SportsEvents is edited for those who plan tournaments or other sports events.
Issue link: https://sportsevents.epubxp.com/i/139692
▲ SPORT REPORT LPGA Looks To Pique Girls' Interest The LPGA is very actively working to attract more girls into the sport of golf, according to Kiernan Schindler, director of the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Program and the LPGA Foundation. To engage and drive interest among girls, the LPGA is "creating a girls-only environment that enables the participants to feel confident and open when learning a difficult and challenging sport; providing quality instruction and female role models that actively work with the girls to engage them in something they love; incorporating fun activities that are specifically suited to girls, like social bonding activities, crafts, games, and even some singing, dancing and music; and supporting the sites with grants and equipment so that those girls who might not be able to afford to attend feel included and just as well prepared as LPGA 20 June 2013 LPGA those that are fortunate enough to have suitable equipment and available funds," Schindler said. One specific program run by the LPGA to target girls is Girls Golf, a developmental junior golf program that encourages girls ages 7 to 17 to learn to play golf, build friendships and sample competition in a supportive environment. "Girls Golf has more than 280 sites around the country and each offers unique events. All are extremely focused on keeping the girls excited and energized about golf and looking forward to the next s session," said Schin Schindler. "The ultimate goal is to get the girls skille enough to begin skilled playi on the course playing beca because that is when the fun really begins." In addition to regi regional events, the ann LPGA-USGA annual Tea Championship Team &A; Academy, currently hel at the Kiawah held Isl Island Club in Kiawah, S.C allows girls to S.C., un understand what a tou tournament might fe like without the feel pr pressure of competing o of their element, out a every day is and c capped off with fun a social activities, and a according to ment a girls-only environ S Schindler. LPGA is creating dent ipants to feel confi that enables partic ort. "The academy is rning the sp and open when lea all about learning new skills from top LPGA professionals while bonding with more than 60 other Girls Golf members of all levels from around the country," she said. Based in Daytona Beach, Fla., the LPGA was founded in 1950 and is one of the longest-running women's professional sports associations in the world. The LPGA Tour has more than 460 members, approximately 230 of which are active competitors. To develop female golfers further and ready them for the LPGA Tour, the LPGA runs the Symetra Tour, known as "the Road to the LPGA." Since 1999, it has been designated as the LPGA's official developmental tour and has been owned by the LPGA since July 2007. According to www.symetratour.com, more than 500 Symetra Tour alumnae have earned LPGA membership, and through 2012, Symetra Tour alums have won a total of 365 LPGA victories and 39 major championships. According to Schindler, the future for girls and women in golf looks bright. "We are preparing a whole army of girls who will feel extremely comfortable playing golf with friends, business associates and golfers of all abilities. They will not be afraid to join corporate leagues, local clubs or pass on the sport to young girls because they will be confident in their ability and knowledge of the game. Additionally, one of my favorite things that I hear from a girl 'who has tried golf for the first time is, 'this is fun and I want to learn how to get better,'" she said. ■ www.sportseventsmagazine.com