People across the United States will have the opportunity to improve their golf game throughout the entire month of May by participating in Play Golf America’s PGA Free Lesson Month.  The PGA of America and Golf Digest jointly launched this successful campaign in 1998.  Now, on its 10^th Anniversary, PGA Free Lesson Month continues to set records, with more than 147,000 free lessons given last year.

Play Golf America's PGA Free Lesson Month is designed to reach new golfers and help existing golfers improve their game with a free, 10-minute golf lesson conducted by PGA Professionals nationwide.  It is a growth-of-the-game initiative between The PGA of America, Golf Digest, the GOLF CHANNEL, Golf For Women and Golf World.  Nike Golf is the official program sponsor.  Consumers can find the most updated list of participating PGA Professionals in their area by inserting their zip code at www.PlayGolfAmerica.com.

PGA Free Lesson Month is one of the most successful growth-of-the-game campaigns in the golf industry. In 2006, a total of 147,332 free lessons (21 percent increase from 2005) were given by 7,485 PGA Professionals (8.7 percent increase) at 5,880 facilities (5.5 percent increase) across the country. 

PGA Professionals each gave an average of 20 lessons with each lesson lasting an average of 19 minutes.  A total of 46,655 hours were dedicated to free lessons in 2006. PGA Professionals indicated that 55 percent of the free lessons they conducted were with new customers; 23 percent were new or beginning golfers; 31 percent were women; and 11 percent of the PGA Professionals gave lessons to individuals with disabilities.

“PGA Professionals are dedicated to growing the game and the success of PGA Free Lesson Month is a testament to that commitment,” said the PGA of America President Brian Whitcomb.  “With the continued support from our loyal partners in the Golf Digest Publications, the GOLF CHANNEL and Nike Golf, PGA Professionals across the country will once again be able to share their expertise with golfers of all skill levels.  We are proud to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of PGA Free Lesson Month and look forward to another record-setting year.”