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GOLFERS MOVE UP AND HAVE MORE FUN

BY TEEING IT FORWARD

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – More and more golfers are expected to tee it forward and have more fun while playing golf this summer thanks to the support of The PGA of America (PGA) and United States Golf Association (USGA). Initially introduced for a two-week period in 2011, TEE IT FORWARD, which encourages golfers to have more fun by playing from tees that better align with their ability, is now a year-round initiative with a special focus in June.

During the month, more than 2,400 registered facilities around the country will be actively promoting playing from new tees and hosting special events designed to encourage golfers to play from shorter distances. Participating facilities and more information can be found at PlayGolfAmerica.com/TEEITFORWARD.

“TEE IT FORWARD addresses many of the issues that impact the game of golf. By having golfers tee off from the appropriate teeing areas, they will have more fun and play faster,” said USGA President Glen Nager. “While we have promotional activities around this effort during June, we would like to see all golfers tee it forward throughout the year. It’s a great way to play the game.”

Discussion on the topic of TEE IT FORWARD continues to be so prevalent that The PGA and USGA have created a sweepstakes for those who share their comments after teeing it forward. Between now and July 31, 2012, golfers can go to PlayGolfAmerica.com/TEEITFORWARD to post their comments and be entered for a chance to win the grand prize of two weekly grounds tickets for the 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah Country Club. First runner-up receives two tickets to the 2013 U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club and second runner-up wins two tickets to the 2013 PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club.

“With TEE IT FORWARD, our PGA Professionals are simply asking golfers to move to the appropriate tee box so they have an opportunity to hit shorter irons into the greens,” said PGA President Allen Wronowski. “Golf can be much more fun when you are hitting 7-irons, instead of less-lofted irons and woods.”

In addition to sharing comments on the Play Golf America website, The PGA and USGA are also asking golfers to tweet about their TEE IT FORWARD experiences (#teeitforward) through a special Twitter page, twitter.TEEITFORWARD.org.

During the 2011 two-week promotion, more than 1,900 golf courses had an average of 123 golfers per facility (nearly 237,000 nationwide) playing from forward tees. A survey of more than 3,000 consumers who experienced the program showed that 70 percent found their round of golf more enjoyable and more than 90 percent said they would recommend TEE IT FORWARD to a friend. The survey also found nearly 50 percent of respondents believed the program helped them play faster.

Golf legend Jack Nicklaus, PGA TOUR player Dustin Johnson and LPGA Tour player Paula Creamer serve as spokespersons for TEE IT FORWARD.

About the USGA

The USGA conducts the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open and U.S. Senior Open, as well as 10 national amateur championships, two state team championships and international matches. Together with The R&A, the USGA governs the game worldwide, jointly administering the Rules of Golf, Rules of Amateur Status, Equipment Standards and World Amateur Golf Rankings. The USGA’s working jurisdiction comprises the United States, its territories and Mexico. The USGA is a global leader in the development and support of sustainable golf course management practices. It serves as a primary steward for the game’s history and funds an ongoing “For the Good of the Game” charitable giving program. Additionally, the USGA’s Course Rating and Handicap systems are used on six continents in more than 50 countries. For more information about the USGA, visit www.usga.org <http://www.usga.org>.

About The PGA of America

Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has maintained a twofold mission: 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 PGA enables its 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 world-class championships and innovative programs, 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. As The PGA nears its centennial, the PGA brand represents the very best in golf.