CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Carolinas PGA Section will host a fun-filled Play Golf America event at Lowe's Motor Speedway during NASCAR's Bank of America 500 Sprint Cup series weekend, October 9-11. Over the course of three days, this free event, coordinated along with The PGA of America and NASCAR, will introduce the game of golf to NASCAR fans and is open to all ages and skill levels. Trackside Links, a promotions company out of Fort Myers, Fla., who helped organize the event, estimates that well over 100,000 new golfers will be reached through this joint effort.

More than 40 South Carolina PGA Professionals will provide free 10-minute lessons and conduct demonstrations covering all facets of the game, including putting and chipping, at three hitting bays located at the Bank of America 500. Attendees will also have the opportunity to register to win a custom PGA Play Golf America golf car, built by Club Car. The winner of the PGA Play Golf America golf car by Club Car will be announced on PlayGolfAmerica.com on Wednesday, October 15.

"The Carolinas PGA Section totally embraced the opportunity to conduct this Play Golf America event at Lowe's Motor Speedway," said Ron Schmid, executive director of the Carolinas PGA Section. "Our Carolinas PGA Professionals will be able to introduce the game of golf to hundreds of thousands of NASCAR fans through their expert instruction and knowledge of the game. Golf and NASCAR have always thrived here in the Carolinas and this Play Golf America event will put the two side by side for one great weekend."

Play Golf America Event Schedule - Oct. 9-11 - Lowe's Motor Speedway, Bank of America 500

October 9, Thursday, 1 - 7 p.m.
October 10, Friday, 1 - 8 p.m.
October 11, Saturday, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Created to showcase the game of golf in a fun and relaxed atmosphere, PGA Play Golf America Days are presented by The PGA of America with presenting sponsors American Express®, Buick and The Royal Bank of Scotland. The event is designed to provide free expert instruction to golfers of all ages and skill levels, introduce new golfers to the game and provide equipment testing from the best brands in golf today.

Play Golf America, designed to increase participation among new and existing 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 PlayGolfAmerica.com Web site to serve as a link for consumers to access fun, affordable and informative programs in their area.

Since 1916, The PGA of America's mission has been twofold: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, the Association enables PGA Professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the $76 billion golf industry. By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable golf promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry, The PGA of America elevates the public's interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf.

Media Contacts:
Randy Stutzman, PGA of America (rstutzman@pgahq.com), 561-624-8438
Jordan Moore, Alday Communications (jordan@aldaycommunications.com), 615-791-1535, x31
www.PlayGolfAmerica.com