With the home of the defending National League East Champion Philadelphia Phillies as a backdrop, PGA Professionals from the Philadelphia PGA Section provided free golf lessons to nearly 250 visitors, April 17, as the kickoff to a Play Golf America 'Experience' at Citizens Bank Park.

The first merger of a Play Golf America event during a live major league baseball game featured fans interacting with Philadelphia PGA Section Professionals at four stations located throughout Citizens Bank Park. Approximately 60 to 70 individuals received free lessons at each station.

PGA of America President Brian Whitcomb threw out the first pitch prior to the game between the Phillies and the Houston Astros as part of the Citizens Bank Park Businessperson's Special.

"Play Golf America 'Experience' at Citizens Bank Park gave our PGA Professionals another unique opportunity to help people experience the game of golf," said Philadelphia PGA Executive Director Geoffrey Surrette. "Our professionals helped nearly 250 people better their swings or try the game for the first time. It was a great day and a wonderful venue that seemed to be enjoyed by everyone."

Teaching areas at Citizens Bank Park were sponsored by RBS, and were positioned on the rooftop deck, along with the first base, third base and left-field gates.

Visitors to Citizens Bank Park's Hall of Fame Club also had the opportunity to be photographed with the Wanamaker Trophy, the famed hardware presented to every PGA Champion since 1916. The trophy was donated by its namesake, Rodman Wanamaker, whose family built a department store empire in Philadelphia and New York, and by whose entrepreneurship helped launch The PGA of America.

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.

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.