LPGA Professional’s Passion for Teaching Transforms Golf for Women and Girls.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 2, 2025) Marvol Barnard, a trailblazing LPGA Professionals Hall of Fame member and past LPGA Professionals National President, joins an elite group of her peers as the recipient of the 2025 Ellen Griffin Rolex Award.

This prestigious award, established by the LPGA Professionals in 1989, celebrates an individual who embodies the teaching excellence, passion, and transformative spirit of the late Ellen Griffin, a pioneer in golf education. As a dual LPGA and PGA member, Barnard’s 23-year journey has been defined by an unrelenting love of teaching, a passion that mirrors Ellen’s spirit and drive to transform golf into a welcoming, empowering space for women and girls worldwide.

“Receiving the LPGA Ellen Griffin Rolex Award is a profound honor, and I am deeply grateful for this recognition,” expressed Barnard. “I am privileged to join the amazing group of past recipients who have devoted themselves to advancing golf instruction, growing the game, and upholding Ellen Griffin’s extraordinary legacy. I share this award with my wonderful students, whose passion and progress have guided and enriched my teaching journey, and with my cherished friends and mentors in the LPGA, whose unwavering support has helped to shape this unexpected, wonderfully rewarding career. My heartfelt thanks to Rolex and the LPGA for their ongoing commitment to elevating this award and honoring the legendary golf educator, Ellen Griffin.”

Barnard’s love for teaching was sparked by her own experience as a novice golfer. After leaving a career as a dispatch supervisor for the Alaska State Troopers, she stepped onto an Arizona golf course and felt doubts that many beginner golfers face. That moment fueled her curiosity to learn more about the game and fed her desire to teach it to others. Her mission from that moment was to ensure every student finds joy, confidence, and belonging through the game she deeply loves.

Today, as Director of Instruction at the Country Club of Green Valley, she channels that beginner’s heart into every lesson, blending fundamentals with fun because she knows enjoyment and comfort are the key to progress. She teaches more than golf; she opens doors and builds connections. Her ability to meet learners where they are has transformed countless lives and mirrors Griffin’s philosophy of education as a gateway to belonging.

Barnard’s love of teaching is the heartbeat of her impact. Not wanting other women to feel the same as she did when she first picked up a club, she became the influence in the golf industry she is today. She has welcomed women to the game with open arms by introducing a variety of programs throughout her career, both within her club and across the globe. She has poured her creativity into programs, which have grown from a handful of beginners to hundreds of women. She thrives in seeing new golfers fall in love with the game.

Her passion for mentorship shines in her work with LPGA*USGA Girls Golf. From coaching girls’ high school teams to launching a growing Girls Golf site at her club and expanding the program to Korea, Barnard creates opportunities for young players everywhere. Through her nonprofit, she raises thousands in scholarships for aspiring golfers from underserved communities, embodying her belief that golf should be within everyone’s reach.

Like Griffin, Barnard views teaching as a gift to be shared, not just with her students, but also with those who teach alongside her. As LPGA Professionals National President for six years, she empowered nearly 1,900 members by modernizing training and launching initiatives like the LPGA’s Women’s Empowerment Programs, Golf 101, and #InviteHer, all bearing her leadership imprint. These efforts have invited thousands to the game, amplifying women’s presence in golf and business.

She is the gold standard for golf professionals and is the leader every new instructor looks to as a role model. Bringing leaders and teachers of the LPGA together, she empowered the voices of the organization to be shared, heard, and valued by the golf community.

Barnard is decorated with many honorable awards and achievements over her career, and in the last year alone has received the LPGA President's Award and been inducted into the LPGA Professionals Hall of Fame, in addition to receiving the National PGA Player Development Award in 2018. The 2025 Ellen Griffin Rolex Award cements her as a transformative force, carrying forward a legacy of education that inspires and uplifts.

Past recipients of the Ellen Griffin Rolex Award include: Peggy Kirk Bell, 1989; Linda Craft, 1990; Shirley Englehorn, 1991; Harvey Penick, 1992; Goldie Bateson, 1993; Carol Clark Johnson, 1994; Joanne Winter, 1995; Ann Casey Johnstone, 1996; Dr. DeDe Owens, 1997; Shirley Spork, 1998; Betty Hicks, 1999; Gary Wiren, 2000; Penny Zavichas, 2001; Annette Thompson, 2002; Dr. Barbara B. Smith, 2003; Marjorie Burns, 2004; Pat Lange, 2005; Donna White, 2006; Betsy Cullen, 2007; Lynn Marriott, 2008; Kay McMahon, 2009; Mary Beth McGirr, 2010; Dr. Debbie Crews, 2011; Dr. Betsy Clark, 2012; Kathy Murphy, 2013; Kerry Graham, 2014; Dana Rader, 2015; Pia Nilsson, 2016; Sandy LaBauve, 2017; Jane Frost, 2018; Nancy Quarcelino, 2019; Renee Powell, 2020; Deb Vangellow, 2021; Carol Preisinger, 2022; Sheri Hayes, 2023 and Gale Peterson, 2024.

Marvol Barnard Named the 2025 Ellen Griffin Rolex Award Recipient

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