7/1/03

USGA Reaffirms Commitment to Girls' Golf
At the 2003 U.S. Women's Open

North Plains, Ore. - Thousands of young girls will be introduced to the game of golf and its values thanks to a $200,000 grant from the United States Golf Association (USGA) to help support the LPGA-USGA Girls' Golf initiative.

Over the last two years, the USGA has committed $350,000 to LPGA-USGA Girls' Golf, which is aimed at increasing the number and diversity of girls who have the opportunity to play the game of golf in a fun environment. At nearly 130 local sites around the country, qualified instructors and volunteers, including parents and USGA representatives, offer education about the game and program support. More than 11,000 girls have participated in the program since its inception. The majority of the funding will be distributed to Girls' Golf sites across the country through matching grants designed to provide equipment, instruction and course access.

"The USGA and the LPGA have a strong track record of providing a variety of unique golf and educational opportunities to girls in local communities across America," said Reed Mackenzie, USGA President. "We feel that our combined efforts have helped create real opportunities for girls to get involved in golf."

This afternoon (Tuesday, July 1) a check for $200,000 was presented by past USGA President, Judy Bell, to LPGA Touring Professional Jill McGill, the Tour Captain of a Girls' Golf site in Coronado, Calif., and Dr. Betsy Clark, LPGA Foundation Vice President of Education and Player Development. The presentation took place at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club, site of the 2003 U.S. Women's Open Championship.

"We are extremely appreciative and honored to receive this significant grant from the USGA Foundation. The LPGA has been committed to junior golf and girls' golf education initiatives and this funding will assist with the continued development of LPGA-USGA Girls Golf," said Ty Votaw, LPGA Commissioner.

The USGA check presentation was held in conjunction with the 2003 U.S. Women's Open Championship and "Catch the Spirit," its week-long junior golf activities.

As part of this program, boys and girls ages 17 and under receive free admission to the U.S. Women's Open when accompanied by a ticketed adult, complimentary lunch, goodie bags and junior-oriented activities.

For further information on how to start a LPGA-USGA Girls Golf site or about existing sites or "Catch the Spirit", contact Leilani Bagby at the USGA Foundation office at (719) 471-4810 ext.38.