By Danny Stone
USGA/GAM Boatwright Intern
Since its inception in 1989, the LPGA*USGA Girls Golf program has blossomed into a foundation of fun and learning for young girls throughout the United States. Open to girls between the ages of 7-17, the mission is to provide an atmosphere for girls to learn the game of golf as well as life skills in a relaxed, fun environment. Empower, enrich, engage, energize, and exercise are known as the five, “E’s,” that support that mission. Designed around these words, Girls Golf gives the girls the opportunity to develop abilities on and off the course.
“We often have the girls set up the day’s activity to show them the importance of teamwork and planning and allow them to use their creativity,” says Debbie Williams-Hoak, LPGA and site director of the Greater Washtenaw Girls Golf chapter held at Brookside Golf Course in Saline.
“We bring in women professionals and educational leaders to discuss things like physical health and the importance of relationships,” adds Seth Jones, PGA and site director at Boyne Highlands in Harbor Shores.
There are nine locations throughout the state of Michigan from Harbor Springs to Plymouth, six of which are in the metro-Detroit area. Most programs operate during the summer months and are typically 10 weeks in length, however some sites offer activities during the school year as well.
Curriculum and course material varies slightly from site to site but would typically look something like the following:
- Upon arrival, a roll call is taken and the previous session is briefly discussed.
- The girls then loosen up with basic exercises and break into groups. Some will head to the driving range, working on full swing, mid irons, and short game, while others will perform balance exercises and have discussions on golf and life.
- Break for healthy snack and hydration during which etiquette is discussed and any goals the girls may have are addressed.
- Plans for the next week are typically discussed and the end of the session and the girls are encouraged to ask questions and share their thoughts.
The LPGA provides the site directors a handbook to help guide the classes and give direction for structure.
In addition to the many social and developmental benefits, participants also receive some great perks from the LPGA. Each member receives $40 worth of LPGA merchandise that includes a shirt, hat, and golf balls as well as free entry into LPGA, Symetra, and USGA championships. Many of the Michigan sites plan to bring interested participants to the LPGA’s, Volvik Championship scheduled for May 23-29 at Travis Pointe Country Club in Ann Arbor. Girls Golf sites have taken their groups to LPGA events in the past and it is a lot of fun for the girls. Members often have the opportunity to talk with the players and have autographs signed.
The program also sanctions several tournaments throughout the season in which no particular playing ability is necessary. Some of the Girls Golf sites run concurrently with the First Tee as the two programs embody many of the same philosophies. Scholarship opportunities are available to teen participants who plan to attend college in the fall.
Many notable professional women honed their beginnings through USGA Girls Golf including LPGA professionals Morgan Pressel and Cheyenne Woods.
Registration for the LPGA*USGA Girls Golf program is $16 and can be done via girlsgolf.org. Some sites have an additional fee used to pay associated operating costs. This is typically around $30, which adds up to a total of $40-$50 for the entire summer. However, if cost is an issue, discuss this with the site director about other payment options. To find the location nearest you, simply access the programs page at girlsgolf.org and select “find a site” underneath the join tab at the top of the page. Direct any questions you may have to the site’s contact person and they will be more than happy to discuss the program with you!
Michigan has LPGA*USGA Girls Golf programs at Chandler Park GC; the Belle Isle Golf Center; Rouge Park GC; Brookside Golf Academy; Boyne Highlands; Fox Hills Golf & Learning Center; the Mid-Michigan Golf Center; Prairie Creek GC; and Golf Country, Inc.
