DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Jan. 29, 2009 - As LPGA-USGA Girls Golf program (Girls Golf) gears up to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2009, Sandy LaBauve - the woman who started the program that would become Girls Golf - and past participant-turned LPGA Tour winner Brittany Lincicome will serve as national ambassadors.

In this capacity, LaBauve and Lincicome will participate in promotions of LPGA-USGA Girls Golf through appearances and interviews.

Initiated in 1989 in Phoenix, Ariz., by LaBauve, a Class A LPGA Teaching and Club Professional (T&CP) and PGA of America member, the purpose of the program was to create a national initiative for young girls to learn the game and strengthen the camaraderie among participants in a fun and supportive environment. Girls Golf has grown to nearly 200 sites across the United States with nearly 6,000 girls ages 7-17 expected to participate in 2009. The only initiative of its kind, Girls Golf is administered through a partnership between The LPGA Foundation and the USGA.

"Having Sandy and Brittany as LPGA-USGA Girls Golf national ambassadors represents a timeline from the roots of the program to the positive impact the program can have on a young girl," said Sherry Greene, programs director of The LPGA Foundation. "Building on Sandy's drive and commitment as well as the dedication of site directors, professionals who teach at the sites, as well as to Tour professionals like Brittany who give their time as site captains, the future of women's golf is bright."

LaBauve, a member of the LPGA T&CP Central Section, has won numerous awards during her career. Most recently, she was recognized as one of the LPGA's 50 Best Teachers for 2008-09. Last April, LaBauve was given the 2008 Rolex For the Love of the Game Award, which honors individuals who have made significant contributions and a commitment to promoting women's golf. Repeatedly named one of the top instructors in the country by GOLF Magazine, the 1991 Western Section LPGA co-teacher of the year was the 2003 recipient of the Linda Vollstedt Award for national contributions to women's golf. LaBauve and her husband, Mike, are teaching professionals at Westin Kierland Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, Ariz.

"Twenty years passes by so fast. As a national ambassador, I am honored and proud of the girls and the professionals who have made this program grow," LaBauve said. "I have two daughters who play. One was born the year we started and she now plays collegiate golf for LSU. I am thrilled that she and thousands of other Girls Golf participants are realizing how golf can impact their lives. Whether they play socially, for business or competitively, it is great for all to be part of the game."

Lincicome is one of many success stories among more than 60,000 girls who have participated in Girls Golf since its inception. Lincicome joined the LPGA Tour in 2005 and notched victories at the 2006 HSBC Women's World Match Play Championships and 2007 Ginn OPEN. She also was a member of the victorious 2007 U.S. Solheim Cup Team.

"I want to be a part of an organization that supports the future of women's golf," said the 23-year-old Lincicome, who is among the longest drivers on Tour. "The girls in this program were where I was several years ago and I would like to be a part of seeing other young girls pursue their dream, just like I have."

About LPGA-USGA Girls Golf
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2009, LPGA-USGA Girls Golf (Girls Golf) was formed to connect girls, ages 7 to 17, with the game of golf. A developmental junior golf program and the only national initiative of its kind, Girls Golf presents an opportunity for girls to make lasting friendships, gain self-confidence, learn to compete and have fun, while fostering a lifetime of enjoyment for the game.

Girls Golf, with nearly 200 sites around the country and more than 60,000 participants since its inception in 1989, is administered through a partnership between The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Foundation and the United States Golf Association (USGA), both 501(c)(3) charitable organizations.

About the Ladies Professional Golf Association
The LPGA features a membership comprised of world-class LPGA Tour professionals and dedicated Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP). Today's LPGA Tour features the most talented global group of professional athletes who, in 2009, will compete in a minimum of 31 official money events in 10 countries with total prize money of more than $55 million. In addition to its dynamic Tour members, 1,200 certified LPGA T&CP members serve the golf industry in teaching, coaching and management positions, and oversee programs aimed at increasing the involvement of women, girls and youth in golf. The LPGA's Vision is to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the best golf professionals in the world. Its Mission is to be a leader in the world of sports, to promote economic empowerment for all members, and to serve as role models on and off the course. The LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Fla. For more information on the LPGA, log on to www.LPGA.com.

LaBauve, Lincicome named national ambassadors for LPGA-USGA Girls Golf

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