Yin, López, Zhang, Sagström, and Schmelzel to serve two-year terms

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 3, 2025) — The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) announced today that Angel Yin, Gaby López, Rose Zhang, Madelene Sagström, and Sarah Schmelzel have been named the newest Brand Ambassadors for LPGA*USGA Girls Golf.

These five players will raise awareness for the global program, which has introduced more than one million girls to the game since 1989. Additionally, these ambassadors will help drive the LPGA Foundation’s One Million MORE Girls campaign, an ongoing fundraising effort dedicated to reaching the next million girls.

As these brand ambassadors begin their new roles, they will build upon the impactful work of Stacy Lewis, Brittany Lincicome, Lizette Salas, Mariah Stackhouse, and Lexi Thompson. These former Girls Golf ambassadors played a crucial role in growing the brand and inspiring generations of girls to take up the game.

“We are thrilled to welcome our new brand ambassadors to LPGA*USGA Girls Golf,” expressed Nancy Henderson, President LPGA Foundation. “Their commitment to the game and passion for inspiring young girls perfectly align with the LPGA Foundation’s mission to transform lives through golf. We are confident each of these LPGA Tour players will serve as strong role models, carrying forward the impact and legacy established by our past ambassadors. With their support, we will strive to reach the next one million girls.”

Girls Golf is about more than just introducing girls to the game. Whether at one of more than 700 sites around the world or at junior clinics held across the LPGA Tour schedule, girls of all backgrounds have the opportunity to learn the game of golf in a girl-friendly environment while also developing life skills to become successful both on and off the course.

Girls Golf prides itself on instilling confidence and leadership through the 5 E’s: Empower, Enrich, Engage, Exercise, and Energize. As part of their roles, the new ambassadors will each represent one of these pillars, selected based on what they embody on and off the course.

Angel Yin is a natural choice for Empower. The 2023 Buick LPGA Shanghai champion is not only a standout player on Tour, but also a charismatic and inspiring figure. She has become a fan favorite, particularly among Girls Golf members known for representing strength and determination. Most recently, South Florida members turned out in full force representing “Angel’s Army” at the 2024 CME Group Tour Championship. Yin’s commitment to define herself beyond golf serves as a positive example for young athletes who often tie their self-worth to their performance. Her bold personality and ability to smoke a 300-yard drive makes her the perfect ambassador for Empower.
Gaby Lopez will serve as the Enrich ambassador. Hailing from Mexico, López has leveraged her golf success to support young Latina athletes through her collaboration with the Latinx Golfers Association and by representing her country in three Olympic Games. A three-time LPGA Tour champion and University of Arkansas alumna, she is a role model for the Razorback women’s golf team. López is highly regarded for breaking down barriers in the game and is known to open doors for others that create lasting impact. As the LPGA Foundation launches new Girls Golf sites in Mexico, López’s leadership as the Enrich ambassador will continue to inspire girls to embrace new cultures and pursue unconventional paths.
Rose Zhang epitomizes Engage. Zhang is a two-time LPGA Tour winner at just 21 years old, and competed in her second Solheim Cup this past September. The rising star currently balances committed responsibilities away from tournaments, which includes earning her degree at Stanford University, taking classes each spring. She is a symbol of success. Her dedication to excellence on and off the course is something she hopes will inspire the next generation of girls.
Madelene Sagström will lead by example as the Exercise ambassador. She is known for her physical fitness and commitment to overall health and well-being. The Swedish golfer has found success at every level, thanks in large part to her focus on strength and conditioning. After being diagnosed with shoulder impingement and severe scapular dyskinesia in 2018, Sagström worked diligently with a French physiotherapist in 2019 to overcome the issue. Her efforts quickly paid off in 2020, when she earned her first LPGA Tour victory at the Gainbridge LPGA at Boca Rio. She will promote the importance of staying active while maintaining a healthy lifestyle on and off the course.
Sarah Schmelzel will personify Energize. She embodies the program's "Little Girls, BIG Dreams" tagline, especially as a former participant in Girls Golf. She credits the Phoenix chapter for providing the strong foundation that propelled her to the LPGA Tour. She brings a personal understanding of the journey many of these young girls are on and has made it a priority to give back, often making surprise appearances at the home site. She has also served as an ambassador for the I GOT THIS Foundation, a Phoenix-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering athletes with disabilities. Her dedication and passion for the game will inspire participants to stay active and motivated, encouraging them to maintain enthusiasm for golf, specifically in Girls Golf.

This announcement comes as the LPGA continues to commemorate its historic 75th anniversary during this week’s Founders Cup presented by the U.S. Virgin Islands. The long-running event honors the trailblazing 13 Founders and their vision to elevate future generations of female golfers through programs like Girls Golf.

LPGA*USGA Girls Golf Names New LPGA Player Brand Ambassadors

Related Articles