Nicklaus to help launch Golf 2.0 to International golf industry

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (Dec. 13, 2011) -- Jack Nicklaus, the World Golf Hall of Fame member and golf icon whose design firm has created more than 365 golf courses in 34 countries, will join The PGA of America and industry leaders at the 59th PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Fla., to launch Golf 2.0, golf's new strategic plan to grow participation in the game, to the global golf community from the Show's PGA Forum Stage on Thursday morning, January 26, 2012.

Nicklaus, a legendary player and now a revered ambassador, course designer and industry executive, will provide his insights on the future of golf and lend his support to Golf 2.0 and its initiatives aimed at helping all sectors of the industry expand participation, increase revenue, and build the vitality of the game for future generations.

"I am pleased to offer my full support of Golf 2.0 to help lead the combined efforts of the industry to put us back on the road to growing participation in golf," said Nicklaus. "I love this game and our industry is at a crossroads. The Golf 2.0 plan of action promotes out-of-the box thinking and details how we need to change in order to grow. I look forward to joining our international golf community in Orlando for the PGA Merchandise Show to introduce Golf 2.0 and work with PGA Professionals, manufacturers and industry leaders so that future generations can enjoy the great game of golf as I have my entire life."

"The legacy of Jack Nicklaus as one of the greatest players of all time is surpassed only by Jack's tireless work as a golf course designer and as one of the most respected ambassadors of the game. So we're delighted that Jack will be our keynote speaker at the 2012 PGA Merchandise Show and share his vision for the future," says PGA President Allen Wronowski. "As a business professional and player, Jack has had his finger on the pulse of the golf industry for many years, and he shares our determination to grow participation and grow the business side of golf. Many of Jack's ideas and concepts have been incorporated into the Golf 2.0 strategic plan, and I can't think of anyone better equipped to communicate those ideas to us than Jack Nicklaus himself."

Golf 2.0 will be a major focus of the 59th PGA Merchandise Show, January 26-28, with educational and promotional opportunities across multiple Show platforms throughout Show week including the PGA Show Outdoor Demo Day, on the PGA Forum stage, the PGA Education Conference, within exhibits on the Show floor and reflected in nearly every new program and presentation. The goals of Golf 2.0 are to increase participation from 27.1 million golfers generating $33 billion in annual consumer revenues today to 32 million golfers and $35 billion in consumer revenues by 2016. By 2020, the goal is to have 40 million golfers generating $40 billion in annual revenues.

About the PGA Merchandise Show
The 2012 PGA Merchandise Show, held January 26-28, in Orlando, Fla., will welcome some 1,000 top golf companies and brands and more than 40,000 industry professionals from around the world to the industry's 59th annual global summit for the business of golf. Outdoor Demo Day, the world's largest professional golf testing event, tees off the Show on Wednesday, Jan. 25, at the Orange County National Golf Center. During Show days, PGA Professionals, retailers and industry leaders will uncover the latest trends, source the newest golf merchandise, test the latest equipment, learn proven business best practices, network among peers and move forward the business of the game. Organized in partnership with The PGA of America as a trade-only event, the 2012 PGA Merchandise Show will be held in the Orange County Convention Center ~ 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. on Jan. 26-27; and 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. on Jan. 28. For more information, visit pgashow.com.

About The PGA of America
Celebrating its 95th year, The PGA of America has maintained a twofold mission of its founders: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, The PGA enables its professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in a multi-billion dollar golf industry. By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry, The PGA of America elevates the public's interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf.