PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (Nov. 1) -- Play Golf America, the industry player development program launched in 2004, continued to expand in 2005, with rising numbers of participation from golfers, PGA Professionals and facilities. With a record number of 6,000 facilities serving as host sites for Play Golf America programs, there were more than 556,000 participants in group lessons at these facilities, and 4.9 million total participants in organized play, announced Roger Warren, president, The PGA of America.

"In 2005, we continued to build upon the momentum of Play Golf America and are pleased with the progress we’ve made," said Warren. "Our PGA Professionals are answering the call to grow the game and the business of golf through innovative programs for golfers of all skill levels. Play Golf America, through www.playgolfamerica.com, is becoming the recognized resource for finding a golf program to fit the needs of the consumer."

A survey of consumers who participated in Play Golf America programs in 2005 revealed that 83 percent of those who were new to the game continued to play golf following their participation in a Play Golf America program. These retained new golfers played an average of 17 rounds during the past 12 months and spent an average of $1,661 on golf products and services. This is a significant increase over the $852 annual spending recorded in a 2004 survey of new golfers.

In addition, 98 percent of existing golfers who participated in Play Golf America programs were still playing the game one year later. These existing golfers went from playing an average of 24 rounds per year to 40 rounds in the past 12 months and spent an average of $4,024.

Highlights of the 2005 campaign include:

-6,000 PGA and LPGA member facilities that have hosted adult/family player development programs (25 percent increase from 2004);

-Record 122,000 lessons (32 percent increase) given by nearly 7,000 PGA Professionals (38 percent increase) during PGA Free Lesson Month;

-More than 556,000 participants in group lessons at Play Golf America host sites (66 percent increase);

-Expansion of Play Golf America Days to 12 markets;

-And a launch of the inaugural Women’s Golf Week.

Facilities offering Play Golf America programs reported more than 4.9 million total participants in organized play (leagues, outings and events) in 2005 versus 1.6 million in 2004. According to Warren, this increase is attributable to a 25 percent increase in total participating facilities, a 42 percent increase in the total number of Play Golf America facilities hosting leagues, outings and events, and a 111 percent increase in the average number of participants per site.

Play Golf America once again utilized a national PSA television campaign to drive consumers to its Web site. Continuing with the "Golf is Calling" theme established in 2004, the campaign featured two new spots focused on family and female golfers. At the end of each ad, a range of celebrities and nationally-recognized athletes, such as Ray Romano, Kevin James, Samuel L. Jackson, Kathy Ireland, George Lopez, Roger Clemens, Mia Hamm and Brett Favre, urged consumers to "Play Golf America!" These television spots aired during major golf events, such as The PGA Championship and U.S. Open, as well as on PGA Tour and LPGA events.

Since its inception, the Play Golf America promotional campaign has generated a combined 2.4 billion impressions on potential golfers, at a value of more than $39 million.

PGA Free Lesson Month, a growth of the game initiative between The PGA of America, Golf Digest, The Golf Channel and Golf Digest’s sister publication, Golf for Women, shattered its own eight-year growth record by a 32 percent margin. Free Lesson Month is designed to reach new golfers and help existing golfers improve their games with free 10-minute lessons given throughout the month of May by PGA Professionals nationwide. Nike Golf was the official program sponsor and provided sweepstakes prizes.

The Executive Women’s Golf Association (EWGA) continues to be a core program supported under the Play Golf America umbrella. In 2005, a total of 32 EWGA chapters posted 390 different events on www.playgolfamerica.com.

Meanwhile, pilot EWGA Link Up 2 Golf programs were conducted by 21 EWGA chapters. The PGA of America expanded its successful Play Golf America Days with 12 events in 2005. The consumer festivals, staffed by more than 400 PGA Professional volunteers, were targeted to golfers of all ages and skill levels. These events drew an average of 625 consumers per event and were heavily promoted in each market.

In 2006, The PGA of America has committed to expanding Play Golf America Days throughout its PGA Sections. In collaboration with Golf 20/20, The PGA of America was instrumental in the launch of Women’s Golf Week.

Held the week of June 4, 2005, Women’s Golf Week was designed to make learning and playing golf fun in a women-friendly environment, with nearly 10,000 women participating at 225 host facilities nationwide. The 2006 Women’s Golf Week is scheduled for June 3-10.

Established in 2003, The PGA of America created the President’s Council on Growing the Game to recognize PGA Professionals who are committed to growing the game of golf by hosting adult player development programs at their facilities and tracking results. There were 287 PGA Professionals in this prestigious group when it was formed in 2003, and there are more than 2,700 PGA Professionals in the President’s Council today.

As part of ongoing efforts to enhance Play Golf America, Section Leaders, PGA Professionals and employers nationwide will be able to share "best practices" in player development at the first-ever Play Golf America Conference to be held on Friday, Jan. 27, 2006, in conjunction with the 53rd PGA Merchandise Show at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

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.

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 who are dedicated to growing participation in the game of golf.

Contact:
Jamie Carbone, PGA of America
jcarbone@pgahq.com
561/624-8446