More than 125 members of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) received free golf instruction from PGA Professionals from the Southwest PGA Section and UNLV PGA Professional Golf Management students, March 26-27, during the NSBE's 35th Annual National Convention in Las Vegas, Nev.

Additionally, another estimated 600 attendees visited the Play Golf America hitting bay to meet the attending PGA Professionals.

The free lessons were provided at the Las Vegas Convention Center with the goal of preparing participants to hit the links during the upcoming golf season by covering basic skills such as chipping, putting and short game.

The NSBE is a student-run organization with more than 30,000 members and 233 active chapters on college campuses throughout the country.

"The PGA of America wanted to introduce these young, aspiring engineers to the game of golf and help them understand that it is an outlet that will utilize their skills and talents, whether for enjoyment or as a business tool to enhance their careers," said Earnie Ellison, PGA Director of Business and Community Relations.

Dedicated to promoting diversity within the game of golf, The PGA of America, through its Play Golf America programs and events, seeks to provide interactive golf experiences at venues where instruction is not traditionally provided. As Play Golf America has grown since its inception in 2004, so have the opportunities for experiences at non-traditional locations across the country.

In turn, PGA Professionals have been able to connect with new and existing golfers alike as well as encourage participation among minorities. As a result, minority participation has consistently accounted for 23 percent of attendance during events such as Play Golf America Days, among others.

About The PGA of America
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 multi-billion dollar 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.