Kohler, Wis. – In a continuing effort to make golf more welcoming, especially among young girls, the United States Golf Association (USGA) today introduced a new television public service announcement (PSA) promoting LPGA-USGA Girls Golf.
The 30-second PSA, which highlights the nationwide program that provides an opportunity for girls to learn to play golf, build lasting friendships and prepare for a lifetime of enjoyment with the game, is scheduled to receive its first public airings during 2012 U.S. Women’s Open broadcasts on ESPN and NBC. The PSA may also be viewed here.
The new PSA highlights the fun atmosphere and benefits of the program, which is jointly administered by the LPGA Foundation and the USGA. The PSA creatively incorporates the five “E” words that form the heart of the Girls Golf program mission: empower, enrich, engage, exercise and energize the minds and bodies of the participants. The two organizations worked together to conceive and produce the PSA, which will subsequently air on select LPGA tournament broadcasts and will be made available for other promotional uses following its U.S. Women’s Open debut.
“In a recent survey, the National Golf Foundation determined that fewer than 3 percent of all U.S. golfers are junior girls ages 6-17,” said USGA President Glen D. Nager. “More young people need to be introduced to golf if the game is to remain healthy and sustainable for future generations. We believe industry and public support of developmental programs such as LPGA-USGA Girls Golf is essential.”
LPGA-USGA Girls Golf was founded in 1989 and has grown from 15 original program sites to more than 240 sites throughout the United States. The girls-only teaching environment, direct connection to the LPGA (program graduates include current LPGA professionals Brittany Lincicome, Morgan Pressel and Amanda Blumenhurst), and focus on fun and affordable golf have combined to make the program a growing success.
“We are excited about the opportunity to showcase our LPGA-USGA Girls Golf program through this new PSA,” said Nancy Henderson, president of the LPGA Foundation. “We all recognize that we need to get more girls playing the game of golf and the alliance of the LPGA and USGA provides a wonderful opportunity to improve the lives of girls and empower them to achieve success both on and off the golf course.”
“We also weave in some important life lessons,” said Mary-Lee Cobick, president of the Junior Golf Foundation of America and head golf professional at Okeeheelee Golf Course, a municipal facility in Palm Beach County, Fla., where the PSA was filmed featuring local Girls Golf program participants. “Golf is unique in the values it teaches and that really appeals to parents who are looking for quality experiences for their daughters. What we do with these girls on the practice range or the golf course is very fun and very social, but it also has a lasting impact.”
LPGA-USGA Girls Golf has reached more than 90,000 girls since the program was founded. In 2012, approximately 10,000 girls are participating. More information is available at www.lpga.com/girls-golf.
About the LPGA Foundation
Established in 1991, The LPGA Foundation is a 501(c) (3) charitable organization committed to empowering and supporting girls and women through developmental and humanitarian golf initiatives. Key priorities include: LPGA-USGA Girls Golf; scholarships and the Dolores Hope LPGA Financial Assistance Initiative for those in the golf industry experiencing severe hardship. The LPGA Foundation is supported by corporate and private donations, foundation grants and contributions from LPGA members. For more information on how to contribute to The LPGA Foundation, please contact LPGA headquarters, 100 International Golf Drive, Daytona Beach, FL 32124, or by phone, 386.274.6200.