PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. - The PGA of America and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) have formed a partnership to increase golf participation at municipal courses nationwide. The partnership is in conjunction with the Play Golf America campaign to reach families, couples, women and business professionals.

The PGA of America has created a variety of player development content and education programs to target NRPA members and inform them of the benefits of Play Golf America and its role in supporting community relations. Together, The PGA of America and NRPA of Ashburn, Va., will combine their resources and develop the tools to strengthen municipal operations in communities nationwide.

"The PGA of America and the National Recreation and Park Association share a new relationship that will serve as an example how associations can best blend their talents to build participation in the game of golf and utilize the municipal facilities throughout the country," said PGA of America President Roger Warren. "The partnership can also enable park districts to best evaluate how they can enhance the existing programs at their golf facilities through the support of the leaders of the game - PGA Professionals."

The PGA of America developed and hosted an NRPA membership survey that is directed to some 6,000 NRPA members nationwide. The survey evaluates the relationship between park districts and their golf facilities; determines the extent and level of awareness of golf programming; evaluates park district support for program promotion and identifies opportunities for The PGA of America to support NRPA member facilities through programs and resources.

"The partnership between The PGA of America and the NRPA is timely and vitally important not only to growing the game of golf but also to sustain as a municipal service," said NRPA Executive Director Kathy Spangler. "There are community challenges and the nature of the economy that put recreational facilities at risk. But, golf is a huge asset and the assistance of The PGA of America to help improve practices around golf management is definitely a priority. It's our hope that the partnership will bring more families to the game and increase participation at municipal facilities."

Begun in January 2004, Play Golf America's goal is to reach 17 million golfers who have expressed a desire to play golf and the 14 million occasional golfers who play between one and seven times per year. The campaign focuses on the adult population of families, couples, women and business professionals. Play Golf America is supported by the National Golf Course Owners Association, PGA Tour, LPGA, USGA and GOLF 20/20.

Programs featured on www.playgolfamerica.com are designed to be fun, affordable and informative so that adults and their families can enjoy the game, and former and occasional golfers can increase the frequency of their participation in golf.

The PGA of America, founded in 1916, is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the game of golf while continuing to enhance the standards of the profession. The Association is comprised of more than 28,000 men and women PGA Professionals who are dedicated to growing participation in the game of golf.