FAQ



Frequently asked Questions:
LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Program

  1. What is Girls Golf? How is it different from other junior programs?

    2. Girls Golf is a non-competitive golf program where girls are not only  exposed to the game of golf in a girls only environment, but even more importantly we are providing them valuable skills that will help them develop the confidence and leadership skills they need to succeed on and off the course.  These are the five E’s we like to keep in mind when teaching the girls:

    We empower our girls to feel they can accomplish their goals

    We enrich their lives by teaching them a game they can play and enjoy with friends for a lifetime

    We engage the girls to become involved and make a difference in their communities

    We exercise their minds & bodies and help them realize their potential

    We energize them with our vitality and enthusiasm by sharing our love for the game

    The only national initiative of its kind, LPGA-USGA Girls Golf is organized as a partnership between the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), the world's longest-running women's professional sports association, and the United States Golf Association (USGA), the national governing body of golf.

  2. How do I start a program?

    You begin by going to the website www.LPGA.com/girlsgolf and following the three easy steps on our home page.  Establish the need, send in your application, show us your game plan, get approved and start changing lives!


  3. How many girls do I need to start a program?

    As few as three girls can be a great start to your program! Encourage those girls to bring some friends and you will find that the program grows rapidly. We have established sites as small as 10 and as big as 200. The emerging programs are as important to us as our larger more established ones! The size isn’t as important as the quality of the program.


  4. Can I start one if someone in my town already has one established?

    As long as there is a need in the area for another program, there is no set rule on how many exist in a community. There are many circumstances that warrant programs to be very close to each other and we will have to assess these factors when you apply for the program.


  5. Do I have to start the program at a particular time of year?

    No. We have an open enrollment policy. We have found that there are so many different factors including weather, conflicting sporting schedules, location (private v. public), and size of facilities etc… that we allow applications to be received at any time of the year.


  6. Are there a minimum number of events I need to host in order to be considered a site?

    We encourage that at least 8 events a year are hosted to be deemed an official LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Site, however starting in 2012 we have a new program called LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Day which is a one-day clinic format so that you can test the waters and see what the interest in your area is without committing to a full schedule.  (more to come on this…)


  7. Does it have to be an LPGA or PGA pro that directs the site?

    No. We have many different types of site directors. As an LPGA T&CP member, you can be involved several ways.  One of the ways that we have seen great success is to have the instructor be a co-site director or in charge of the instruction partnered with a director who is someone from the community with time to be a good administrator & communicator.  Additionally, I have included a document that will allow you to see if there is a site in your area and if you would like to volunteer at the site please contact the appropriate director. It is always helpful to have more knowledgeable instructors on hand and many of the sites will either pay you for your time or you can apply for service CU’s for your time with the LPGA.


  8. If I already have a junior program, can I still additionally host a Girls Golf site within this program? 

    Absolutely. Many of our sites have been created this way. If you see that there is enough interest to start a group exclusively dedicated to girls within your current junior program, just use this as an additional offering. You will see that the girls thrive in the all-girl environment and actually look forward to the events where they are on their own. It is easy to have themed events, prize giveaways and contests with the girls and as they get a bit older it helps to reduce the embarrassment factor as they don’t have to perform in front of the boys.


  9. I like to teach a certain way and it has worked for me over the years with the juniors. Is there a strict curriculum the program dictates I follow?

    We provide instruction manuals and information to you when you start the program. We do not dictate how you teach the girls. As a T&CP member you have been through the program and have the basic teaching curriculum. How you disseminate it to the kids will be up to you and typically if you are seeing progress, the method you choose is working!


  10. I keep meaning to start a program, but I just have not gotten around to it. Does it take a lot of time? Will this program take away from my existing lesson business?

    How much time you spend with the program is up to you. If your schedule is very demanding then it is suggested that you have a co-site director to help alleviate the pressure of always having to host the events. Additionally, you may want to pick a time to run the program when you have less demands on your time. Of our more than 230 sites, there are so many different levels of commitment from our directors; you can find what works best for you. Starting small and building the program organically can work well for some, others have started with 100 kids in the first two years but they work with a team of instructors/volunteers in order to make this happen.

    It can actually increase your business!  The clinics that you offer will be fun and informative, but are not really designed to offer individual instruction.  Girls who show exceptional promise and interest can be encouraged to seek private lessons.  Additionally, you are opening up your network by speaking to parents in the community. As you know word of mouth about a great experience with ones kids can do wonders for your reputation as the “go to” instructor in the area.


  11. I teach lessons through my local Parks and Recreation department and it has been very successful. Would they be able to run the site as long as I am still involved in the teaching?

    We have several programs that are based within the Parks & Recreation department. It works well for them to administrate the program and have a professional that is in charge of the instruction. This can be an excellent source of revenue for you, a great way to tap into the soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, softball, etc… crowd and a way to get known in the community. For some of you that have a limited source of lessons at a relatively small facility it could be a way to increase your lesson base very quickly!


  12. I am involved in the First Tee; can I run a Girls Golf program in addition to this?

    Yes, we have 60 programs that run alongside a First Tee site. We just ask that the clinics that are being offered within the Girls Golf umbrella actually allow the girls to be in a Girls Only setting and follow our guidelines.

     

  13. Do I need to bring my own clubs?
    We recommend you call the site director in advance to see if they have equipment available for you. If they have available clubs, let them know your age, height and if you are right or left handed.

     

  14. Should I bring a snack with me or will that be provided?
    We always recommend that you bring something in case you get hungry during the session. Most sites will have some type of snack involved with their session, but it's always good to come prepared.

     

  15. If I am going out to purchase just a few clubs which ones should I get?
    A sand or pitching wedge, putter and a 7 iron are a good start.

     

  16. If I am a beginner should I go out and buy a set of clubs for the first session?
    Not unless you are able to have someone measure you and suggest proper equipment.

     

  17. What should I wear to the first session?
    You are always safe with a collared shirt and shorts, pants or a skirt that are of the right length and neat looking.  If you have flat & clean tennis shoes those are fine, spike less golf shoes are something you can purchase later if you would like, but they are not necessary in the initial stages of learning.

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