PGA partnership gives members access to new initiative.

If you have watched ally golf on television in the past year, you are probably familiar with "Play Golf America," a growth of the game initiative spearheaded by The PGA of America and other leading golf organizations. The program has been extensively promoted through clever 30-second public service announcements on the major networks as well as The Golf Channel, encouraging viewers to log on to www.playgolf america.com and "get more golf into your life."

Now, thanks to a partnership agreement between the NRPA and The PGA of America, NRPA members will have access to the player development resources hosted on the Play Golf America Web site, giving them insight into a variety of ideas and strategies for increasing participation at municipal golf facilities. The Play Golf America Information and Resource Center includes, among other features, best practices provided by PGA professionals from around the nation.

Also included on the site is the Program Tool Kit, which provides a number of program templates that are designed to assist you and your staff with the development, promotion and execution of Play Golf America initiatives. No matter the category--be it New Golfers or Leagues--you can click on any of the links within each of these program templates to learn how a particular program may be applied to your facility.

"The PGA of America and the National Recreation and Park Association share a new relationship that will serve as an example of how associations can best blend their talents to build participation in the game of golf and utilize the municipal facilities throughout the country," said Roger Warren, president of The PGA of America. "The partnership can also enable park districts to best evaluate how they can enhance the existing programs at their golf facilities through the support of the leaders of the game--PGA Professionals."

A link to playgolfamerica.com will be hosted on the NRPA home page, www. nrpa.org/pga. Once the link is clicked, NRPA members will be directed to the Resource Center page, where they can view background information on Play Golf America, or access either of two valuable player development sections: the "Program Tool Kit" and the "Player Development Best Practices."

In addition to player development resources, your nrpa.org/pga link provides NRPA leaders access to the PGA Employment Center, PGA PerformanceTrak and the PGA Foundation, all industry-leading initiatives.