PGA, USGA and Boys & Girls Clubs develop next generation golfers plan

ATLANTA and PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- As part of a historic long-term strategic alliance, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) was announced today as an "Official Youth Development Partner" of The PGA of America and United States Golf Association (USGA).

With programming to launch in 2012, this partnership with the BGCA will impact the lives of youth across America through the introduction of the game of golf.

"The PGA of America is extremely proud to join hands with Boys & Girls Clubs of America," said PGA President Allen Wronowski. "There are 2.5 million kids currently playing golf nationwide, and through this partnership, we want to share the fun of golf with more of America's children. Our missions are positively aligned, as we work together to help kids achieve academic success, build character and develop healthy lifestyles through golf."

"The USGA has a longstanding commitment to supporting programs that introduce the game of golf and the fun and the skills it offers to our nation's young people," said USGA President Jim Hyler. "We are very pleased to team up with The PGA of America and Boys & Girls Clubs of America on this ambitious new program, continuing our commitment to make a difference in the lives of young people throughout the country."

Based on a successful pilot project first tested in 2010, the new partnership will feature golf programming and instruction taught by PGA Professionals, along with support from Boys & Girls Clubs' staff and community volunteers. The program is expected to roll out next year at 50 BGCA sites, hosting between 50 and 100 kids each. The goal is to introduce golf to tens of thousands of kids nationwide.

The bulk of the program will take place at Boys & Girls Clubs facilities, where the PGA Sports Academy curriculum and activities will be utilized to provide introductory experiences. The PGA Sports Academy combines golf skills and physical fitness in high energy activities that focus on play, as well as instruction. The Club members will enjoy field trips to local golf courses and additional programs will be developed, including low-cost course access for those kids who want to continue to take their new-found interest in golf to the next level.

"Boys & Girls Clubs of America is thrilled to partner with The PGA of America and USGA," said Roxanne Spillett, president and CEO for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. "We are very excited about this amazing opportunity for local PGA Professionals to connect with our Clubs, and teach our members how to enjoy and play the game of golf. Just as importantly, we know that our Club members will gain invaluable life skills as they learn all about this great sport."

The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of America is to enable all young people, especially those who need support the most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. The goal of the new golf program is to expand across the BGCA's 1,100 local affiliates, which operate nearly 4,000 clubhouses that serve approximately 4 million youth nationwide.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (GreatFutures.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, nearly 4,000 Boys & Girls Clubs serve some 4 million children and teens through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native American lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. Clubs provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Priority programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more at bgca.org/facebook and bgca.org/twitter.

About The PGA of America
Celebrating its 95th year, The PGA of America has maintained a two-fold mission of its founders: 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 PGA enables its professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in a multi-billion dollar golf industry.

By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable 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.

About the USGA
The USGA conducts the U.S. Open, U.S. Women's Open and U.S. Senior Open, as well as 10 national amateur championships, two state team championships and international matches. Together with The R&A, the USGA governs the game worldwide, jointly administering the Rules of Golf, Rules of Amateur Status, Equipment Standards and World Amateur Golf Rankings. The USGA's working jurisdiction comprises the United States, its territories and Mexico.

The USGA is a global leader in the development and support of sustainable golf course management practices. It serves as a primary steward for the game's history and funds an ongoing "For the Good of the Game" grants program. Additionally, the USGA's Course Rating and Handicap systems are used on six continents in more than 50 countries.