PGA of America and Hospital for Special Surgery Announce Union

The Professional Golfers Association (PGA) of America has declared that Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), a world leader in orthopedics and rheumatology, has been named the Official Hospital of The PGA of America. HSS will partner with The PGA on future health and wellness initiatives, including sponsorship of the Let’s Move On Course! program at the upcoming 93rd PGA Championship at Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, Georgia.

The deal will make the HSS the Official Hospital for The PGA’s marquee events, including the PGA Championship, 2012 Ryder Cup, Senior PGA Championship and co-presenting sponsor of the PGA Winter Championships. HSS is the medical center of choice for many of New York’s professional sports teams.

As sponsor of the Let’s Move On Course! program, HSS will partner with The PGA of America to distribute 25,000 branded pedometers to spectators on-site,Aug. 8-14, at the 93rd PGA Championship. The course encourages golf fans to walk the course, enjoy the health benefits it provides and keep track of their steps. Fitness experts advocate a daily regimen of 10,000 steps – equivalent to five miles or walking 18 holes of golf – to improve one’s overall fitness and help control weight.

Joes Sterenka, PGA of America Chief Executive Officer, said: “The PGA of America and its member professionals could not be in better hands than with Hospital for Special Surgery. There is a reason HSS has upheld a lofty perch among the nation’s top medical institutions. It comes from a commitment to excellence in sports medicine and healthcare. We are fortunate to have HSS as a partner to support our industry’s efforts to proclaim the health and wellness benefits of exercise through golf.”

“We are extremely excited about our relationship with The PGA of America,” said Louis A. Shapiro, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hospital for Special Surgery. “This sponsorship, including the Let’s Move On Course!program and initiatives with PGA of America members, allows us to highlight the shared commitment between our hospital and the PGA to advance the benefits of staying active through a healthy lifestyle.”