LPGA, Language Training Center Extend Partnership

Bene! 좋은! Bueno! 良い! Bon! 好!
LPGA, Language Training Center Extend Partnership

LTC to continue cross-cultural and language education unique in professional sports
Players embrace program on "Golf's Global Tour"

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida, February 22, 2011 - The LPGA announced today a two-year partnership extension with Language Training Center (LTC) based in Indianapolis, Indiana. The company will continue to assist the LPGA with its language and cultural education efforts through 2012 under the existing LPGA Cross-Cultural Development Program.

As part of the partnership that proved highly successful when introduced last season, LTC will host cross-cultural seminars across the LPGA and LPGA Futures Tours, provide translation and interpretation services, and offer language training programs to LPGA players and staff. The LPGA Tour features the HSBC Women's Champions tournament this week in Singapore after opening the 2011 season last week in Thailand.

LTC has seen an increase in the number of players using its services and can boast such success stories as rising Korean stars Na Yeon Choi and I.K. Kim further developing their English skills, American Vicky Hurst enhancing her Korean (her mother's native tongue), and Spanish 2010 rookie sensation Beatriz Recari learning Japanese. Their stories have been documented by The New York Times, Golf World and other media outlets.

"We continue to be impressed with the level of dedication of the LPGA and its players to take the initiative to strengthen and expand their language and cultural efforts," said Martin George, President of LTC. "We are thrilled to extend our partnership with the LPGA and we look forward to building on the success we experienced last year working with both LPGA and Futures Tour players and staff members."

LTC is a full service language provider specializing in language training, translation, interpreting, cross-cultural training, interpreter training, international business consulting and language assessment. LTC has adapted its programs to fit the busy lifestyles of LPGA players, working alongside players at tournament sites and via Skype when players are off-site or at home.

"The Language Training Center is an essential component of the LPGA Cross-Cultural Development Program," said LPGA Chief Communications Officer David Higdon. "Our organizations both share the belief that understanding and embracing cultures and languages is an essential attribute for individuals working and competing in the global community. LPGA players and staff have responded positively to the LTC programs, and we see substantial growth ahead in this partnership."

The LPGA Cross-Cultural Development Program was developed with an eye toward offering language-based and cross-cultural communication assistance to assist LPGA professionals as they travel on Golf's Global Tour to compete in front of their fans, media and sponsors. With competitions in 14 different nations in 2011, the LPGA and LTC help prepare players and staff to best assimilate into the cultures which they visit, providing additional relevance to fans and sponsors around the world.

Wrote Tim Rosaforte in the LPGA 2011 Preview issue of Golf World (Feb. 7, 2011): "Bridging the communications gap will play a vital role in the LPGA's success as a global tour, whether reviving U.S. corporate support or building a fan base overseas with two events in Europe and seven in Asia. Communication is vital for these players not only for dealing with the media, but also during pro-ams, the financial backbone of the LPGA business model."


About the Language Training Center (LTC)
Language Training Center has served thousands of companies, organizations and individuals for the past two decades, helping clients' bridge communication gaps, improve efficiency and expand their business reach. LTC provides a customized approach to helping clients by utilizing language training, cross cultural training, interpretation, translation, and other language services in meeting their needs. LTC has gained a reputation for high-quality, customized services and has worked with many companies locally, as well as around the world. LTC has hosted programs in China, Europe, and in over 25 states in the US. Find out more by visiting their website at www.languagetrainingcenter.com.

About the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association)
The LPGA is the world's leading professional golf organization for women. Founded in 1950, the association celebrates a diverse and storied membership with more than 1,700 members representing 29 different countries. With a Vision to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the very best of women's golf, LPGA Tour Professionals compete across the globe, while dedicated LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP) directly impact the game through teaching, coaching and management. The LPGA Futures Tour consistently produces a pipeline of talent ready for the world stage. The LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida. Follow the LPGA on its television home, Golf Channel, and on the web via: www.LPGA.com, www.facebook.com/lpga.official, www.twitter.com/lpga, and www.youtube.com/lpgavideo.