More and more golfers are recognizing that
properly fit clubs are the key to improving their golf game, and,
ultimately, having more fun on the course. Throughout the month of
April, PGA and LPGA Professionals across the country will be providing
free equipment fittings as part of PGA Free Fitting & Trade-Up Month
supported by Nike Golf. A full list of participating facilities by zip
code can be found at PlayGolfAmerica.com.
Even with increased awareness of the importance of proper club
fitting, a recent survey by the Sports and Leisure Research Group
reported that up to nine out of 10 golfers may still be playing with the
wrong golf equipment for their swing. After being custom-fitted for
clubs, golfers reported seeing their overall score decrease, hitting the
ball more accurately and consistently, seeing immediate benefits and
enjoying the game more. As today’s equipment has more adjustability and
technology than ever before, golfers really need to be professionally
fitted in order to maximize these enhancements.
“As a PGA Professional, I know how important it is to have properly
fit equipment to those who play the game, regardless of the level they
play.” said PGA of America President Allen Wronowski. “PGA and LPGA
Professionals are trained experts in the game of golf and can help
consumers solve the club-fitting puzzle through this program. I can
assure you that anyone who is custom fit into the right clubs will see
an immediate improvement in their game.”
In addition to providing a free 15-minute fitting session,
participating PGA and LPGA Professionals authorized by the PGA Trade-In
Network can help golfers trade in their obsolete golf clubs based on
fair market value determined by the PGA.com Value Guide and apply that
amount towards new and fitted clubs. Nike Golf is the official equipment
sponsor and is offering an additional trade in value to help enhance
the experience for golfers.
“The trade-up aspect of the program allows golfers to clean out their
golf bags, garages, basements and trunks and get fair market value for
used golf clubs in exchange for credit toward the purchase of new
equipment that actually fits. This is all part of our dedication to not
only making the game more fun but also affordable,” Wronowski added.
Golfers who receive the free fittings in April are eligible to enter a
sweepstakes to win a trip for two to the 2011 PGA Championship at the
Atlanta Athletic Club or one of two sets of Nike golf clubs.
More than 3,000 PGA/LPGA Professionals participated in Free Fitting
and Trade-Up Month in 2010, giving more than 33,000 free fittings. Not
only did these fittings improve the games of the golfers, but this
program also provided a boost to the golf industry. Participating
facilities showed an average of $3,700 in additional revenue generated
by the program, resulting in a more than $7.8 million overall impact to
the golf industry last year. Since the program’s inception, more than
165,250 golfers have received free fittings, resulting in a more than a
$36 million industry impact.
The PGA of America teams with Golf Digest, the PGA Trade-In
Network, the PGA.com Value Guide and Nike Golf to sponsor this
equipment-themed consumer promotion during the month of April.