For Immediate Release       August 26, 2005

Atlantic Canada Pros and Owners launch the Atlantic Public Golf Program (APGP)

Fredericton, NB - The Atlantic Chapter of the National Golf Course Owners Association Canada (NGCOA) and the Atlantic Zone of the Canadian Professional Golfers Association (CPGA Atlantic) combine efforts to focus on providing benefits to the many golfers who are presently not members of golf clubs.

The Atlantic Public Golf Program(APGP)is being developed as a “Grow the Game” initiative intended to further develop existing golfers and introduce the game to non and occasional golfers. It will also focus on making the members of the APGP feel like they are more a part of the game and provide them with access to opportunities that members at golf clubs have. David McCafferty, Regional Director of the NGCOA Canada – Atlantic Chapter states, “This initiative will add to the enjoyment of the game and will lead to the members of the future.”

In addition to growing the game this is an opportunity to better educate the public golfer on etiquette and rules, thus improving the pace of play and the golf experience at all golf facilities.

Benefits of joining the APGP being considered include:

• value added and discounts at participating courses
• free instructional lessons, clinics and educational sessions provided by CPGA Atlantic golf professionals
• complimentary membership package
• free educational information on etiquette and rules
• free magazine subscription
• E-newsletters
• periodic fun tournaments including social events
• prize draws at the end of the season conducted at a tournament and dinner open to all members

Gordie Smith, President of the CPGA Atlantic and General Manager of the Oakfield Golf & Country Club in Halifax, NS states, “Our association is very excited to partner with the NGCOA Canada - Atlantic Chapter on this initiative. The golf industry has changed dramatically over the years and it is important to understand that the golf professional of today is very involved in the management of golf facilities and this cooperative effort to grow the game in Atlantic Canada shows our commitment to the game. Many public players are not aware of the opportunity that is available to access CPGA professionals to help them enjoy their game. Through the APGP, we will offer free lessons and provide locations of available golf professionals.”

Our research shows that 80% of golfers in Atlantic Canada play golf on a casual basis with no affiliation to any specific golf course and therefore do not have access to the opportunities and benefits given to the 20% of golfers who, through their membership at golf facilities receive the benefits of the RCGA and the local Provincial Golf Associations such as handicapping, tournament opportunities and score tracking.  The casual golfer represents 200,000 individuals in Atlantic Canada.

“It is the intent to involve the Provincial Amateur Associations in this initiative. Traditionally the amateur associations have provided services aimed at the members of golf clubs and not at the casual or public golfer. We certainly hope that the provincial associations will understand the importance of our efforts and support them,” says Alastair Barr, President of the NGCOA Canada - Atlantic Chapter and owner of the Welsford Golf Club in Saint John, NB.

National Secretary of the CPGA Lindon Garron, who is presently developing a new golf course in St. Andrews, NB indicates, “This initiative is another example of the efforts of various golf associations to promote the game of golf. The recent Play Golf Summit, a cooperative effort of the National Allied Golf Associations, is focusing on growing the game and this regional effort complements these efforts. It is important that we focus on providing fun and enjoyment in the game.”

“One of the challenges facing the game today is the amount of time it takes to play. The opportunity to involve the CPGA Atlantic, the professionals, in personally educating the golfers is tremendous. The golf professionals will not only help you develop your golf skills but also educate you in the traditions of the game,” adds Barr.

Phil Canning, Executive Director of the CPGA Atlantic and former golf professional states “Many of us have had the opportunity to be associated with golf for much of our life. Golf is a tremendous game and the opportunity to add to the enjoyment of the many casual golfers who play the game is satisfying. Our association is very pleased to work with the NGCOA Canada - Atlantic Chapter in moving this initiative forward.”

One very important element of this project will be the creation of a website providing the consumer with very specific information on the member facilities of the APGP including links to their own websites.  In addition, regular postings with respect to lessons, course specials, detailed information on courses in Atlantic Canada and access to a program for posting of scores and maintaining of handicaps will be provided.

This cooperative venture is expected to be made available across all of Atlantic Canada in the future with the launch in selected provinces planned for the 2006 season.  Information and news on the Atlantic Public Golf Program will soon be available through the program website at www.apgp.ca
 
About the NGCOA Canada
The National Golf Course Owners Association Canada is a not-for-profit trade association representing over thirteen hundred courses in Canada.  The association provides business support and solutions to its member courses in order to help them operate more efficient golf facilities. Visit www.ngcoa.ca

About the Canadian PGA
The Canadian Professional Golfers' Association is a non-profit Association comprised of approximately 3,300 golf professionals across the country with a mandate to promote and advance the game of golf serving the needs of both its membership and the golfing public through professional development programs, junior golf involvement, and high-caliber competitive events. The national office is located in Acton, Ontario with nine Zone Offices across the country. Visit www.cpga.com or
www.cpgaatlantic.com

[b]For more information, please contact:[/b]

Dave McCafferty, Regional Director    
NGCOA Canada – Atlantic Chapter    
(506) 451-6201
 davidm@ngcoa.ca          

  
Phil Canning, Executive Director
CPGA – Atlantic Zone
(902) 254-3552
 pcan@ns.sympatico.ca