The PGA of America's Year in Review Showcases a Season of Triumph

2001 Season Featured Historic Triumphs and a Sense of Unity

Contact Jamie Roggero-Carbone
PGA of America
561-624-8446
jroggero@pgahq.com
or Bill Byrne
Cohn & Wolfe
212-98-9793
bill_byrne@nyc.cohnwolfe.com

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (January 4, 2002) -- Tom Watson's comeback victory at the Senior PGA Championship and David Toms' memorable record- breaking march to the PGA Championship -- two of golf's most memorable events of 2001 -- are showcased as NBC Sports presents The PGA of America's Year in Review, Saturday, Jan. 12th from 3:30-4:30 p.m. EST.

Hosted by NBC golf commentators Mark Rolfing and Roger Maltbie, The PGA of America's Year in Review follows Watson's first PGA of America title at The Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus, N.J., and captures the 83rd PGA Championship where Toms posted a hole-in-one to gain the lead then make a par- saving putt on the 72nd hole to earn his first major championship. "I just think it was destiny," said Toms of his final putt.

The 2001 PGA of America year also was one of historic change with the Ryder Cup Matches being postponed for one year following the tragic events of Sept. 11.

The PGA of America's Year in Review was shot on-location at the 35-acre, state-of-the-art PGA Learning Center in Port St. Lucie, Fla. The one-hour program replays on The Golf Channel, Wednesday, Feb. 6, at 9:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m.; Saturday, Feb. 9, at 5:00 p.m.; Tuesday, Feb. 12, at 4:30 a.m.; and Wednesday, Feb. 13, at 2:00 p.m.

Among The PGA's Year in Review features:

* The 2001 Ryder Cup Postponement: The postponement of the 34th Ryder Cup Matches was one of the most difficult decisions The PGA of America has ever faced. Soon after Sept. 11, The Ryder Cup Team, along with The PGA of America's 41 Sections, joined to donate more than $1 million to make a difference in the lives of victims' families of the Sept. 11 attack.

"It (the postponement) was the proper thing to do with what was going on in D.C. and downtown New York," said U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Curtis Strange. "To have 12 guys go over there to high five, smile and laugh and have a great time was not the thing to do within two weeks after that disaster."

* Dedicated to growing the game: The PGA of America's growth of the game initiatives were more abundant this year than ever before. PGA President Jack Connelly discusses PGA outreach programs including a new $2 million grant program that provides funding for local PGA Professionals and Sections to start new player development programs across the country. In addition, The PGA's involvement with the Executive Womens' Golf Association, and a new player development program in conjunction with the National Golf Course Owners Association "Link up 2 Golf" are highlighted. Since 1999 alone, The PGA's commitment for growth of the game and community outreach programs totals more than $20 million.

* PGA Education: The PGA dedicated its 24,000-square-foot PGA Education Center at PGA Village in Port St. Lucie, Fla., providing an even higher level of training for aspiring PGA Professionals.

* PGA National Award Winners: Meet the country's top PGA Professionals, headed by PGA Professional of the Year Tony Morosco of Weston (Mass.) Golf Club, who have excelled in their key areas of expertise. They are leaders in their communities and businesses, instructors, players and promoters of the game.

* The PGA Grand Slam of Golf: Follow Tiger Woods to yet another record- breaking performance as he wins a fourth straight PGA Grand Slam of Golf title and with a record total score.

* PGA Club Professional Championship: A golfer who nearly gave up the game due to recurring back surgery, Wayne DeFrancesco of Baltimore, Md., reached the comeback pinnacle of his career in Sunriver, Ore., winning the 34th PGA Club Professional Championship.

About the PGA of America

The PGA of America is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1916 to promote golf and enhance the livelihood of its members. The Association is comprised of more than 26,000 men and women professionals who are dedicated to growing the game of golf.

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