May 22, 2007
Media Contacts: Dana Gross-Rhode, LPGA (); Tammy Boclair ()
Gross-Rhode Phone: 386-274-6273
Boclair Phone: 615-791-1535, x26
Web Address: www.PlayGolfAmerica.com
2007 American Express™ Women’s Golf Week
Presented by Golf For Women Magazine Runs Through June 9
More than 1,200 golf facilities will host thousands of women throughout the week
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – Women across the country will have the opportunity to learn the game of golf during American Express™ Women’s Golf Week presented by Golf For Women magazine. Throughout the week of June 2-9, more than 1,200 golf facilities nationwide will be hosting free events to introduce women to golf.
During American Express Women’s Golf Week presented by Golf For Women magazine, all host golf facilities will offer complimentary golf instruction to women 14 years of age and older. Host facilities may also offer a variety of other activities, including networking receptions, golf rules and etiquette seminars, club fitting and equipment demonstrations, golf apparel fashion shows, luncheons, playing experiences and contests. Joining title sponsor American Express are presenting sponsor Golf For Women magazine and silver sponsor Cobra Golf.
“The goal of Women’s Golf Week is to introduce more women to the wonderful game of golf and help them to become comfortable on the golf course,” said Brian Whitcomb, PGA of America president. “Women represent a growing demographic in golf and we are pleased to have our PGA Professionals play a major role in Women’s Golf Week.”
Those interested in attending the events, whether they are looking to get back into golf, are interested in playing more golf or have never played the game before, can find more details about Women’s Golf Week, including a complete list of participating host facilities, along with details on specific events and registration online at www.PlayGolfAmerica.com.
"Based on the phenomenal response from more than 1,200 registered facilities, we are confident the third-annual American Express Women's Golf Week presented by Golf For Women magazine will be the most successful yet," said Dr. Betsy Clark, LPGA vice president of professional development. "We are thrilled to see women return to the course after participating in these events and bring their friends with them. Allowing women to learn about the game is the purpose of this week."
In its third year, American Express Women’s Golf Week presented by Golf For Women magazine is aimed at increasing the participation of women in golf and making learning and playing golf fun in a women-friendly environment. Last year, more than 24,500 women participated in various Play Golf America activities throughout the week, which more than doubled the previous year’s numbers. A total of 585 golf facilities across the country hosted the event in 2006, breaking its previous facility record of 225. Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) members Laura Diaz and Suzy Whaley, who is also a PGA Professional, are serving as spokespersons for the program.
"We have been thrilled with the number of facilities who have already registered for the 2007 American Express™ Women’s Golf Week presented by Golf For Women magazine," said Trish Davis, EWGA chief operating officer. "Thanks to our sponsors and facility coordinators, Women's Golf Week continues to grow each year and we are looking forward to bringing a record number of women to the course in June."
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2007 American Express™ Women’s Golf Week Presented by Golf For Women magazine set for June 2-9, page 2 of 2
Women’s Golf Week was developed in response to input from golf industry leaders at the 2004 GOLF 20/20 Conference and is part of the Play Golf America campaign, the golf industry’s premier search engine for accessing information on player development programs for adults, women and families nationwide.
After advancing the program for two years, GOLF 20/20 handed over management responsibility for Women’s Golf Week to the LPGA, The PGA of America, the Executive Women’s Golf Association (EWGA), and the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), with ongoing support from other leading organizations in golf including the PGA TOUR, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) and the United States Golf Association (USGA).
About the Lead Organizations:
The LPGA is the world’s pre-eminent women’s professional sports organization featuring the world’s best women golfers. In addition to the more than 400 LPGA Tour members, the LPGA membership includes nearly 1,200 certified Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP) who serve the golf industry in teaching, coaching and management positions. The LPGA T&CP member programs focus on increasing the involvement of women, girls and youth in golf, as well as contribute to the growth of the sport overall. For more information on the LPGA, log on to www.LPGA.com
Since the EWGA started in 1991, more than 80,000 women have benefited from membership in the organization, which is dedicated to providing opportunities to learn, play, and enjoy the game of golf for business and for life. There are currently 120 chapters throughout the United States and Canada. The chapters provide a wide range of golf, social and networking activities for both new and experienced golfers. For more information about the EWGA and its membership, visit www.ewga.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. Visit www.pga.com or www.PlayGolfAmerica.com to learn more.
The National Golf Course Owners Association is the leading authority on the business of golf course ownership and management. The Association represents the key decision-makers with ultimate responsibility for golf courses throughout the world. Through advocacy, information resources, purchasing programs and networking opportunities, the NGCOA helps golf course owners and operators run more successful businesses. For more information, visit www.ngcoa.org or www.getlinkedplaygolf.com.
About the Sponsors:
American Express Establishment Services is the merchant network of American Express which acquires and maintains relationships with millions of merchants that welcome the American Express Card around the globe. American Express Company (www.americanexpress.com) is a leading global payments, network, travel and banking company founded in 1850.
About Golf For Women magazine:
Golf For Women is the ultimate destination magazine for women who embrace the game and the sophisticated lifestyle of golf. It engages the passion women bring to all aspects of the sport—from instruction and equipment to fashion, beauty and travel—and is dedicated to enhancing women’s enjoyment of the golf lifestyle.
About Cobra Golf:
Cobra Golf is a recognized leader in the golf industry and is committed to providing equipment of superior performance and quality for both serious and recreational golfers. Cobra offers products with a competitive performance advantage and the functionality that golfers seek through innovative technology and design. Cobra Golf is a major brand of the Acushnet Company, an operating company of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE: FO).
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