Girls Golf Clinics Help Grow the Game
Few things are as important to us at Dormie Network as growing the game by investing in the next generation of golfers. This fall, we expanded our commitment to the LPGA * Girls Golf and The First Tee organizations by hosting clinics at Ballyhack, Hidden Creek, and Briggs Ranch.
Hidden Creek in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, hosted the area’s annual clinic for the first time on Saturday, October 17. Thirty-five girls of all ages attended, most of which were new to the game. The agenda included a fun run, craft station, Halloween-themed putting and chipping drills, and driving range practice with LPGA teaching professional Sandra Jaskol.
“The experience on site was tremendous,” said Pam Boccaccio, Program Director for The First Tee - Jersey Shore. “This event gave the opportunity for so many kids in the southern area of the state [that we don’t typically have the chance to work with] to participate in golf.”
Ballyhack’s second-annual hosted event was also on October 17 and featured the infamous Golfzilla.
Each of the 25 participants rotated through Putt-Putt-Toe, chip shots at Golfzilla, long drive practice led by Ballyhack staff, and were drawn by a local caricature artist. Attendees were treated to talks by Roanoke native and VT Women’s Golf alum Kristen Hearp as well as Kelly Grant from the USGA. To celebrate Ballyhack’s beloved onsite goat family, the chapter provided a plush goat headcover from Daphne’s as a door prize, which the event’s youngest participant won.
“It was the most beautiful October day, and I’m pretty sure the staff at Ballyhack was in charge of that,” said Jennifer Blackwood, Executive Director of The First Tee - Roanoke Valley. “It’s nice to have this partnership and be able to show this gem that’s right in our own city, which is utilized by players all over the country.”
A few weeks following Hidden Creek and Ballyhack, Briggs Ranch held the clinic coordinated by Girls Golf, The First Tee, and Golf San Antonio on November 21. Like Ballyhack, this was the second year Briggs hosted the event strengthening those partnerships.
Thirty girls attended, ten of which had never played golf before. Groups rotated through the standard snag, chipping, and range stations, with a special treat at the fourth stop: each was given the opportunity record a video announcement segment to be played during the US Women’s Open. For further participation in the golf community, attendees could also write welcome cards and thank you letters for the Volunteers of America Classic.
“I just want to get as many girls playing golf as possible, and the Girls Golf program is the place to do that,” said Johany Rivera, Program Manager of The First Tee - Greater San Antonio. “We create so many opportunities to learn, with the best coaches and mentors through the program.”
The Future of Girls in Golf
Programming like the annual Girls Golf clinics have made a significant difference in female participation across all age ranges, from The First Tee to collegiate play. San Antonio saw 33% growth in registration over the past year, to a 43% total female participation in local The First Tee and Golf San Antonio chapters. Similarly, dual-enrollment in The First Tee and Girls Golf has increased participation to 35% in in New Jersey and 30% in the Roanoke Valley.
"There’s a stigma that golf is more of a boy’s sport,” commented Johany of The First Tee - Greater San Antonio. “But these days, women are starting to see other women be more respected on the course, and they can be just as good as the boys and even better.”
Mother of three-year-old participant in the San Antonio event and Dormie Network Sales Manager, Marissa Tromblee, “would secretly like my girl to like golf.”
“As a golfer myself,” Marissa continued, “the best way to get girls into the game is to see other girls doing it. It was a total flashback, and was the first taste of opportunities down the road that may be open to her.” Following the clinic, Marissa and her daughter played part of Briggs’ Hole 4.
Site directors of all events are in communication with the network and general managers to partner on upcoming events as well. Dormie Network was honored to have hosted and played a part in growing the game.
“From the second the girls arrived until the second they left, there was a meaningful activity for them. It was such an impactful day and a great way to end the season,” said Pam Boccaccio of the Hidden Creek event.
