Pga of America Teams with Leaders in Hospitality Industry to Deliver Get Golf Ready Power

IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Ashley Peden August 27, 2013 561/624-8434 [email protected]

PGA OF AMERICA TEAMS WITH LEADERS IN HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY TO DELIVER GET GOLF READY POWER MIXER Golf offers relationship-building benefits to corporate executives in Chicago

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – The PGA of America has launched the Get Golf Ready Power Mixer in conjunction with Orlando-based hospitality industry leaders Orange County Convention Center, Rosen Hotels & Resorts, The Peabody Orlando and Universal Studios. At the inaugural Get Golf Ready Power Mixer, which will take place Aug. 28 at the World of Whirlpool in Chicago, invited attendees will be introduced to the many benefits of the game through Get Golf Ready, the industry’s signature player development program. The attendees are an exclusive network of hospitality and meeting planners in the Chicago area. The Get Golf Ready Power Mixer will promote golf through five unique culinary experiences, as chefs from the World of Whirlpool will create a specially designed, golf-themed menu for the event. The goal of the Power Mixer is to promote Get Golf Ready to corporations across America, to deliver PGA and LPGA Professional golf instruction to their partners and clients through five fun and easy sessions. Get Golf Ready participants acquire basic golf knowledge and skills that can be utilized both professionally and personally. “It is great to see our friends at the Orange County Convention Center, and Orlando-based leaders in the hospitality and tourism industry, embrace golf and the Get Golf Ready Power Mixer as a point of connection with meeting planners and prospective clients,” said The PGA of America’s Director of Women’s and New Market Initiatives Sandy Cross. “The meeting planning industry is dominated by women and often times these meeting planners don't play golf. An understanding of the game and the ability to be comfortable on the golf course can put the planners on equal ground with their peers.” Get Golf Ready offers five lessons that concentrate on basic skills, instruction and information on the rules of Golf, etiquette and values. Participants learn chipping, putting, as well as the full swing and bunker play. They are also provided with fundamental guidelines of the game, such as the use and maintenance of golf equipment, keeping score and navigating the course. -- more -- Since its launch in 2005 more than 142,700 students have participated in Get Golf Ready programs during the past four years. A total of 3,065 facilities were certified to host Get Golf Ready in 2012, which is the largest annual increase to date. A record number of 75,900 students have participated in Get Golf Ready programs. "Our Orlando team of award-winning meetings facilities -- Rosen Hotels & Resorts, The Peabody Orlando, Orange County Convention Center and Universal Studios Orlando, known as The Big Fore -- is excited to partner with the PGA of America on this important initiative," said Leslie Menichini, VP, Sales & Marketing, Rosen Hotels & Resorts. "We believe this program will allow many meeting planners an opportunity to expand their networking tools in a unique fun environment. In Orlando, it's all about creative meetings, gathering active minds and watching them grow! This powerful combination will turn the heads of our meeting planners and industry alike and is sure to be a perfect fit."

Any companies interested in conducting a Get Golf Ready Power Mixer please contact Sandy Cross at (561) 624 -8477 or [email protected].

About The PGA of America Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has maintained a twofold mission: 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 the multi-billion dollar golf industry. By creating and delivering world-class championships and innovative programs, 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. As The PGA nears its centennial, the PGA brand represents the very best in golf.