AHEAD extends its supporting sponsorship of Golf Retirement Plus

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- AHEAD, a New Bedford, Mass.-based designer and marketer of branded headwear, apparel and accessories, has extended its supporting sponsorship of Golf Retirement Plus for an additional five years. AHEAD has served as a partner of the program since 2000.

A licensee of The PGA of America, PGA Tour and United States Golf Association — and the official headwear of the AJGA — the company operates five distinct business units: the AHEAD men's apparel line; AHEAD Headgear, AHEAD "Heavy Metal™" line of golf accessories and the Kate Lord™ Collection of ladies hats, apparel and accessories. AHEAD recently launched its fifth business unit, featuring the new PGA Authentic line of apparel, accessories and headwear. This is an exciting new initiative that is specifically branded for The PGA and partnered with Golf Retirement Plus.

"AHEAD's long-term relationship with The PGA of America speaks volumes of the company's commitment to the game of golf, and the value they hold in the trust and expertise of PGA Professionals," said PGA President Allen Wronowski. "The AHEAD brand name is a recognized standard for excellence in golf merchandise, and we are honored and proud of their partnership in Golf Retirement Plus being extended to The PGA's Centennial celebration in 2016."

"We value our long and growing relationship with The PGA and its members," said Ken Shwartz, president, AHEAD. "We're proud to continue our support of this important program."

Founded in 1997, Golf Retirement Plus™ is a retirement program for PGA Professionals and apprentices, GCSAA Superintendents, and CMAA Club Managers, which allows them to make their own contributions or have their employers contribute to their Golf Retirement Plus account on their behalf. PGA Professionals may also earn personal incentives by participating in the Golf Retirement Plus Partner Programs.

About AHEAD
AHEAD® is a designer and marketer of branded headwear, apparel and accessories. Headquartered in New Bedford, Mass., the company operates five distinct business units: the AHEAD® men's apparel line; AHEAD® Headgear, AHEAD® "Heavy Metal™" line of golf accessories, PGA Authentic branded headwear, apparel and accessories, and the Kate Lord™ Collection of ladies hats, ladies apparel and ladies accessories. AHEAD is a supporting partner of PGA Golf Retirement Plus, a licensee of the USGA, PGA of America, PGA Tour and the official headwear of the AJGA.

About The PGA of America
Celebrating its 95th year, The PGA of America has maintained a twofold 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.