Record Attendance at PGA Learning Center Presented by American Express Highlights Week

A record 50,700 spectators visited the PGA Learning Center presented by American Express, which was 8,700 more than attended in 2009 at Hazeltine National Golf Club. Between the PGA Learning Center and the PGA Performance Center presented by Mercedes-Benz, 98 PGA Professionals gave complimentary instruction to 5,175 spectators, a 28 percent increase from last year. "It was a tremendous week to witness PGA Professionals at their best as the experts in the game and the business of golf," said Joe Stadler, PGA executive director of the Wisconsin PGA Section. "The support of 98 PGA Professionals representing our Section was incredible. Overall, we had some 130 of members who volunteered in a variety of roles at Whistling Straits. Their presence helped golf fans of all ages and abilities with their golf game and on the path to enjoy the game that much more in the future." The PGA Learning Center presented by American Express was an air-conditioned 8,000-square feet facility positioned within the PGA Town Center near the Main Spectator Entrance. The facility featured golf simulators, hitting bays, structured and free form putting greens, golf swing video analysis and video screens for live tournament feeds. Among the special instructors was Billy Casper, the 2010 PGA Distinguished Service Award recipient, and the 2009 PGA Teacher of the Year Mike Bender. Visitors at the PGA Performance Center presented by Mercedes-Benz viewed the new signature SLS AMG vehicle before heading to one of two putting greens to receiving expert putting analysis at the SAM PuttLab and Zenio Technologies by PGA Professionals. After the putting session, participants had the data displayed on monitors and had the option to have their information e-mailed to them.