PGA Of America Launches Network PGA Technology Education Program

Contact Julius Mason
561-624-8444
jmason@pgahq.com

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (August 2, 2002) - The PGA of America announced today the launch of Network PGA*, a sponsor-supported technology education program for PGA Professionals. The program features Technology 101, a new online education curriculum designed to assist PGA Professionals in improving their expertise and enhancing their businesses through technology.

Technology 101 is a free online education program, which allows PGA Professionals to earn up to 10 continuing education (CE) hours.

Network PGA*, an initiative of PGA Interactive, is delivered through PGALinks.com, The PGA's member-only web site. Technology 101 guides PGA Professionals through such topics as web site creation, electronic tee times, point of sale and inventory management systems, online merchandise liquidation, B-to-B e-Commerce and e-Marketing. PGA Interactive is the online communications and services company of The PGA of America.

"PGA Professionals, who have embraced the role technology serves in advancing their expertise in teaching and playing the game, now have the opportunity to maximize their ability to manage and market their facilities and inventory online," said PGA of America President Jack Connelly. "This extension of PGA of America education into distance learning is an exciting new development for the Association and our members. It brings high-quality training directly to our members at a time and place most convenient to them."

Network PGA* receives support from GolfGopher and GolfClubExchange.com, two leading technology companies dedicated to continuing education and providing useful technology products for PGA Professionals. GolfGopher offers a completely integrated web-based golf facility management system, which features point of sale, inventory, membership, tee time reservations, back office accounting, event management and customer relationship management.

GolfClubExchange.com is the industry's leading online auction marketplace for the sale of new and used golf clubs, providing special member services to PGA Professionals to enable them to liquidate excess inventory and sell used/trade-in equipment via the Internet.

Founded in 1916, The PGA of America is a not-for-profit organization composed of more than 27,000 men and women professionals who are dedicated to growing the game of golf.