At the American Club in Kohler today, Governor Jim Doyle outlined a sweeping agreement with the PGA of America that will provide the PGA with logistical and personnel support for traffic, security, and emergency management during the PGA Championship event to be held at Whistling Straits August 9-15, 2004. Also announced today was the Governor�s �Golf Wisconsin� program, a series of promotions and events designed to promote golf and golf-related tourism across Wisconsin.

�Wisconsin has spectacular golf resorts and is among the nation�s leaders in the number of courses available for public play,� Governor Doyle said. �The PGA Championship�s presence here this year provides us with an ideal platform to communicate those facts to the rest of the country - and the world. We are happy to provide the PGA of America with traffic and security support to ensure that this year�s championship event runs smoothly.�

Although specifics are still being worked out, multiple state agencies have agreed to provide services, equipment, and personnel for the PGA Championship, which is expected to generate an economic impact of nearly $75 million in the state. The Wisconsin Department of Emergency Management will assist with emergency and medical emergency planning, while the Wisconsin Department of Transportation will help plan and implement the tournament�s traffic and parking plan, with personnel support from the Wisconsin State Patrol and the Sheboygan and Manitowoc County Sheriffs� Offices.

The Wisconsin Departments of Tourism, Commerce, and Administration will be also be integrally involved in the event, as will Forward Wisconsin and Convention & Visitor Bureaus from the Milwaukee, Manitowoc, Sheboygan, Fond du Lac, Ozaukee County, and Green Bay (Packer Country) areas. Other planned state and local agency activities include coordination of a temporary FAA flight restriction over the course; onsite security and crowd control; coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard; economic impact research; and a �welcome� campaign.

The Governor also announced today his �Golf Wisconsin� program, a joint effort of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, the PGA of America, the Golf Course Owners of Wisconsin, the Greater Milwaukee Open, and the Wisconsin PGA that will feature promotions, special events, and media outreach throughout the spring and summer months.

Among the high points of the program are a �Golf Wisconsin Day,� during which participating courses will offer free or discounted golf for children, and a series of free Golf Wisconsin youth clinics in June. Tentative locations for the free youth clinics are Madison (George Vitense Golfland); Greater Milwaukee (Western Lakes, Edgewood and Fire Ridge golf courses); Appleton/Green Bay (First Tee locations); La Crosse (Walsh Golf Center); Eau Claire (Wild Ridge Golf Course); and Wausau (Pine Valley Golf Course).

�Tourism is a key economic driver in this state, and golf is a growth segment within that sector. It is also an important part of our residents� overall quality of life,� Governor Doyle said. �In keeping with the aggressive spirit of our �Grow Wisconsin� plan, we intend to take full advantage of this summer�s unique opportunity.�

For information on golfing opportunities in Wisconsin, including the 2004 Wisconsin Directory of Golf Courses, the public can call the Wisconsin Department of Tourism�s 24-hour, live-operated toll-free number at 1-800-432-TRIP/8747, or visit travelwisconsin.com. Free travel information can also be found at Wisconsin Travel Information Centers, located in select state-border cities.

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Media Contact: Lisa Marshall +1 608-267-3773 lmarshall@travelwisconsin.com