ORLANDO, Fla. – Marriott Golf, one of the world’s premier golf operators, recently announced Grande Pines Golf Club, located in Orlando, Fla., as the Marriott Golf “Property of the Year.” This award is based on performance excellence for current and previous years in various categories such as golf sales, round improvements, customer satisfaction, program development, personnel development & leadership, and more.

As one of Marriott Golfís first properties to become an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, Grande Pines has excelled in the area of promoting environmental stewardship and was also recognized with Golf Digest’s prestigious “Environmental Leadership in Golf” award in the Resort Category for 2008.

Further, in 2008, the golf team at Grande Pines completed the second phase of a course improvement plan which eliminated 18 bunkers throughout the course, increasing playability and enhancing the overall guest experience. As a result of the course refinements, the property has achieved a record number of rounds played, while the level of guest satisfaction is at an all-time high.

“It is with great pleasure that we recognize Grande Pines as our ‘Property of the Year,’”said Bill Nault, Vice President of Marriott Golf. “The entire golf operation has performed at an exemplary level, thus making them truly deserving of this award”

THE FIRST TEE RECEIVES $40,000 GRANT FROM THE FLORIDA GOLF LICENSE PLATE FUND

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla– The First Tee has received a $40,000 grant from the Florida Sports Foundation to implement The First Tee National School Program this year in 18 elementary schools in Hillsborough County.

More than 9,000 students a year will benefit from the National School Program, which introduces young people to golf, etiquette and The First Tee Nine Core Values as part of a structured curriculum that encourages personal character development in lessons taught during P.E. classes.

Grant awards made through the Florida Sports Foundation Junior Golf Grant Program are funded through the sales and renewals of the Golf Capital of the World license plate and are intended to assist Florida organizations in providing junior golf programs for economically disadvantaged youth, special needs children and others. Twenty-five dollars from each renewal fee goes toward this initiative.

“The Florida Sports Foundation has been instrumental in introducing a wide range of students to golf and the many positive values associated with the game,” said Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., chief executive officer of The First Tee. “Through proceeds from sales of the Florida Golf License Plate, the foundation has contributed essential funding and other support to be able to deliver The First Tee National School Program in Tampa.”

Of the 18 schools located in the Tampa area, six are classified as Title 1 (60-89 percent of students are on free or reduced lunch) and three are Renaissance Schools, meaning 90 percent or more of the students are on free or reduced lunch.

For more information about the Florida Golf License Plate Fund and how it benefits nonprofit organizations in the State of Florida, visit www.flasports.com

Rookie Nordqvist Clinches First LPGA Major

BOSTON, Mass – PUMA® Golf athlete and newcomer to the LPGA tour Anna Nordqvist won her first Major on Sunday at the McDonald’s LPGA Championship at the Bulle Rock Golf Course in Havre de Grace, Maryland.

The 22 year-old, Swedish born Nordqvist, who signed with PUMA Golf in March 2009, shot a 4- under 68 on Sunday to beat Lindsay Wright and Ji Yai Shin who finished second and third, respectively. Nordqvist won wearing the PUMA Golf Stretch Tech Skort, the PUMA Golf Polo, the PUMA Scramble shoe with Smart Quill technology and the Cat Wristband.

“What an exciting first Major for Anna. She carried the day. All of us at PUMA are thrilled to be a part of her LPGA debut win,” said Bob Phillion, Business Unit Manager, PUMA Golf. “Something tells me this is more than just beginner’s luck. Anna has proven she’s a strong competitor, who brings new energy to the tour. PUMA has a history of scouting up and coming talent; Anna is one such rising star. We can’t wait to see just how far she will go.”

PUMA entered the golf category in 2006, immediately catching the eye of golfers with their vibrant, stylish, fun and always modern world of golf. Since 2006, PUMA Golf has exploded and continuously expands its product selection to include fashion pieces driven by sport and technology, always focusing on making the golfer look better, feel better and play better. The PUMA Golf Collection worn by Anna Nordqvist is currently available at lifestyle boutiques, select golf specialty and green grass retailers and PUMA Concept Stores worldwide. For more information visit www.puma.com or golf.puma.com.