Madison Advertising has been named advertising agency of record for the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA). Based in Daytona Beach, Fla., the LPGA is the world’s oldest, longest running, stand-alone women’s professional sports association. T.G. Madison will handle creative for the association’s broadcast and print advertising efforts. A new advertising campaign is slated to launch by second quarter 2001.

‘We are very excited to partner with one of the most recognized women’s professional sports organizations in the world,’ said Lauren Genkinger, CEO, T.G. Madison Advertising. ‘We look forward to assisting the LPGA in communicating its distinct brand values to millions of consumers worldwide.’

Karen Durkin, vice president of marketing for the LPGA, said, ‘With the onset of the new millennium and the LPGA enjoying one of its healthiest periods ever, I can think of no better time for our organization to embark on a new strategic marketing journey. The logical and natural first step is the development and debut of a new campaign that clearly defines what the LPGA is today and its unique place in the sports marketing and entertainment arena. T.G. Madison, under the creative leadership of Virgil Shutze, is the perfect partner to help the LPGA proactively communicate its distinct brand values, the extraordinary talents of its athletes and the incredible emotional bond the LPGA has with millions of golf fans around the world.’

The LPGA is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2000. Founded by 13 women in 1950, the organization has grown from its roots as a playing tour into a non-profit organization involved in every facet of golf. Featuring the world’s best women golfers, the LPGA Tour in 2000 features 42 events, with an unprecedented number of televised hours for LPGA tournaments, and total prize money of more than $38.5 million. Since 1981, the LPGA and its tournaments have raised more than $110 million for charity. The LPGA Teaching and Club Professional (T&CP) Division boasts a membership of more than 1,130 women golf professionals who serve as teachers, golf professionals, club managers and coaches. Through the LPGA T&CP Division, the LPGA is working to increase the involvement of women and youth in golf, as well as contribute to the growth of the sport overall.

Founded in 1986 by Joanne Truffelman and Lauren Genkinger, T.G. Madison is a full-service advertising agency with billings of $47 million. Located in Atlanta, it is one of the largest female-owned ad agencies in the country. Clients include American Cancer Society, Delta Airline Pilots Association, AmericasMart, International Design Guild, MetLife, Parmalat, Travelers, and The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International.

For more information contact:
Lisa Shelly
The LPGA Communications Department
Tel: + 904-274-6200.
http://www.lpga.com