PGA of America kicks off Centennial with tribute to PGA Professionals in #ThxPGAPro campaign

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – In conjunction with the 63rd PGA Merchandise Show’s kickoff to the PGA Centennial celebration on Jan. 26, the PGA of America is unveiling “#ThxPGAPro,” a special grassroots commemorative program, designed to pay tribute and showcase the extraordinary impact of PGA Professionals.

The #ThxPGAPro campaign shares first-person accounts from a full range of golfers—PGA Tour pros, amateurs and junior golfers—who shine a light on the PGA Professionals who inspired, mentored and coached them to achieve success both on and off the course.

The PGA selected Atlanta-based Ideas United to develop and produce the Centennial Celebration marketing campaign, which consists of a series of TV, radio, print and digital spots. The campaign includes public service announcements to be broadcast on NBC, CBS, Golf Channel, Turner and other broadcast partners, as well as social media outlets. Meanwhile, golfers and employers everywhere are invited to upload videos, photos and messages throughout the year to tell their story in support of their favorite PGA Professional at ThxPGAPro.com or on their social channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) using #thxpgapro.

“PGA Professionals have a tremendous impact on the lives of golfers nationwide, serving as a coach, mentor, trusted friend and a source of inspiration,” said PGA of America Chief Commercial Officer Jeff Price. “As we launch our Centennial celebration, #ThxPGAPro is a special opportunity for golfers of all ages and abilities to pause and offer their appreciation for the amazing work that PGA Professionals do to grow and teach the game.”

A total of eight different spots will run throughout the year. Some examples include:
• Davis Love Jr., father, teacher, and mentor to Davis Love III, two-time U.S. Ryder Cup Captain, whose memorable win of the 1997 PGA Championship under a rainbow made him only the second son of a PGA Professional to win a PGA Championship.
• Cameron McCormick, the 2015 PGA Teacher of the Year and long-time instructor to World No. 1, Jordan Spieth.
• Stacy Lewis, who has worked extensively with her longtime PGA Professional instructor Joe Hallett, to win two LPGA majors and climb as high as the No. 1 ranking.
• Renee Powell, who started the Clearview HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) Program for women veterans, in order for them to have a supportive community to rejoin society and overcome their war scars, all through the game of golf.
• Ira McGraw, who supported and nurtured a young boy going through tough times, eventually becoming his legal guardian, while ensuring he earned admission into college.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to work with the PGA of America on its Centennial Celebration,” says David Roemer, CEO of Ideas United. “Many on our team began the initiative passionate about the game of golf, with our own stories of thanks for our PGA Professionals. We’re now launching the campaign even more amazed by the phenomenal impact they have made on the lives of golfers around the country. It’s a privilege to help tell these exceptional stories.”