Nancy Lopez Pays it Forward to the Next Generation
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., July 15, 2015 – The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and the United States Golf Association (USGA) announced today that the Girls Golf Academy will be conducted July 19-21, 2015 at The Country Club of Asheville in Ashville, NC. The 60 Academy participants are all active Girls Golf members from one of the 300 Girls Golf sites across the country.
“We are excited to once again bring this event to the Asheville area,” said Nancy Henderson, President of The LPGA Foundation. “The girls are going to engage with girls from all over the country, build lasting friendships and experience learning and competition in a fun and supportive environment.”
Over 20 girls have been awarded grants, thanks to money provided by RR Donnelley, the USGA Women’s Committee members, and the Country Club of Asheville members, helping to make this event accessible and affordable for all girls.
Louise Ball, Director of Instruction for the Tennessee Golf Academy, and the 2014 LPGA National Junior Golf award winner, will head up a team of more than15 LPGA Teaching Professionals who will provide instruction to the girls participating in the Academy. The goal is to not only teach the girls proper stance and swing, but to also stress the importance of a healthy lifestyle and provide them with the tools to leave energized and prepared to meet the challenges of today’s world.
“The fact that we have so many great LPGA Teaching Professionals, plus LPGA Hall of Famer Nancy Lopez, participating in the hands-on instruction will create an amazing experience for the girls,” said Louise Ball, Director of Instruction for the Tennessee Golf Academy. “They are all incredible role models, both on and off the course.”
Following the golf activities, participants will be hosted on July 20th at the beautiful Wilma M. Sherrill Health & Wellness Center on the UNC-Asheville campus. UNC-Asheville female athletes and athletic director will be on hand to speak to the participants about preparing and performing at the collegiate level. It is fitting that one of the speakers will be the university’s very first women’s golf coach, LPGA T&CP member Breanne Hall. The Bulldogs will launch their Women’s Golf program in the 2016-2017 season.
In addition to the events for the girls, Country Club of Asheville members will be treated to a VIP Clinic led by acclaimed LPGA instructor and North Carolina native, Dana Rader. The Country Club of Asheville is also home to the Mission Health Wellness Classic, a significant stop on the LPGA’s Epson Tour.
For more information on the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf program go to www.lpga.com.