PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- Throughout the month of June, women will call the shots on the links, as American Express Women's Golf Month celebrates its fifth anniversary in 2009. A nationwide initiative, American Express Women's Golf Month seeks to provide people with the opportunity to learn or re-learn the game of golf in a fun and friendly environment, while also increasing the participation of women in golf.

During June, participating facilities will offer complimentary golf instruction to people 14 years of age and older as well as activities such as networking receptions, golf rules and etiquette seminars, club fitting and equipment demonstrations, golf apparel fashion shows, luncheons, playing experiences, and contests. Each activity is designed to provide a fun and inviting atmosphere for all involved.

PGA/LPGA Professional Suzy Whaley, LPGA Tour and World Golf Halls of Fame member Nancy Lopez, and world-renowned fitness expert and philanthropist Donna Richardson Joyner are the American Express Women's Golf Month Spokeswomen Team for 2009.

Donna Richardson Joyner, along with more than 15 PGA/LPGA Professionals from the Midwest PGA Section, will host a national kick-off event to celebrate the beginning of American Express Women's Golf Month at Tiffany Greens Golf Club in Kansas City, Mo., June 3 from 3-7 p.m.

"Through programs such as American Express Women's Golf Month, people are provided with the opportunity to experience the game of golf in a comfortable setting, under the guidance of skilled PGA and LPGA Professionals," said Anne Lyndrup, director of player development for the National Golf Course Owners Association and leader of the Women's Golf Month organizers. "We look forward to celebrating the game of golf with thousands of people across the country during our fifth anniversary in June."

More information regarding American Express Women's Golf Month, including a list of participating facilities in your area, can be found at PlayGolfAmerica.com.

In its first four years, more than 105,000 people across the country have been introduced or re-introduced to the game of golf during America Express Women's Golf Month, which premiered in 2005 as Women's Golf Week. In 2008, 1,208 facilities across the county hosted events with 37,350 consumers in attendance. Of the consumers who participated in 2008, 47 percent were new customers to the facility and 32 percent were new golfers. Host facilities reported a median of $3,320 in revenues generated from people who continued to pursue the game following American Express Women's Golf Month.

Over the years, through programs such as American Express Women's Golf Month, many people have also discovered that the game of golf can be used to foster relationships and encourage personal health. Whether one is spending time with colleagues - socially or professionally, spending time with family and friends, or exercising while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the golf course, the game of golf provides the tools necessary for success in all aspects of life.

American Express Women's Golf Month is a part of the national Play Golf America campaign. It is coordinated by industry-leading organizations, including the Executive Women's Golf Association (EWGA), the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) and The PGA of America (PGA).

About the Lead Organizations:
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. Visit www.pga.com or www.PlayGolfAmerica.com to learn more.

Since its founding in 1991, the EWGA (Executive Women's Golf Association) has touched the lives of over 90,000 women by connecting them to learn, play and enjoy golf for business and for fun. This not-for-profit association delivers a wide range of golf, social and networking activities for new and experienced golfers to nearly 20,000 members at over 125 local chapters throughout the United States and international chapters in Canada and France. The EWGA is headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. For more information about the EWGA and its membership, visit www.ewga.com.

About the Ladies Professional Golf Association
The LPGA features a membership comprised of world-class LPGA Tour professionals and dedicated Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP). Today's LPGA Tour features the most talented global group of professional athletes who, in 2009, will compete in 29 official money events in 10 countries with total official prize money of nearly $52 million. In addition to its dynamic Tour members, 1,200 certified LPGA T&CP members serve the golf industry in teaching, coaching and management positions, and oversee programs aimed at increasing the involvement of women, girls and youth in golf. The LPGA's Vision is to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the best golf professionals in the world. Its Mission is to be a leader in the world of sports, to promote economic empowerment for all members, and to serve as role models on and off the course. The LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Fla. For more information on the LPGA, log on to www.LPGA.com.

The National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) is the leading authority on the business of golf course ownership and management. The Association represents the key decision makers with ultimate responsibility for golf courses throughout the world. Through advocacy, information resources, purchasing programs and networking opportunities, the NGCOA helps golf course owners and operators run more successful businesses.

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 21,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA's mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. The association's philanthropic organization, The Environmental Institute for Golf, works to strengthen the compatibility of golf with the natural environment through research grants, support for education programs and outreach efforts. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org.

Randy Stutzman, PGA of America (rstutzman@pgahq.com), 561-624-8438
Tammy Boclair, Alday Communications (tammy@aldaycommunications.com), 615-791-1535, x26
Dana Gross-Rhode, LPGA, dana.grossrhode@lpga.com, 386-274-6273