PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – The PGA of America and the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) have partnered to present a “Game Day Experience” free lesson golf instruction program that will be conducted June 24 through July 27, and connect fans with PGA Professionals while attending games.
Similar to the PGA Free Lesson Days conducted at nine sites nationwide and in a partnership with the NFL, PGA Professionals at WNBA games will provide free lessons and give clinics at arenas in Washington, D.C., Minneapolis, Seattle, New York, Phoenix and San Antonio.
“The PGA of America is excited about this partnership with the WNBA, an example of our membership’s endeavors to reach new audiences and inspire those who have never before played the game to receive the best in instruction for PGA Professionals, the experts in the game and the business of golf,” said PGA of America President Brian Whitcomb. “We also anticipate that through the WNBA influence that we can encourage more women professionals and their families to enjoy the game of golf.”
As an extension of the partnership, The PGA of America will conduct a WNBA Golf School “Learn to Play Golf” event for players and their families. Some of the other events planned for host PGA Sections in the cities of WNBA teams include introducing women fans to their local Executive Women’s Golf Association and incorporating WNBA players at PGA Play Golf America Days.
“This partnership between two of America’s most dynamic sports organizations will utilize the resources of both leagues to build a broad athletic coalition,” said WNBA President Donna Orender. “With the tremendous rise of women’s sports in recent years, and with the WNBA being the most successful women’s sports league in the world, we are excited to be working with the PGA to promote its product to WNBA fans nationwide.”
About the WNBA
Comprised of 14 teams and entering its 12th season, the WNBA is the longest-running and most successful women’s professional team sports league in America. The 2008 season tipped off May 17 with ESPN2 again providing appointment viewing in the form of its “WNBA Tuesdays” telecasts. Combined coverage on ABC and ESPN2 will include 21 national telecasts, while NBA TV – the league’s 24-hour television network – will offer 70 regular-season contests.
The WNBA is deeply committed to WNBA CARES programs that improve the quality of life for all people, with a special emphasis on promoting health and fitness, breast health awareness, reading and youth basketball programs. For more information on the WNBA, log on to www.wnba.com.
WNBA Game Day Experiences Schedule
Date Host PGA Section WNBA Game
June 24 Middle Atlantic Phoenix at Washington
June 24 Minnesota New York at Minnesota
June 29 Pacific Northwest Washington at Seattle
July 12 Metropolitan Detroit at New York
July 15 Southwest San Antonio at Phoenix
July 19 Southern Texas Minnesota at San Antonio
July 19 Metropolitan Indiana at New York (Arthur Ashe Stadium)
July 25 Southwest Seattle at Phoenix
July 26 Southern Texas Chicago at Houston
July 27 Michigan San Antonio at Detroit
Since 1916, The PGA of America’s mission has been twofold; 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 Association enables PGA Professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the $76 billion golf industry.
By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable golf promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry, 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. The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf.
Contact:
Jamie Carbone
561/624-8446
rstutzman@pgahq.com
