Association Offers Solheim Cup Package for Executive Distinction Members
PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL, April 8, 2009 – The EWGA (Executive Women’s Golf Association) welcomes PING as a new supporting partner for the organization. The relationship includes an ‘On Course’ event at The Solheim Cup, taking place August 18-23, 2009 at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Illinois.
“We are very excited to be more involved with the EWGA, a well established organization with an excellent reputation. We are thrilled to be able to share our PING story and history, especially as we are celebrating our 50th anniversary this year,” says Michaela Wilson, Solheim Cup and Tournament Operations for PING. “In addition, we are always excited to have the opportunity to put our products into women’s hands and give them an opportunity to hear about and experience ‘custom fitting’ first hand.”
PING designs, manufactures and markets a complete line of golf equipment including metal woods, irons, putters and golf bags. The family-owned company was founded in 1959 in the garage of the late Karsten Solheim, a mechanical engineer with an extensive background in the aerospace and computer industries. His frustration with his putting inspired him to design his own putter, which created a “pinging” sound when striking a golf ball. This sound was the source of the name now synonymous with innovation, quality and service throughout the world of golf.
Solheim and his company are credited with numerous innovations that became industry standards, including perimeter weighting, custom fitting and the use of investment casting in the manufacturing of golf clubs. His insistence on adhering to strict engineering principles and tight manufacturing tolerances raised the level of product performance and quality throughout the golf industry. Solheim is the only person to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame as a golf club manufacturer. In 1990, the company became the founding sponsor of the Solheim Cup the prestigious biennial LPGA and Ladies European Tour match-play event between the United States and Europe, similar to the men’s Ryder Cup.
Today, the Phoenix-based company is under the direction of Solheim’s youngest son, John A. Solheim. PING game-improvement products can be found in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit pinggolf.com
“We salute PING’s long involvement in supporting women’s golf and know our members will benefit from this new relationship,” says Pam Swensen, CEO of the EWGA. “The opportunity to offer a special package for EWGA Executive Distinction members to experience the Solheim Cup is an exciting bonus and a great way to launch our partnership.”
EWGA’s Executive Distinction membership includes access to invitation-only ‘On Course with the EWGA’ events, offering unique golf and networking opportunities at some of the country’s finest resorts. The ‘On Course with the EWGA’ at the Solheim Cup package includes special receptions, tournament tickets and entrance to the PING pavilion, passes for the Opening and Closing Ceremony and more. Other 2009 ‘On Course with the EWGA’ events are scheduled for April 19-21 at the Ginn Reunion Resort in Orlando, FL which includes instruction at the ANNIKA Academy; and October 25-27 at the Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club in Carmel, California.
Added benefits for EWGA Executive Distinction members also include complimentary general admission to LPGA Tour events and Gold Status in the Troon Golf Rewards program.
About EWGA
Geared toward the schedules of busy women, the EWGA welcomes every woman interested in getting involved and connected through golf. EWGA offers all members organized play and clinics for all levels of golfers, personal and professional development, learning and mentoring programs and coast-to-coast networking opportunities to develop friendships, business connections and lifelong relationships.
Since its founding in 1991, the EWGA has touched the lives of more than 100,000 women connecting them to learn, play, and enjoy golf for business and for fun. This not-for-profit association delivers a wide range of golf, social and networking activities for both new and experienced golfers at over 125 local chapters throughout the United States and international chapters in Canada and France.
A 2008 survey of EWGA members conducted by the PGA of America found that the average EWGA member plays 32 rounds per year. EWGA members spent an average of $4296 on golf activities, merchandise and golf related travel, with each local EWGA chapter annually generating $602,900 in golf related spending. With over 125 chapters throughout the United States, as well as international chapters in Canada and France, the EWGA represents nearly $75 million to the golf industry.
The EWGA is headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. For more information about the association and its membership, visit www.ewga.com
Contact:
Angie Niehoff
Niehoff Marketing Associates
561-868-0297
niehoff@bellsouth.net