PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- Industry leaders including PGA Professionals, PGA Section leaders and manufacturers nationwide will share "best practices" in player development at the second annual Play Golf America Conference, Saturday Jan. 27, in conjunction with the 54th PGA Merchandise Show at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

The conference is the marquee program of the PGA Merchandise Show's Saturday theme, "Play Golf America & Growing Your Teaching Business," and is scheduled from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., at the PGA Equipment Forum Stage on the Convention Center floor. There is no admission charge.

Play Golf America
The conference features best practice presentations and discussions on how Play Golf America is impacting the business of golf, with participants sharing success stories on how they have supported and incorporated Play Golf America into their business and the benefits it has generated.

The conference will include the presentation of the Special Olympics' Conrad Rehling Award to Steve Carson, PGA head professional at Lincoln Park Golf Course in Oklahoma City, Okla.

Three panel discussions will bring together Callaway Golf's David Kern, Senior Manager of Green Grass Accounts and Custom Fitting; Club Car Chief Executive Officer Phil Tralies; Northern California PGA Growth of the Game Director Carol Pence, Carolinas PGA Growth of the Game Chair Del Ratcliffe; 2006 President's Plaque winner Bob Baldassari of Cannon Ridge Golf Club in Fredericksburg, Va.; and Mike Attara, PGA head professional at Eagle Ridge Golf Club in Lakewood, N.J.

Saturday's Show theme, "Play Golf America and Growing Your Teaching Business," also will include video reports, a series of educational seminars and leading PGA Professionals who will meet with their peers in the PGA Chalet throughout the day.

"The Play Golf America Conference is an invaluable learning and sharing experience for our Association," said PGA of America President Brian Whitcomb. "The conference has become a tremendous networking opportunity to extend invaluable ideas between our members, section leaders and manufacturers."

Play Golf America is an industry-wide national marketing campaign developed and led by The PGA of America to increase participation among new and existing golfers and to grow the number of people who play the game. Play Golf America's campaign is focused on offering a variety of adult player development programs to connect consumers with local programs and more affordable playing opportunities, through the national consumer Web site www.PlayGolfAmerica.com.

Founded in 1916, The PGA of America 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.