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As the shuttle bus pulled away from The Inn at Spanish Bay, the anticipation inside was building with each twist and turn through Pebble Beach. Joined by a parent, 10 members of LPGA*USGA Girls Golf were in store for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
After a 10-minute drive, the bus pulled up to The Hay, a short course designed by Tiger Woods. Filing off the bus, each girl’s smile was bigger than the last. Even the parents seemed giddy with excitement. Who can blame them? This was much more than your average round of golf.
When the USGA announced that the U.S. Women’s Open would head to historic Pebble Beach for the first time in 2023, the Pebble Beach Company instantly began to look for ways to make its own impact on the women’s game.
The team wouldn’t have to look far, ultimately choosing to support the next generation of female golfers through LPGA*USGA Girls Golf. With that decision made, it was time to unite the rest of the golf world around a common mission.
Organized by the Pebble Beach Company, All In at The Hay brought together world-renowned athletes, business leaders, LPGA legends including U.S. Women’s Open Past Champions, and partners to raise money for LPGA*USGA Girls Golf. In total, $1.5M for the program, the largest one-time donation in the history of the program.
“Our goal with All In at the Hay was to fund efforts that support greater access for girls to play golf and to benefit from the many opportunities the sport provides,” said Heidi Ueberroth, Co-Chair of the Pebble Beach Company, and visionary for the event. “We thank our partners and friends who enthusiastically joined in to support the event and to the girls from LPGA*USGA Girls Golf who inspire us.”
AT&T, Charles Schwab, Chevron, Cisco, Coca-Cola, Lexus, Morgan Stanley, Rolex, Santander and Walmart all committed to being part of All In at The Hay, as did 39 past US Open Women’s Champions, Michelin 3 star Chef Corey Lee and many distinguished guests.
This investment will enhance existing Girls Golf programs, like the one in the Monterey County to attract more girls; it will facilitate international expansion of new sites in countries like Mexico and help launch new Girls Golf programs in markets where Pebble Beach Company partners are based.
“The U.S. Women’s Open was a momentous week for many reasons, not the least of which was the opportunity to come together with our friends and partners to ensure the next generation of women’s golfers can dream bigger than ever,” said David Stivers, CEO of Pebble Beach Company. “It’s an honor and a privilege to support the LPGA*USGA Girls Golf One Million MORE Girls campaign.”
There is certainly more work to be done, and with the support of partners like these, LPGA*USGA Girls Golf will continue to pave the way for girls of all backgrounds to change their lives through the game. This donation kickstarts an effort by the LPGA Foundation to raise $13M over the next seven years through the #OneMillionMORE Girls campaign. The goal of the campaign is to reach the next one million girls by 2030.
All In at The Hay also provided something equally important for the LPGA Foundation: a platform to showcase the power of this mission to industry leaders, business executives and golf media, during the biggest week in women’s golf. Much like the girls in the program, LPGA*USGA Girls Golf would not succeed without visionaries like Pebble Beach Company, and trailblazers such as the U.S. Open champions providing access, awareness and opportunity.
Months of hard work culminated in a day that will be remembered forever by those involved, especially the LPGA*USGA Girls Golf members. Once on-site, the girls were checked in and treated to brand new wedges, a tournament gift for all participants. The girls connected with business leaders, athletes, U.S. Open Champions and a few of the girls even competed in an impromptu putting contest with LPGA pioneer Betsy King. Adding to the lively atmosphere, participants were treated to dishes inspired by the nationalities of past U.S. Women’s Open champions from Michelin Star Chef, Corey Lee.
Once practice was completed, the girls broke onto the course in a flash, each one joining a team of five players. For the girls, this was not only an opportunity to show off their skills to the world, but it was also a chance to illustrate everything they’ve learned through the program.
As the groups went from hole to hole, it became clear just how seriously the girls were taking this opportunity. Between hitting clutch chip shots and sinking birdie putts, the girls took time to get to know their playing partners and soak in the experience. By the end of the round, the girls were the talk of the town, with participants celebrating not only their play, but the way they conducted themselves.
“Girls Golf has definitely prepared me for life on and off the course,” said LPGA*USGA Girls Golf member Allyson Bell. “It helps me overcome my social anxiety because you have to talk to girls [in the program]. It has provided so many opportunities to meet people, and now I feel so much more comfortable talking to people and relating to them in some type of way. Honestly, this event is a perfect example of me overcoming my social anxiety. Playing in front of cameras and a large crowd of people can be nerve-racking, but thanks to what I’ve learned in the program, I felt comfortable pushing myself outside of that comfort zone.” This support is pivotal not only for girl’s golf, but the industry as a whole. According to the 2023 NGF Female Participation Study, golf has never had higher female representation than today.
Girls under 18 are currently the fastest growing segment of the golfing population. In 1986, girls made up only 14% of all junior golfers, but today, they represent 38% of junior golfers. Also, 20 years ago, one in 17 female junior golfers were non-Caucasian, but today, thanks to programs like Girls Golf, 28% of junior participants are girls of color.
Following the $1.5M check presentation, the largest one-time donation in the history of the program, the girls capped off their unforgettable day by posing for photos with LPGA Tour Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan and Heidi Ueberroth.
All In at The Hay was certainly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for these members, but the donation itself is one that will impact thousands of girls for years to come.
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