PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- Citizens Bank, in conjunction with the Philadelphia Phillies, will host a Play Golf America "Experience," on April 17, at Citizens Bank Park, marking a sharing of the industry-wide campaign to grow the game of golf through fans of Major League Baseball.

PGA of America President Brian Whitcomb threw out the first pitch before the game. (Photo: PGA of America)

As a special addition to the Citizens Bank Businessperson's Special and Phillies "Rooftop Thursday," practice hitting nets will be set up at Citizens Bank Park. Nets will be located inside each of the major gates (First Base, Third Base, and Left Field) as well as on the Rooftop Deck. Phillies fans, regardless of previous golf experience, will be offered free, personalized instruction by eight PGA Professionals.

As part of the Citizens Bank Businessperson's Special, PGA of America President Brian Whitcomb will throw out the first pitch to open the 1:05 p.m. game between the Phillies and the Houston Astros.

In addition, the Wanamaker Trophy will be on display in the Hall of Fame Club from April 17 through April 20. Phillies premium seat holders with access to the Hall of Fame Club at Citizens Bank Park will have the opportunity to view and be photographed with the Wanamaker Trophy, the famed hardware first presented in 1916 to the PGA Champion. The trophy was donated by Rodman Wanamaker, whose family built a department store empire in Philadelphia and New York, and whose entrepreneurship helped launch The PGA of America.

"The PGA of America is delighted to share the Play Golf America Experience with fans of Major League Baseball," said Whitcomb. "This is yet another example where PGA Professionals can add the extra touch to the sports fan's enjoyment while at the same time display our member professionals as the experts in the game and the business of golf."

Citizens Bank, through its parent company RBS (The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc), partnered with the Phillies and The PGA of America to bring the Play Golf Experience and the Wanamaker Trophy to Philadelphia. RBS, one of largest financial services groups in the world, is the first PGA of America Official Patron, the highest level of partnership and designation ever granted by the world's largest working sports organization.

"We always look for ways to share the bank's many resources with our customers and sports fans whenever possible," said Daniel K. Fitzpatrick, Citizens Bank President and CEO of Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. "We are delighted that Phillies fans will have the opportunity to test their golf swing with PGA Professionals and to learn about the Play Golf America Experience."

Begun in 2004, Play Golf America is an industry-wide national marketing campaign developed and led by The PGA of America to increase participation among new and existing golfers and to grow the number of people who play the game. For more information about Play Golf America, visit www.PlayGolfAmerica.com.

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 $76 billion 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.