The LPGA Foundation’s new fundraising campaign, Drive On For The Future, aims to create a future for golf that looks and feels like the rest of the population: 50% men and 50% women.
One of the areas in which the LPGA strives to continue “changing the face of the game” is the golf workforce, which is currently 10% female. The LPGA boasts the largest membership of women golf professionals in the world with the LPGA Teaching & Club Professionals (T&CP). Established in 1959 as an outgrowth of the LPGA Tour membership, the LPGA T&CP has enjoyed an unprecedented rate of growth in recent years. With more than 1,700 members, the LPGA T&CP membership is dedicated to the advancement of the game through teaching, managing golf facilities and coaching.
LPGA Teaching & Club Professionals (T&CP) member Stephanie Peareth, who is site director for LPGA*USGA Girls Golf of Miami, was selected as the recipient of the 2019 Sandy LaBauve Spirit Award, the most coveted honor bestowed by LPGA*USGA Girls Golf.
Peareth underwent the first two of her three brain surgeries before taking over as Miami site director in 2015. She now devotes virtually all her time to Girls Golf with a mission to enable young girls to experience life, fun and growth through the sport. Each month, she organizes three special events for the girls under her tutelage: a themed golf clinic, an LPGA Tour-inspired tournament and a social activity which is not related to golf.
"It's kind of surreal because I get told on a daily basis that I'm an amazing site director and what would they (Girls Golf program members) do without me and 'you're such an incredible role model',” said Peareth. “I've never thought of myself like that because they saved my life. They've given me a different purpose, a different dream and career. It's all because of them. I wake up every day feeling so lucky that I get to work with girls who I know are going to change the world. I get to wake up and say, 'Okay, so my job today is to hang around with girls who I know are going to be the biggest, most influential female empowerment stars.' I just feel so lucky to be inspired by them. They make me better."
How can you help Drive On for the Future?
- Text Drive to 71777 or visit https://bitly.com/LPGADrive to make your gift
- Sign up to become a fundraiser and share your personal page with your friends and family via text, email, or social media
- Join the conversation on social media by sharing your own #DriveOn story and encouraging others to Drive On for the Future. Click HERE for a social toolkit.