American Express women's golf month highlights golf as recreation

American Express Women's Golf Month kicks off in June, celebrating golf as a year-long sport and recreation for women. The national promotion seeks to provide people the opportunity to learn, re-learn or play golf in a fun and friendly environment while also attracting and retaining new women golfers. More than 135,000 people nationwide have been introduced or re-introduced to the game of golf over the past five years during Women's Golf Month, which premiered in 2005 as Women's Golf Week, and statistics have consistently shown that 34 percent of these are beginners. Held at thousands of golf facilities nationwide, American Express Women's Golf Month offers people 14 years of age and older free golf lessons and clinics and additional golf-related activities customized by each host facility throughout the month of June. "We are looking forward to a fun-filled month celebrating women and their love for the game of golf," said Anne Lyndrup, Director of Player Development, National Golf Course Owners Association and leader of the Women's Golf Month organizers. "American Express Women's Golf Month provides everyone an opportunity to participate in fun golf activities, to play better golf with instruction from skilled PGA and LPGA Professionals, and also to have fun with friends while doing it." Consumers can find a complete list of participating facilities, along with details on specific events and online registration, by state on PlayGolfAmerica.com. PGA and LPGA Professionals are asked to promote women's programs currently offered at their facility and to consider adding new programs such as clinics, leagues, club fitting demonstrations, playing experiences and contests. Also new for 2010, PGA and LPGA Professionals may host or volunteer at a local Play Golf America Day in June or offer Get Golf Ready for Women programs at their facilities. LPGA Tour and World Golf Halls of Fame member Nancy Lopez, PGA/LPGA Professional Suzy Whaley and fitness expert and philanthropist, Donna Richardson Joyner are all supporting American Express Women's Golf Month. They will attend selected women's Play Golf America events throughout the year and share their expertise as well as encourage women from all walks of life to learn and participate in the game of golf. Whaley, along with PGA/LPGA Professionals from the Midwest PGA Section, will host a national kick-off event to celebrate the beginning of American Express Women's Golf Month at Tiffany Greens Golf Club in Kansas City, Mo., June 2 from 1-5 p.m. Joyner is hosting a golf clinic, June 5, in conjunction with her celebrity golf tournament held at the Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort and Golf Club in Aventura, Fla., to celebrate American Express Women's Golf Month. Over the years, through programs such as American Express Women's Golf Month, many people have discovered that the game of golf can be used to foster relationships and encourage personal health. Whether one is spending time with colleagues -- socially or professionally, spending time with family and friends, or exercising while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the golf course, the game of golf provides the tools necessary for success in all aspects of life. Participants who register on PlayGolfAmerica.com have the opportunity to win a set of Nancy Lopez golf clubs and American Express Gift Cards. American Express Women's Golf Month is a 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 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. Visit www.pga.com or www.PlayGolfAmerica.com to learn more. Since the EWGA started in 1991, the association has enriched the lives of more than 100,000 women, connecting them to learn, play, and enjoy golf for business and fun. This tax-exempt association delivers a wide range of golf, social and networking activities for both new and experienced golfers at over 125 local chapters throughout the United States and international chapters in Canada. The EWGA is headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. For more information about the association and membership, visit www.ewga.com The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) is the world's leading professional golf organization for women. Founded in 1950, the association celebrates a diverse and storied membership with more than 1,700 members representing 29 different countries. With a Vision to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the very best of women's golf, LPGA Tour Professionals compete across the globe, while dedicated LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP) directly impact the game through teaching, coaching and management. The Duramed FUTURES Tour serves as the official developmental tour of the LPGA, consistently producing a pipeline of talent ready for the world stage. The LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida. Follow the LPGA on its television home, Golf Channel, and on the web via: www.LPGA.com, www.facebook.com/lpga.official, www.twitter.com/lpga, and www.youtube.com/lpgavideo. 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 helps golf course owners and operators run more successful businesses. The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America 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 20,000 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 (//www.eifg.org), works to strengthen the compatibility of golf with the natural environment through research grants, support for education programs and outreach efforts. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org. About American Express American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. 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