PGA News

The Professional Golfers’ Association of America

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Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418

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IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jamie Carbone

August 23, 2005 561/624-8446

PGA OF AMERICA TO HONOR PGA PROFESSIONALS,

PGA SECTIONS FOR PLAY GOLF AMERICA INITIATIVES

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – The PGA of America will pay tribute to PGA Professionals and PGA Sections that demonstrate extraordinary efforts in conducting and/or supporting Play Golf America initiatives to grow participation in the game, by awarding the Herb Graffis Cup and President’s Plaque. The Player Development awards will be determined in the fall of 2006 both at the Section and national level, with national winners honored at the PGA of America Awards presentation in January 2007, at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Fla.

PGA Sections that demonstrate extraordinary and exemplary contributions and achievements in Player Development will be candidates for the Herb Graffis Cup, an award named in honor of the late PGA Honorary Member and renowned golf journalist who was one of The PGA’s most noted contributors.

The President’s Plaque will be presented to individuals for extraordinary and exemplary contributions and achievements in Player Development. The award will consider a PGA Professional’s growth of the game leadership commitment at the Section and national levels, and the impact at the members’ own facility.

From 1974-2001, The Herb Graffis Cup was awarded annually to the PGA Section with the highest financial contribution to National Golf Day/National Golf Month charities. From 1982-2001, the President’s Plaque was awarded annually to a PGA Professional with the highest individual contribution to the National Golf Day/National Golf Month charities.

“The PGA of America is very pleased to be honoring PGA Professionals and PGA Sections that have taken the challenge of developing new and exciting programs to support Play Golf America,” said PGA of America President Roger Warren. “Play Golf America is an ongoing campaign that is vital to the future of the game. The recognition of our Sections’ and members’ efforts underscores the commitment that PGA Professionals have as leaders of the game.”

Begun in January 2004, the goal of Play Golf America is to reach the millions of non-golfers who have expressed a desire to play, and the millions of occasional golfers who play between one and seven times per year. The campaign focuses on the adult population of families, couples, women and business professionals, by having programs in their local areas to meet their needs posted on www.playgolfamerica.com.

Play Golf America is supported by the National Golf Course Owners Association, PGA Tour, LPGA, USGA and GOLF 20/20.

The PGA of America, founded in 1916, is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the game of golf, while continuing to enhance the standards of the profession. The Association is comprised of more than 28,000 men and women PGA Professionals who are dedicated to growing participation in the game of golf.

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