Jack Nicklaus, Dustin Johnson and Paula Creamer Encourage Golfers to TEE IT FORWARD in 2012

  SOURCE: PGA of America

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL, Mar 29, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) — Golf legend Jack Nicklaus, PGA Tour Professional Dustin Johnson and 2010 U.S. Women’s Open Champion Paula Creamer have agreed to serve once again as spokespersons for TEE IT FORWARD, a joint PGA of America and USGA initiative encouraging golfers to have more fun by playing from tees that better align with their ability.

The three professionals will be featured in materials promoting the TEE IT FORWARD message to golfers and golf facilities across the country throughout the year. Through this program, facilities are encouraged to provide golfers with more options off the tee, or recommend that golfers use existing forward tees to have a more enjoyable experience on the course.

“We want golfers to know that they can TEE IT FORWARD anytime and anywhere,” Nicklaus said. “Average golfers who are inspired and motivated to play like their favorite Tour players, should not look at where those players tee from but, instead, the results of those tee shots. If golfers, who often play too far back, would move to a more forward tee, they are going to be left with shorter irons into greens, which enhances their ability to score better, and, in the end, makes the game more fun… and that’s what it’s all about.”

The PGA of America and United States Golf Association (USGA) promoted TEE IT FORWARD for a specific time period in 2011, but the success of the program has warranted year-round implementation in 2012. More than 1,900 facilities registered in 2011 with an average of 123 golfers per facility (nearly 237,000 nationwide) playing from forward tees during the promotional period. Additionally, a survey of more than 3,000 consumers who experienced the program showed that 70 percent found their round of golf more enjoyable and more than 90 percent said they would recommend TEE IT FORWARD to a friend. The survey also found nearly 50 percent of respondents saying the program helped them play faster. To find more information and courses actively promoting TEE IT FORWARD, visit PlayGolfAmerica.com/TEEITFORWARD.

Nicklaus, Johnson and Creamer are the perfect spokespersons for the growing program because of their experience in the golf industry, success on the course, varied playing styles and consistent involvement with community programs and growth of the game initiatives.