USGA and PGA partner on after-school programs for junior golfers

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- The United States Golf Association and PGA of America have partnered to expand the number of junior golfers throughout the country and foster life-long participation in the game by piloting after-school programs in PGA Sections.

The pilot program involves PGA Professionals in eight PGA Sections across the country that have demonstrated strong junior golf infrastructures: Dixie, Indiana, Illinois, New Jersey, Northern Texas, South Florida, Southern California and Wisconsin.

A total of 39 schools from across the country will host programs this fall, and the program is on pace to reach over 1,000 kids in 43 schools during its pilot year.

"Students that are participating in these programs locally include many who have never been exposed to the game of golf," said Geoff Lofstead, Executive Director for the South Florida PGA Section. "We are excited about the progress that the USGA/PGA After School Program has already made in our community and look forward to growing the program in the future."

The After School Program is a four- to six-week activity conducted for one hour immediately after school meets one to two times each week. Sessions are conducted indoors and outdoors at schools, golf facilities and YMCA's using traditional golf equipment. PGA Professionals utilize the PGA First Swing and PGA Medalist curriculum to instruct youth on core golf skills -- etiquette, rules and fundamentals -- which enables instructors to certify that participants are prepared for the next step of playing golf.

"The USGA is encouraged by the initial response to the After School Program," said USGA President Jim Vernon. "We look forward to the continued development of the program and are excited to provide more students with meaningful opportunities to play this great game, with the goal of producing lifelong players."

The final session of the USGA/PGA After School Program is conducted at a golf facility so that PGA Professionals can show the juniors how they can apply their skills learned in class as well as get them comfortable with going to the golf course.

"We are excited about the progress that the USGA/PGA After School Program has made in such a short amount of time," said PGA of America President Jim Remy. "One of the missions of our Association and its PGA Professionals is to build the next generation of golfers. This program has and will continue to help us achieve that goal."

In addition to the After School Program, recruitment of junior golfers will continue through PGA and LPGA Professionals, partner programs with The First Tee, and other junior golf programs and associations that have been utilized in the eight pilot PGA Sections.

Schools and parents interested in learning more about the USGA-PGA After School Program as well as other junior golf programs in their area may contact Kirk Douglas, PGA at 561-624-8411 or kdouglas@pgahq.com.

To learn more about the USGA-PGA Junior Partnership and to see a full list of participating schools go to www.PlayGolfAmerica.com and click on Junior Golf which is located in the middle of the home page.

About the USGA
The USGA is the national governing body of golf in the USA and Mexico, a combined territory that includes more than half the world's golfers and golf courses.

The USGA annually conducts the U.S. Open, U.S. Women's Open, U.S. Senior Open, 10 national amateur and two state team championships. It also helps conduct the Walker Cup Match, Curtis Cup Match and World Amateur Team Championships.

The USGA also writes the Rules of Golf, conducts equipment testing, provides expert course maintenance consultations, funds research for better turf and a better environment, maintains a Handicap System, celebrates the history of the game, and administers an ongoing "For the Good of the Game" grants program, which has allocated more than $65 million over 13 years to successful programs that bring the game's values to youths from disadvantaged backgrounds and people with disabilities.

For more information about the USGA, visit www.usga.org.

About The PGA of America
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 multi-billion dollar 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.