PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- The 68th Senior PGA Championship, which makes its first appearance at The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island (S.C.) Golf Resort, will begin with a free Play Golf America Day on Monday, May 21, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Patriots Point Links in Mount Pleasant, S.C.
PGA Free Lesson Month 10th Anniversary
Additionally, in recognition of PGA Free Lesson Month, the first Play Golf America PGA Free Lesson Area at a Senior PGA Championship will be conducted from Wednesday, May 23 through Saturday, May 26, at The Ocean Course.
Play Golf America Day - Open to the general public, the Play Golf America Day at Patriots Point Links will feature free golf lessons from more than 20 Carolinas Section PGA Professionals, equipment demonstrations, activities for the entire family and a guest appearance at 6:30 p.m. by Brian Nash, a member of the Cobra Long Drive Team.
As part of the festivities, the first 250 people to register online at www.playgolfamerica.com and attend Play Golf America Day will receive two practice round tickets each to any of the two practice rounds (Tuesday, May 22 or Wednesday, May 23), for the 68th Senior PGA Championship.
"The Play Golf America Day will be a great start to the week. Not only will local fans be able to participate in a family-friendly golf atmosphere but they also may get free instruction from a PGA Professional," said Ron Schmid, executive director of the Carolinas PGA Section. "Our Section has embraced Play Golf America Day as a key event, and this will be one of seven that we coordinate this season. We look forward to a fun, exciting day at Patriots Point and also to a great Championship week."
PGA Free Lesson Area at the 68th Senior PGA Championship – For the first time at a major championship conducted by The PGA of America, an area will be reserved for free lessons conducted by PGA Professionals. The practice range (north end) at The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort will host the PGA Free Lesson Area from 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., from Wednesday, May 23 through Saturday, May 26.
Instruction will be provided by Carolinas Section PGA Professionals, who include members of the Kiawah Island Golf Resort staff.
"The PGA of America believes our major championships are a perfect venue to have spectators take advantage of one of the greatest attributes of a PGA Professional – their skill in teaching the game," said PGA of America President Brian Whitcomb. "Spectators at the 68th Senior PGA Championship will find that the PGA Free Lesson Area will enhance their total golf experience at this major championship and at one of golf's greatest venues."
Play Golf America, designed to increase participation among 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.
The PGA of America is the world's largest working sports organization, comprised of 28,000 men and women golf Professionals who are the recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf, while serving millions of people throughout its 41 PGA Sections nationwide. Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has enhanced its leadership position in a $62 billion-a-year industry by growing the game of golf through its premier spectator events, world-class education and training programs, significant philanthropic outreach initiatives and award-winning golf promotions. Today's PGA Professional is the public's link to the game, serving an essential role in the operation of golf facilities throughout the country.
