June is a celebration of golf as a year-long sport and recreation for women

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. - American Express Women's Golf Month kicks off in June, celebrating golf as a year-long sport and recreation for women. The national promotion seeks to provide people the opportunity to learn, re-learn or play golf in a fun and friendly environment while also attracting and retaining new women golfers.

More than 135,000 people nationwide have been introduced or re-introduced to the game of golf over the past five years during Women's Golf Month, which premiered in 2005 as Women's Golf Week, and statistics have consistently shown that 34 percent of these are beginners.

Held at thousands of golf facilities nationwide, American Express Women's Golf Month offers people 14 years of age and older free golf lessons and clinics and additional golf-related activities customized by each host facility throughout the month of June.

"We are looking forward to a fun-filled month celebrating women and their love for the game of golf," said Anne Lyndrup, Director of Player Development, National Golf Course Owners Association and leader of the Women's Golf Month organizers. "American Express Women's Golf Month provides everyone an opportunity to participate in fun golf activities, to play better golf with instruction from skilled PGA and LPGA Professionals, and also to have fun with friends while doing it."

Consumers can find a complete list of participating facilities, along with details on specific events and online registration, by state on PlayGolfAmerica.com.

PGA and LPGA Professionals are asked to promote women's programs currently offered at their facility and to consider adding new programs such as clinics, leagues, club fitting demonstrations, playing experiences and contests. Also new for 2010, PGA and LPGA Professionals may host or volunteer at a local Play Golf America Day in June or offer Get Golf Ready for Women programs at their facilities.

LPGA Tour and World Golf Halls of Fame member Nancy Lopez, PGA/LPGA Professional Suzy Whaley and fitness expert and philanthropist, Donna Richardson Joyner are all supporting American Express Women's Golf Month. They will attend selected women's Play Golf America events throughout the year and share their expertise as well as encourage women from all walks of life to learn and participate in the game of golf. Whaley, along with PGA/LPGA Professionals from the Midwest PGA Section, will host a national kick-off event to celebrate the beginning of American Express Women's Golf Month at Tiffany Greens Golf Club in Kansas City, Mo., June 2 from 1-5 p.m. Joyner is hosting a golf clinic, June 5, in conjunction with her celebrity golf tournament held at the Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort and Golf Club in Aventura, Fla., to celebrate American Express Women's Golf Month.

Over the years, through programs such as American Express Women's Golf Month, many people have discovered that the game of golf can be used to foster relationships and encourage personal health. Whether one is spending time with colleagues - socially or professionally, spending time with family and friends, or exercising while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the golf course, the game of golf provides the tools necessary for success in all aspects of life.

Participants who register on PlayGolfAmerica.com have the opportunity to win a set of Nancy Lopez golf clubs and American Express Gift Cards.

American Express Women's Golf Month is a part of the national Play Golf America campaign. It is coordinated by industry-leading organizations, including the Executive Women's Golf Association (EWGA), the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) and The PGA of America (PGA)