The Ryder Cup Junior Academy will return to PGA Village this summer, inspired by past United States Ryder Cup Team Captains to provide aspiring players an opportunity to experience an elite player development academy.

Two juniors have been selected to represent the South Florida PGA Section at this year’s event; Robert Butler of Estero, and Katelin Glass of Lake Worth. “We are proud to have Robert and Katelin representing our section,” said Junior Golf and Special Events Coordinator, Meredith Schechter. “They are both members of our Junior Tour, straight A students, and hard workers who are dedicated to improving their golf games. This will be a great experience to meet juniors and instructors from all over the country and grow as individuals.”

The academy will be held July 1-8, at PGA Village in Port St. Lucie, Fla., where the inaugural event in 2011 attracted 70 participants. The initiative celebrates the passion of the Ryder Cup, and is intended to inspire participants to achieve greatness and to improve their lives through the game of golf. The academy focuses on playing and competing in both stroke and match-play formats.

“We are looking forward to another memorable year to help to develop the next generation of players who will lead our great game,” said PGA of America President Allen Wronowski. “The Ryder Cup Junior Academy was an incredible experience in 2011, where junior golfers were able to learn from some of golf’s greatest names including Billy Casper, Lanny Wadkins, and Dow Finsterwald, as well as top PGA Professionals from across the country.”

The 2012 session will also feature a selection of past U.S. Ryder Cup Captains and team members.

About The PGA of America

Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has maintained a twofold mission: 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 PGA enables its professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the multi-billion dollar golf industry. By creating and delivering world-class championships and innovative programs, 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. As The PGA nears its centennial, the PGA brand represents the very best in golf.

About the South Florida PGA

The South Florida PGA, one of 41 PGA Section offices throughout the United States, is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the game of golf while continuing to enhance the standards of the profession.  The South Florida Section PGA is comprised of over 1,600 men and women PGA Professionals dedicated to growing participation in the game of golf.