New York, N.Y. and Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. - (November 29, 2007) - American Express and The Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) of America today announced the launch of the Friend of a Cardmember program, a new player development initiative which demonstrates the benefits of being an American Express Cardmember and encourages participation in the game of golf.
The program will allow Cardmembers who purchase instructional lessons with participating instructors of The PGA of America using the American Express Card to bring along a guest of their choice at no additional cost. The program will be led by Rick Martino, the Director of Instruction at The PGA Learning Center in Port St. Lucie, Fla., and one of a few dozen PGA Professionals to hold a certification in teaching, The PGA's highest level of achievement for instruction.
Rick Martino, in conjunction with American Express and The PGA of America, has hand-selected six Friend of a Cardmember ambassadors to spearhead the program and act as leaders and mentors to instructors in each region of the country. In addition to Martino, the ambassador committee includes:
Carol Mann (The Woodlands, Texas)
Laird Small (Pebble Beach, Calif.)
Suzy Whaley (Cromwell, Conn.)
Christopher Smith (North Plains, Ore.)
Todd Sones (Vernon Hills, Ill.)
Craig Shankland (Ormond Beach, Fla.)
This new initiative builds upon American Express' commitment to the game of golf and is made possible by American Express' designation as an official patron of The PGA of America. This program creates a wonderful opportunity for Cardmembers and enables PGA of America Professionals to expand their impact on the game by reaching a broader group of golfers. Currently, more than 350 PGA of America instructors from across the country are registered to participate in the program, making this new golf benefit accessible to Cardmembers in every region in the United States.
In addition to the Friend of a Cardmember program, American Express also provides Cardmembers access to a host of premium golf experiences and benefits through The PGA of America, including ongoing daily tee times held exclusively for Cardmembers at The PGA Golf Club at PGA Village in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Cardmembers can locate participating PGA instructors and courses, as well as access updated information about American Express golf benefits, exclusive travel packages and benefits at a range of prestigious golf championships by regularly visiting the Members Clubhouse at www.americanexpress.com/golf.
About The PGA of America
The PGA of America is the world's largest working sports organization comprised of 28,000 men and women golf professionals who are the recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf while serving millions of people throughout its 41 PGA Sections nationwide. Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has enhanced its leadership position in a $62 billion-a-year industry by growing the game of golf through its premier spectator events, world-class education and training programs, significant philanthropic outreach initiatives, and award-winning golf promotions. Today's PGA Professional is the public's link to the game, serving an essential role in the operation of golf facilities throughout the country.
The PGA Official Patron program is designed to uniquely position each patron as a category-exclusive provider of products and services to The PGA of America. Each PGA Official Patron is recognized with unprecedented visibility and exposure at The PGA's highest-profile Championships.
