CHASKA, Minn. -- With nearly 10,000 Minnesotans already registered to purchase pre-sale tickets, the 2009 PGA Championship has announced it will close registration for advanced ticket sales on the final day of the upcoming Masters Tournament, Sunday, April 13, 2008.

The pace of pre-sale ticket registration indicates to PGA Championship officials the return of golf's ultimate stage to Minnesota and Hazeltine National Golf Club, Aug. 10-16, 2009, will sell out quickly when tickets go on sale to the general public in July 2008.

"Given the level of excitement Minnesota showed during the 2002 PGA Championship, we wanted to offer eager fans an advanced opportunity to purchase tickets for the 2009 PGA Championship," said Michael Belot, 2009 PGA Championship tournament director. "It looks like tickets may sell out even faster in 2009, especially considering many fans remember the excitement of 2002 and want ensure they'll be a part of the excitement again."

The 2009 PGA Championship has been offering fans the opportunity to register for pre-sale tickets in preparation for record ticket demand. By registering for pre-sale tickets online at www.pga2009.com, fans have the opportunity to purchase tickets before they go on sale to the general public. When the PGA Championship was played at Hazeltine in 2002, Minnesotans snapped up all the tickets quickly, well ahead of expectations.

Fans who register will be invited in June 2008 to purchase tickets before the general public, but will not be required to purchase tickets.

Through the registration process, fans can also elect to receive ongoing 2009 PGA Championship news and updates, as well as information about volunteer and corporate hospitality opportunities.

About the 2009 PGA Championship
The 2009 PGA Championship will be played August 10-16, 2009, at the Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota. The PGA Championship features the strongest field in golf and is considered one of the largest sporting events in the world. Since 1916, golf's best professionals have been competing for the PGA Championship's coveted Wanamaker Trophy; including past champions Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Vijay Singh, Davis Love III, Jack Nicklaus, Sam Snead, Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan and Walter Hagen.

About the PGA of America
The PGA of America is the world's largest working sports organization comprising 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.