LPGA-USGA GIRLS GOLF COMING TO THE TRIANGLE

Golfing Associations Join Together to Support Girls Golf

 Raleigh, N.C. – April 17, 2007— The Executive Women’s Golf Association of Raleigh and the Carolinas Golf Association today announced that they have partnered to provide support for new girls golf programs in Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. The first program will kick off on May 3.

 LPGA-USGA Girls Golf provides an opportunity for girls ages seven to 17 to learn to play golf, build lasting friendships and experience competition in a fun, supportive environment, preparing them for a lifetime of enjoyment of the game. 

 “With the increased awareness of women’s golf and the opportunities this program provides, there is no better time for young girls to learn or improve golf skills. This program is designed to deliver quality training in a fun setting, share golf’s values and life skills, and offer competitive opportunities,“ said Dona Lerner, Class A Member LPGA T&CP; Director of Instruction, The Preserve at Lake Jordan.

 The first of the three programs will be launched in the Triangle in May by Amber Loeffelholz, Assistant Golf  Professional at Wildwood Green Golf Club in Raleigh.  The second program will be launched in July by Lerner. The third program will be launched in September by Fran James,  Class A Member LPGA T&CP and Head Golf Professional at Hillandale Golf Course in Durham.

 Establishment of the new programs in the Triangle is made possible by the individual golf professionals and facilities named above, with support from Executive Women’s Golf Association (EWGA) and Carolinas Golf Association.  Both organizations have donated funds to kick-start the programs.   EWGA members will also serve as volunteers at each of the sites to assist with the program.

 “With the Carolinas Golf Association and the EWGA spearheading the establishment of the three new Girls Golf sites in the Triangle area, these organizations are ensuring that girls have the opportunity to learn to play the game of golf in a supportive and fun environment, ” stated Sherry Greene, Programs Manager of LPGA-USGA Girls Golf.

 Sandy Moonert, EWGA Coordinator for Triangle LPGA-USGA Girls Golf, adds, “As EWGA members, golf has brought each of us rewarding personal friendships and professional opportunities.  This is our chance to ‘pay it forward’ sharing our enthusiasm for golf and success in business with young girls in our local communities.   We are also  fortunate to have these talented female golf professionals in our area who are willing to add these programs to their busy schedules.”   

 “Carolinas Golf Association is thrilled to see these new programs being formed in the Triangle,” said Nancy Mayer, 2007 Executive Committee, Carolinas Golf Association. “LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Funding is provided by North Carolina Women's Golf Association and the Women's Carolinas Golf Association.   We realize the need for getting girls into the game at an early age, and also provide events and tournaments to encourage their development.”

 Registration for the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf program at Wildwood Green Golf Club in Raleigh is now underway.   The program is scheduled to kick off May 3, 2007.  Contact Amber Loeffelholz @ 919-846-8376.  

  About EWGA-Raleigh/Triangle:

The EWGA, a not-for-profit 501(c) (6) organization with 20,000 members in North America and over 200 in the Raleigh-Triangle/Sandhills area, is the leading force in promoting golf for women.  Staffed entirely by volunteers, the local Chapter offers leadership development opportunities to professional women in all walks of business.  EWGA members are available to speak on the subject of “Golf for Business and Life” to local civic groups and professional organizations. For more information, visit www.ewga.com.

About Carolinas Golf Association:

The CGA is a non-profit service organization that was formed in 1909 to conduct championships and tournaments for amateur golfers in North and South Carolina, administer the USGA handicap system in the Carolinas, and support its membership of more than 190,000 golfers in the CGA's 730 plus member clubs and associations. For more information, visit www.carolinasgolf.org, www.wcgagolf.org, and www.ncwga.org.

 About LPGA-USGA Girls Golf:

With more than 5,700 members at nearly 200 sites around the country, LPGA-USGA Girls Golf provides an opportunity for girls, ages seven to 17, to learn to play golf, build lasting friendships, and experience competition in a fun, supportive environment, preparing them for a lifetime of enjoyment with the game. The only national initiative of its kind, Girls Golf is administered through a partnership between The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Foundation and the United States Golf Association (USGA), both non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organizations. For more information, visit www.lpga.com , or call Sherry Greene @ (386) 274-6222. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE      

                                                                                                                                             Contact:

Sandy Moonert

919.481.4135

SandyMoonert@nc.rr.com