NEW YORK, N.Y. -- It was a night of celebrations in Madison Square Garden, July 25, as The PGA of America and the WNBA celebrated their partnership in introducing golf to WNBA players and fans, and New York Liberty fans celebrated their one-point victory over the Los Angeles Sparks, 69-68 (on a game winner with 6.4 seconds remaining by Janel McCarville).

PGA of America CEO Joe Steranka and WNBA President Donna Orender, along with New York Liberty starting forward Catherine Kraayeveld, addressed the media prior to the game to review the already-successful initiative that was launched last month by the PGA of America and the WNBA. Through its nationwide network of 41 Sections, The PGA of America has teamed with the 14 WNBA teams to launch the multi-faceted golf experience for its players and fans.

The primary focus is Game Day Experiences where PGA and LPGA Professionals use inflatable nets to provide free lessons for spectators, plus organize a contest on court at half-time, as part of WNBA games. An average of 125 fans per game have received free golf instruction at the first five Game Day Experiences.

Steranka and Orender expressed their mutual respect for each other and their organizations and saw where their vision of a partnership was beneficial to both parties. After many conversations and studies, the partnership was formed and was set in motion at WNBA games this season.

"The PGA of America has been focused on how we can proactively grow the awareness and participation of women, especially professional women, in the game of golf," Steranka said. "It was an easy conversation to have with Donna (Orender) about the important role that sport plays for women in this country and that this is an opportunity for us to showcase just how easy, accessible and fun golf can be."

Orender agreed that the Game Day Experiences are a win-win proposition for everyone.

"The program that we put together with the PGA of America is really one that we are very proud of," Orender said. "The genesis of it was the fact that as we queried our fan base with what their interests were, we found out there was a high correlation with the game of golf. So we thought it would be great if we could partner and create a marketing relationship whereby we introduce more women to the game of golf -- which is something I believe in -- and at the same time, use the great network of the PGA of America to introduce people to the WNBA."

PGA of America and Play Golf America had a presence throughout the game in front of more than 12,900 energized fans. Play Golf America T-Shirts were tossed to the fans during breaks; Maddie, the New York Liberty official mascot, wore a PGA Championship caddy bib during a Callaway putting contest during a timeout; and a Play Golf America PSA was shown on the scoreboard during the second period.

"Our focus on growing women's participation in the game is going to last for quite some time and with the WNBA being the most stable, far reaching women's' team sport, it's a relationship that I see us continuing," Steranka said " We currently have eight Game Day Experiences so far this year and our goal is to have them in all 14 cities next year."

The Metropolitan PGA Section has already hosted two Game Day Experiences, including one at the history-making first outdoor game in professional basketball history (July 19) in Arthur Ashe Stadium. More than 19,000 fans attended that event and Metropolitan Section women PGA Professionals gave free lessons for two non-stop hours.

Another special event is scheduled Aug. 13 that will bring together New York Liberty players and officials, season ticket subscribers and the EWGA for a special networking opportunity during the WNBA season break for the Olympics. Metropolitan PGA Professionals will be providing free instruction at the event held at Randall's Island.

The number of women golfers in the U.S. has grown to 6.4 million, an eight percent growth since 2002, including 926,000 junior girls ages 6-17 and 5.5 million women ages 18-years and older (source: 2007 National Golf Foundation Golf Participation Study). The WNBA Game Day Experiences are just one of many women's golf initiatives announced by the PGA of America to help grow this influential segment of golfers and bring more women to the game.

Below are the current 2008 Game Day Experience dates and hosting PGA Section:
June 24: Phoenix at Washington DC -- Middle Atlantic Section
June 24: New York at Minnesota -- Minnesota Section
June 29: Washington at Seattle -- Pacific Northwest Section
July 19: Indiana at New York -- Metropolitan Section
July 20: Minnesota at San Antonio -- Southern Texas Section
July 26: Chicago at Houston -- Southern Texas Section
July 27: San Antonio at Detroit -- Michigan Section
July 27: Indiana at Phoenix -- Southwest Section

Play Golf America, designed to increase participation among new and existing golfers, was developed by The PGA of America, with the support of Allied Associations including: the LPGA, National Golf Course Owners Association, PGA Tour, USGA and others involved in the annual Golf 20/20 Conference. The program utilizes the www.PlayGolfAmerica.com Web site to serve as a link for consumers to access fun, affordable and informative programs in their area.

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.