area by logging on to www.playgolfamerica.com.

"The game of golf is a sport that embodies the positive qualities of integrity and sportsmanship, and it's a sport that's appropriate for people of any age," said Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke, who oversees the Tennessee State Parks system of 13 golf courses. "I want to thank Governor Bredesen for acknowledging May as 'Play Golf Tennessee Month' and for his support of golf as a lifetime fitness activity. I encourage anyone who enjoys outdoor activities to get out and play a game of golf in Tennessee in May."

Also highlighting "Play Golf Tennessee Month" are the numerous innovative Play Golf America golf programs being offered by 81 golf facilities throughout Tennessee. These golf programs targeted to various adult group segments, such as couples, families, business professionals, men and women, are constructed to provide a fun, relaxed and non-intimidating environment. The www.playgolfamerica.com Web site also provides information on these programs.

The Tennessee Section PGA spearheads the growth of the game in the Volunteer State, by hosting special events and coordinating programs to attract more people to the game. Some of these include: Link Up 2 Golf, participation in PGA Tour and LPGA Events by offering free golf clinics and instruction to spectators, and many junior golf programs throughout the state.

"As PGA professionals in Tennessee, we are extremely excited to have Governor Bredesen's support in this initiative," said Dick Horton, executive director of the Tennessee PGA Section. "Golf in Tennessee is fantastic, and we want to create awareness to consumers that there are many opportunities to play more golf in our great state. Our professionals are passionate about teaching golf instruction and ensuring that individuals enjoy playing the game."

Tennessee is home to 353 golf facilities located across the state. Currently, golf in Tennessee is an estimated $1.5 billion business. The prospects are high for this amount to increase, due to encouraging statistics that reveal golf as having the largest increase in percentage of respondents claiming to be fans, with 16.7% growth between 1996-2003. This far exceeds any other sport, with the exception of auto racing.