KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. -- The first Play Golf America PGA Free Lesson Area at a major championship was a golf enthusiast's ideal way to spend a visit to the 68th Senior PGA Championship. For four days of Championship Week, spectators arriving at The Ocean Course needed only to step just a few yards within the front gate and hook up with a PGA Professional for 10 minutes on the north end of the massive practice range.

While the world's premier senior tour professionals toiled on the south end of the range, amateurs were getting the finest golf instruction on the south portion of the range. All visitors were treated to postcard-like weather with a backdrop of waves crashing against the Kiawah Island shoreline.

The host Carolinas PGA Section was represented by 22 volunteer PGA Professionals who teamed to give 354 lessons to a spectator turnout that featured 21 percent new, occasional or former golfers.

"I could not be more proud of the PGA Professionals who represented the Carolinas PGA Section," said Carolinas PGA Executive Director Ron Schmid. "When the idea of Play Golf America/Free Ten-Minute Lessons came up, our PGA Professionals were ready to fill the need. We are fortunate to have an abundance of talented PGA Professionals in the Carolinas PGA Section."

The Play Golf America Free Lesson Area was open Wednesday through Saturday of Championship Week, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with no admission charge. The area was designed to provide free expert instruction to golfers of all skill levels and introduce new golfers to the game and provide equipment testing from today's golf manufacturers.

Golfers interested in other Play Golf America activities and related programs in their area should visit www.PlayGolfAmerica.com.

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.