PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- Play Golf America, The PGA of America's award-winning growth of the game initiative that focuses on adult player development, has been named the recipient of the MarCom Creative Platinum Award.

It is the highest honor in an international awards competition, which featured 4,613 entries, that recognizes outstanding achievement by marketing and communication practitioners.

Play Golf America received its award in the Marketing/Promotion/Special Event category, as judged by industry professionals that determine which entries exceed a high standard of excellence and serve as an industry benchmark.

MarCom Creative Awards, based in Arlington, Texas, accepted international entries from corporate marketing and communication departments, advertising agencies, public relations firms, graphic design shops and freelancers. MarCom Creative Awards is part of the Communicator Awards, one of the largest, oldest and most respected competitions in the communications field.

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.

Celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2006, The PGA of America was founded in 1916, and 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.