- PGA.com
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- "Get Golf Ready," a new, fun and innovative approach to learning the game will be showcased in a CBS special, Sunday May 3, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. EDT. The program will utilize a "reality TV" format with six new and former golfers going through the Get Golf Ready steps while receiving instruction from leading PGA/LPGA Professionals.
"Get Golf Ready" is the latest Play Golf America program that was created to expand golf's participant base by packaging a series of five instructional experiences, delivered in a fun and casual setting to attract both new golfers into the game and bring former golfers back to the sport.
The hour-long special features a team of acclaimed PGA of America teaching professionals, including 2008 PGA Teacher of the Year Martin Hall of West Palm Beach, Fla., 2003 PGA First Lady of Golf Renee Powell of East Canton, Ohio; and Suzy Whaley of Farmington, Conn., who will be joined by 2006 Ryder Cup Team member J.J. Henry and LPGA Tour rookie Stacy Lewis (pictured right).
Narrated by CBS Sports golf commentator Bill Macatee, the program was filmed on location at The PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance and the award-winning PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Fla.
The program also profiles "the Oldest Master," PGA Life Member Errie Ball, 98, of Stuart, Fla., the last surviving member of the original Masters field who maintains a regular teaching schedule to emphasize how golf is a game for a lifetime.
The recipient of the highest award The PGA of America bestows upon a teaching professional, Hall is the PGA director of instruction at Ibis Golf and Country Club in West Palm Beach; while Powell is the PGA/LPGA head professional at Clearview Golf Club in East Canton, Ohio; and Whaley is a PGA/LPGA teaching professional at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Conn., and in 2003 became the first woman in 58 years earn a berth in a PGA Tour event.
Joining them in the CBS special are PGA General Manager Joe Hallett and PGA Professional T.J. Tomasi of the PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance; and PGA Professional Todd Anderson of Sea Island Learning Center in Sea Island, Ga., ranked by Golf Digest as one of America's Top 50 Teachers.
The beginning golfers in the program receive course management advice from Henry, winner of the 2006 Buick Championship; and Lewis, the 2007 NCAA individual champion.
The amateur golfers, all from South Florida, are Jonathan Collins (Hobe Sound), Donielle Jones (Palm Beach Gardens), Luis Arrarte (Stuart), Dane Christensen (Port St. Lucie) and Jill and Lewe Sessions (Palm City).
Nearly 1,000 facilities nationwide have been certified to host Get Golf Ready this year, the inaugural season of the program. Interested golfers should visit PlayGolfAmerica.com and access the Get Golf Ready page.
About Play Golf America
Play Golf America, designed to increase participation among new and exiting golfers, was developed by The PGA of America, with the support of Allied Associations including: the LPGA, National Golf Course Owners Association, PGA Tour, USGA and others involved in the annual Golf 20/20 conference. The program utilizes the PlayGolfAmerica.com Web site to serve as a link for consumers to access fun, affordable and informative programs in their area.
About Get Golf Ready
Get Golf Ready, Play Golf America's featured program for 2009, was designed to teach golfers in five short lessons everything needed to step on a golf course and play with confidence. Lessons include on-course activities guided by PGA and LPGA professionals. Get Golf Ready is a Golf 20/20 initiative that is supported by the entire golf industry, including the World Golf Foundation, The PGA of America, leading national and state golf associations, organizations, manufacturers and the media.
For more information, visit PlayGolfAmerica.com and access the Get Golf Ready page.
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