PGA of America Celebrates Its 95th Anniversary at Site of Its Founding, New York's Radisson Martinique on Broadway

NEW YORK, Aug. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The PGA of America marks its 95th year as the leader in the game and the business of golf Wednesday, Aug. 31, by returning to the site of its founding, the Radisson Martinique on Broadway in New York City. The world's largest sports organization, The PGA of America will celebrate alongside the Radisson Martinique, a member of the Historic Hotels of America, as it opens a permanent PGA history exhibit.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110831/NY60247LOGO )

The reception, which begins at 5 p.m., features PGA of America officials, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Dave Anderson, and John Wanamaker-Leas, the great grandson of department store magnate Rodman Wanamaker who hosted The PGA's first organizational meeting in 1916 and later donated a trophy that became the signature hardware of the PGA Championship.

The PGA of America's founding, April 10, 1916, took place on the second floor of then-named Hotel Martinique, where a constitution was formed, a charter signed and 78 individuals were elected into PGA membership. Today, The PGA of America represents 27,000 men and women professionals, upholding the solemn pledge of its founders to be leaders on all levels of the sport of golf and to grow interest and participation in the game.

"The PGA of America takes pride in the commitment of its men and women member professionals who after 95 years have elevated themselves by their dedication to a sport that elevates the human spirit on many levels," said PGA of America President Allen Wronowski. "Our member professionals have been at the forefront in charitable contributions; have been a source of employment within their communities; have educated juniors and aspiring professionals; have supported and bonded with veterans and their families; and fostered golf's expansion throughout the world.

"As we celebrate 95 remarkable years on the way to our centennial in 2016, we are very proud that the Radisson Martinique embraces the role that this grand hotel played in our Association's history."

The Radisson Martinique on Broadway opened in 1898 and was granted landmark status by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission in 1998. The hotel completed a renovation in 2010, and on Aug. 31, launches a PGA of America photographic history exhibit on its second floor and dedicates the boardroom where The PGA of America founding fathers charted their course in golf history.

"It's exciting to share our history with The PGA of America. By creating the PGA Gallery at the Martinique, we are continuing to encourage historic preservation of the founding fathers of The PGA, while at the same time showcasing this hotel's rich history," said Susan Anselona, vice president and general manager of the Radisson Martinique. "Our goal is to bring these two special organizations to the attention of the traveling public."

Further coverage of The PGA of America's 95th anniversary is available by visiting www.pga.com/95thanniversary, a site featuring historical segments along with updated information about The PGA of America and its programs.

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.

SOURCE PGA of America

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