Showing posts with label Play Golf America. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Play Golf America. Show all posts

Monday, March 8, 2010

Canadian PGA and NGCOA Canada Launch

Get Golf Ready in 5 Days

Ottawa, ON - Following the success in the United States of Get Golf Ready in 5 Days, an adult golf instruction program, the National Golf Course Owners Association Canada (NGCOA Canada) and the Canadian PGA are jointly launching the program north of the border for the 2010 golf season.

Get Golf Ready in 5 Days is designed to teach adults in five short lessons everything they will need to know to step onto a golf course and play with confidence. The program, priced at $99 plus tax per person, is designed to be fun, fast and affordable with an on-course component in each session.

“So many people have a spouse, friend or coworker that already plays the game and going out for the first time with them can be very intimidating”, stated Jeff Calderwood, CEO NGCOA Canada. “It is our intention to get these individuals out on the golf course with confidence and show them that the game of golf is about more than just rules and scorekeeping - it’s about having fun with friends, and enjoying the fresh air and exercise”.

The statistics from its inception year in the United States prove that the program works. Of the 17,000 trackable participants, 94% said they would recommend the program to a friend, 89% said they would continue playing and 76% had played an average of eight rounds following the five sessions.

“These stats proved to us that the program is well designed to welcome new golfers to the game”, stated Gary Bernard, Executive Director of the Canadian PGA. “We are very excited about our partnership with the NGCOA Canada as I feel we are the two associations best suited to offer this program in Canada,” he continued. “NGCOA Canada members provide access to the golf courses and our certified golf professionals are well positioned to execute the curriculum”.

NGCOA Canada and the Canadian PGA certified courses across the country will be offering the program this coming golf season. A dedicated website www.getgolfready.ca will be launched in the coming weeks so that golfers will be able to locate certified courses where they can participate.

The NGCOA Canada and the Canadian PGA are looking forward to working together on this initiative and to creating new recreational golfers that will enjoy this great game for years to come.

About the NGCOA Canada
The National Golf Course Owners Association Canada is a not-for-profit trade association representing over 1300 golf facilities in Canada.

About the Canadian PGA
Established in 1911, the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association is a non-profit association comprised of approximately 3,600 golf professionals across the country with a mandate to promote and advance the game of golf, serving the needs of both its membership and the golf public through professional and junior golf development programs and high-calibre competitive events. The National Office is located in Acton, Ontario with nine Zone Offices across the country. For more information, visit http://www.cpga.com/

Friday, April 24, 2009

EWGA helps new women golfers with S.W.I.N.G. mentoring program

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. - Through an innovative program called S.W.I.N.G. - Skillful Women Inspiring New Golfers - members of the EWGA (Executive Women's Golf Association) help new golfers get comfortable playing the game. From a concept provided by Maria Erickson, president and CEO of Swing by bette & court, the EWGA developed the program to help break down a major barrier to women entering the game of golf. Since it was introduced in 2005, the S.W.I.N.G. program has benefited more than 1500 participants, and in 2008 reached a record number of new golfers - with over 850 women participating in the program.

EWGA chapters throughout the country offer the program designed to cover the nuances of golf - etiquette, courtesies and on-course behavior - traditionally not covered in golf instruction programs. New golfers are paired with experienced players who serve as mentors answering questions and offering supportive guidance on the subtleties of the game.

"The EWGA S.W.I.N.G. program is the best way for new golfers to learn the many intricacies in golf that mean so much when you're playing in an event or treating clients to a day on the course," says Stephanie Jennings, EWGA Director of Golf Programs. "The continued growth of this program is due to the dedicated efforts of our volunteer leaders at the chapter level. They encourage and support new golfers and coordinate events and gatherings that take the 'intimidation factor' out of golf. The EWGA S.W.I.N.G. program is a great way to grow golf and maintain interest in the sport."

Swing by bette & court women's golf apparel is the founding sponsor for the S.W.I.N.G. program, Erickson's company provides the mentors and mentees with special benefits. The EWGA provides materials with ideas and information to assist local chapters in implementing the program.

"S.W.I.N.G. is what the EWGA is all about - helping women enter the game of golf in a fun, supportive and welcoming environment," says Erickson, who is a charter EWGA member and an association sponsor since 1993. "We are proud of our long-term involvement with the EWGA and the success of this program to help new women golfers become more comfortable playing the game."

Since its founding in 1991, the EWGA has enriched the lives of more than 100,000 women connecting them to learn, play, and enjoy golf for business and fun. This not-for-profit association delivers a wide range of golf, social and networking activities for both new and experienced golfers at over 125 local chapters throughout the United States and international chapters in Canada and France.

The EWGA is headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. For more information about the association and its membership, visit www.ewga.com

Thursday, April 23, 2009

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.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Women’s Golf Month gains momentum in the U.S.

GOLFWEEK STAFF

Boosting women’s participation in golf is a top priority for industry leaders, and they touted a recent success: Participation in the American Express Women’s Golf Month increased 9.2 percent compared with a year ago.

Final results for the event, held in June, were recently tallied by organizers who reported a combined median spend of $3,320 per facility by consumers after participating in Women’s Golf Month activities. In each of its previous three years, the initiative was a week-long event.

More than 105,600 people across the country have been introduced or re-introduced to the game over the past four years during American Express Women’s Golf Month, which premiered in 2005 as Women’s Golf Week.

“We are anticipating an even greater number of courses offering clinics for new players around the country as we celebrate the fifth anniversary in June 2009,” said Anne Lyndrup, director of player development for the National Golf Course Owners Association and leader of the Women’s Golf Month organizers.

Aimed at increasing the participation of women in golf and making learning and playing golf fun, the number of participants has increased each year with a record 37,350 people attending Women’s Golf Month events in 2008. By comparison, in its inaugural year in 2005, Women’s Golf Week was supported by 225 facilities that hosted 9,500 participants.

American Express Women’s Golf Month, part of the national Play Golf America campaign, is coordinated by industry organizations such as the Executive Women’s Golf Association, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, the Ladies Professional Golf Association, the National Golf Course Owners Association and the PGA of America.