ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Fifty-six PGA Professionals, more than a quarter of the Western New York PGA Section's total membership, braved brisk spring gusts and 40-degree temperatures to guide a trilogy of growth of the game events Monday at Genesee Valley Golf Course.

The PGA of America opened the day with the first Executive Women's Golf Association clinic to be conducted in conjunction with a major spectator championship -- the 69th Senior PGA Championship. Thirty-one women attended a luncheon and clinic featuring World Golf Hall of Fame member Carol Mann, a PGA/LPGA Professional from The Woodlands, Texas.

"This is a great thing to see The PGA of America do, and we need more of it," said Mann. "This type of event can only grow participation. But, we all want to see quality growth and not just the numbers. Women control the decision-making on activities within the household, and we all have to understand that and ensure that they have the best possible experience in golf."

The bulk of the attendees at the EWGA clinic, Rochester Chapter President Ann Pangman Esterman said, "were guests of our members." Four attendees were beginning golfers.

"We were thrilled to see the enthusiasm on a difficult day to be outdoors," said Pangman Esterman, a member of the LPGA Teaching & Club Professional Division at Ravenwood Golf Club in Victor, N.Y. "We are very happy that The PGA of America worked hard to put this event on in our area."

"I received more than $200 worth of free lessons today," said Claudia Herman, a golfer for two years and Coordinator of Recreational Therapy for Hillside Family Agencies in Rochester. "The PGA should do this across America. It is so uplifting an experience for women and young girls. The golf course is a place to vent, to get away from stress and the professionals we met were very kind and extra helpful."

The PGA Community Relations Youth Clinic, featuring 28 Rochester community groups, attracted 200 youngsters who received instruction, and equipment supplied by U.S. Kids Golf. Jim Mrva, PGA head professional at Monroe Golf Club in Rochester, served as master of ceremonies.

"It was pretty awesome to see people from different walks of life out on the course and gave us, as PGA Professionals, a special sense of how we can better grow the game," said Western New York PGA Section President Jon Hoecker of Rochester's Brook Lea Country Club. "We were very pleased with our member turnout. It's nice to know that this is an area of the country that can attract these groups, and that people are excited about being here."

PGA Distinguished Service Award winner Dennis Walters of Jupiter, Fla., entertained the audience with his trick shot program and Rochester Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jean Claude Brizard, along with Monroe County District Attorney Mike Green, addressed the youngsters.

Play Golf America Day attracted 40 amateur golfers, who received instruction from PGA Professionals and tried out products from PING, Nike, Taylor-Made and Srixon.

"I had no intention of playing golf before today, but was invited to come to this," said Sydney Steele, a recreational therapist in Rochester. "I definitely want to continue in golf. The PGA Professionals broke down the mechanics of the swing and were very helpful and kind."

The Senior PGA Championship continues the instruction program at Oak Hill Country Club, with a PGA Learning Center offering free 10-minute lessons throughout Championship week.

Begun in 2004, Play Golf America is an industry-wide national marketing campaign developed and led by The PGA of America to increase participation among new and existing golfers and to grow the number of people who play the game. For more information about Play Golf America, visit www.PlayGolfAmerica.com.

Since 1916, The PGA of America's mission has been twofold: 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 Association enables PGA Professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the $195 billion golf industry.

By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable golf 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.