PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- Move over, boys. June is American Express Women's Golf Month, a nationwide initiative supported by Golf For Women magazine. More than 68,000 women across the country have been introduced or re-introduced to the game over the past three years during American Express Women's Golf Week and due to the overwhelming success of the promotion since its inception, organizers extended it to the entire month of June.

Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour Hall of Fame and World Golf Hall of Fame member Nancy Lopez and LPGA/PGA Professional Suzy Whaley are the national spokeswomen.

American Express Women's Golf Month will provide women the opportunity to learn, re-learn and/or play golf in a women-friendly environment. Participating host golf facilities will offer complimentary golf instruction to women 14 years of age and older, during the month of June. Extending the promotion to the entire month will give golf facilities and PGA Professionals more flexibility in offering a variety of activities such as networking receptions, golf rules and etiquette seminars, club fitting and equipment demonstrations, golf apparel fashion shows, luncheons, playing experiences and contests with the focus being on fun.

"American Express Women's Golf Month is the perfect opportunity for women across the country to visit their local course and enjoy an event created just for them," said Anne Lyndrup, Director of Player Development, National Golf Course Owners Association and spokesperson for Women's Golf Month organizers.

Those interested in participating, whether they are looking to get back into golf, are interested in playing more golf or have never played the game before, can find more details about American Express Women's Golf Month at PlayGolfAmerica.com.

In its fourth year, American Express Women's Golf Month is aimed at increasing the participation of women in golf and making learning and playing golf fun. Last year, a record of more than 34,200 women participated in various Play Golf America activities throughout the week, a 39 percent increase from the previous year. A record total of 1,358 facilities across the country hosted the event in 2007, breaking its previous facility record of 585. And in 2007, Women's Golf Week had a positive economic impact for both the golf industry and host facilities. The golf industry realized a financial impact of $2 million dollars, while host facilities reported a median of $2,150 in revenues generated from women following their participation in Women's Golf Week.

American Express Women's Golf Month is part of the national Play Golf America campaign. It is coordinated by industry-leading organizations, including the Executive Women's Golf Association (EWGA), the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) and The PGA of America (PGA).

About the Lead Organizations:
Since its founding in 1991, the Executive Women's Golf Association (EWGA) has touched the lives of over 85,000 women by providing opportunities to learn, play and enjoy the game of golf for business and for life. This not-for-profit association delivers a wide range of golf, social and networking activities for new and experienced golfers to nearly 20,000 members at over 120 local chapters throughout the United States and international chapters in Canada and France. The EWGA is headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. For more information about the EWGA and its membership, visit ewga.com.

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 21,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA's mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. The association's philanthropic organization, The Environmental Institute for Golf, works to strengthen the compatibility of golf with the natural environment through research grants, support for education programs and outreach efforts. Visit GCSAA at gcsaa.org.

As the longest-running women's professional sports organization in the world, the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) features a membership comprised of world-class LPGA Tour professionals and dedicated Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP). Today's LPGA Tour features the most talented global sampling of professional athletes competing in 36 events on six continents with total prize money of more than $62 million. In addition to its dynamic Tour members, nearly 1,200 certified T&CP members serve the golf industry in teaching, coaching and management positions, and oversee programs aimed at increasing the involvement of women, girls and youth in golf. The not-for-profit LPGA's Vision is to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the best golf professionals in the world. Its Mission is to be a leader in the world of sports, to promote economic empowerment for all members, and to serve as role models on and off the course. The LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Fla. For more information on the LPGA, log on to www.LPGA.com.

The National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) is the leading authority on the business of golf course ownership and management. The Association represents the key decision makers with ultimate responsibility for golf courses throughout the world. Through advocacy, information resources, purchasing programs and networking opportunities, the NGCOA (ngcoa.org) helps golf course owners and operators run more successful businesses.

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. Visit PGA.com or PlayGolfAmerica.com to learn more.

About the 2008 Sponsors:
Title Sponsor:
American Express Establishment Services is the merchant network of American Express which acquires and maintains relationships with millions of merchants that welcome the American Express Card around the globe. American Express Company (americanexpress.com) is a leading global payments, network, travel and banking company founded in 1850. American Express has been the title sponsor for three consecutive years.

Supporting Sponsor:
Golf For Women magazine:
For 20 years, Golf For Women (GolfForWomen.com) has been the ultimate destination magazine for women who embrace the game and the sophisticated lifestyle of golf. It engages the passion women bring to all aspects of the sport, from instruction and equipment to fashion, beauty and travel, and is dedicated to enhancing women's enjoyment of the country club lifestyle. Golf For Women has been a sponsor for three consecutive years.