PGA Free Lesson Month in full swing during the month of May

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- Put a little spring in your golf swing with a free 10-minute lesson during the 12th annual PGA Free Lesson Month. Throughout the month of May, PGA/LPGA Professionals nationwide will provide golfers of every age and skill level with the opportunity to learn the basics of the game or improve upon existing skills through this successful initiative, which will reach the one million free lesson mark in 2009.
All PGA/LPGA Professionals participating in PGA Free Lesson Month can be found at PlayGolfAmerica.com.

According to Golf Digest, a number of things can be learned in 10 minutes, including how to generate more swing speed, how to read breaking putts, how to chip with a hybrid golf club, how to draw the ball for more distance, how to cure an "over-the-top" swing and how to use your legs for power, to name a few.

While the affordability of PGA Free Lesson Month is evident, since it's complimentary, the health benefits received by playing the game of golf are invaluable as well. Whether as an individual or with friends or family, PGA Free Lesson Month offers the perfect excuse to get outside, learn new skills and get a little exercise, all while enjoying the game of golf.

"By participating in PGA Free Lesson Month, consumers of all experience levels will benefit firsthand from expert lessons provided by PGA/LPGA Professionals in a comfortable one-on-one setting," said PGA of America President Jim Remy. "As we approach the one million free lesson mark, we are pleased so many consumers have already taken advantage of this program and invite those who have not to contact a local PGA/LPGA Professional and hit the links for an unforgettable experience."

Since The PGA of America and Golf Digest jointly launched this nationwide campaign in 1998, more than 938,000 free lessons have been given. Last year, nearly 6,340 PGA/LPGA Professionals nationwide gave more than 106,600 free lessons to consumers. Among those who participated in 2008, 54 percent were new customers at the host facility, 30 percent were women and 23 percent were new to the game.

One of the most successful growth-of-the-game initiatives in the golf industry, PGA Free Lesson Month is a collaborative campaign spearheaded by The PGA of America, Golf Digest Publications and Golf Channel.

"One million free lessons is an incredible accomplishment and a great benefit to the game of golf," said Jerry Tarde, chairman and editorial director of Golf Digest Publications. "We are extremely proud to be associated with PGA Free Lesson Month and thank The PGA of America and the thousands of PGA and LPGA Professionals who dedicate their time to make this initiative a glowing success."

Every golfer who takes a free lesson and sends in a Free Lesson Card is eligible to enter a sweepstakes to win a two-day/two-night golf getaway to Port St. Lucie, Fla., including hotel accommodations, round-trip, economy airfare, a two-day session at The PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance and a custom-fit set of golf clubs. One hundred runners-up will receive a copy of The PGA's First Swing Golfer's Guide and a 2008 Ryder Cup DVD.

PGA Free Lesson Month is one of several programs designed to grow and stimulate participation in the game of golf under "Play Golf America," a national marketing umbrella campaign that is supported by the golf industry. Play Golf America 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.

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 pga.com or PlayGolfAmerica.com to learn more.

Golf Digest Publications has teamed with The PGA of America since the campaign's inception. Golf Digest's Web site (GolfDigest.com) features PGA Free Lesson Month, along with a roster of PGA/LPGA Professionals nationwide offering free 10-minute lessons. There is also an insert sweepstakes card for readers to sign up for a free lesson and register to win a golf school package. In addition, the program is featured in the April 20 issue of the weekly Golf World.

Golf Channel has partnered with The PGA of America to support PGA Free Lesson Month for seven consecutive years. Golf Channel promotes PGA Free Lesson Month through television programming and on the Web at golfchannel.com, reaching more than 120 million viewers. The Grand Prize for the PGA Professional who gives the most lessons during PGA Free Lesson Month and sends in the most validated Sweepstakes Cards is an appearance on a Golf Channel instructional program.