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PGA Of America, National Recreation & Park Association Team To Increase Municipal Golf Participation Contact Julius Mason PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (March 25, 2003) - The Professional Golfers' Association of America and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) are teaming to increase participation in golf at municipal golf courses nationwide. The PGA of America and NRPA will begin a Planning for Growth Golf Study of various locations nationwide, examining three park and recreation jurisdictions with at least one municipal golf course. The study will determine access barriers, innovations, marketing approaches, player motivation and industry incentives needed to increase golf participation among occasional or former adult players. "One pathway to increasing participation in golf among families or occasional players lies in the municipal golf facility segment of our industry," said PGA of America President M.G. Orender. "The PGA of America and the NRPA share a common goal in enhancing the lifestyle of Americans through quality leisure activities. And, golf is one of the primary resources to enhance family recreational enjoyment. We are excited that the NRPA has agreed to join us in this study. The prospects look bright that we may promote our municipal courses and involve more Americans in golf." Municipally-owned facilities currently employ more than 2,800 PGA Professionals nationwide. The NRPA encompasses more than 150,000 outdoor facilities, attracting more than 200 million visitors annually. "The National Recreation and Park Association is pleased to partner with The PGA of America," said NRPA Executive Director John A. Thorner. "We believe that golf is a game for a lifetime that promotes an active and healthy lifestyle. This joint effort to increase participation through public park and recreation resources is a worthy goal and will extend positive benefits to millions of Americans." The National Recreation and Park Association, with headquarters in Ashburn, Va., has a mission to advance parks, recreation and environmental conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all people. Through its more than 27,000 men and women PGA Professionals and with the support of a host of allied golf associations and GOLF 20/20, The PGA of America is leading an industry-wide effort designed to grow participation in the game of golf. |