'Golden Bear' Will Help Launch Golf 2.0


Jack Nicklaus, the World Golf Hall of Fame member whose design firm has created more than 365 golf courses in 34 countries, will join the PGA of America and industry leaders at the 59th PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Fla., to launch Golf 2.0, golf's new strategic plan to grow participation in the game. Nicklaus will make a presentation on the show's PGA Forum Stage Thursday morning, January 26, 2012.

Nicklaus will provide insights on the future of golf and lend his support to Golf 2.0 and its initiatives, which are aimed at helping all sectors of the industry expand participation, increase revenue, and build the vitality of the game for future generations.

"I am pleased to offer my full support of Golf 2.0 to help lead the combined efforts of the industry to put us back on the road to growing participation in golf," said Nicklaus. "I love this game and our industry is at a crossroads. The Golf 2.0 plan of action promotes out-of-the box thinking and details how we need to change in order to grow.

"I look forward to joining our international golf community in Orlando for the PGA Merchandise Show to introduce Golf 2.0 and work with PGA professionals, manufacturers and industry leaders so that future generations can enjoy the great game of golf as I have my entire life."

"The legacy of Jack Nicklaus as one of the greatest players of all time is surpassed only by Jack's tireless work as a golf course designer and as one of the most respected ambassadors of the game. So we're delighted that Jack will be our keynote speaker at the 2012 PGA Merchandise Show and share his vision for the future," says PGA President Allen Wronowski.

"As a business professional and player, Jack has had his finger on the pulse of the golf industry for many years, and he shares our determination to grow participation and grow the business side of golf. Many of Jack's ideas and concepts have been incorporated into the Golf 2.0 strategic plan, and I can't think of anyone better equipped to communicate those ideas to us than Jack Nicklaus himself."

Golf 2.0 will be a major focus of the 59th PGA Merchandise Show January 26-28, with educational and promotional opportunities across multiple platforms throughout the week, including the PGA Show Outdoor Demo Day on the PGA Forum stage, the PGA Education Conference, within exhibits on the Show floor and reflected in nearly every new program and presentation.

The goals of Golf 2.0 are to increase participation from 27.1 million golfers generating $33 billion in annual consumer revenues today to 32 million golfers and $35 billion in consumer revenues by 2016. By 2020, the goal is to have 40 million golfers generating $40 billion in annual revenues.