‘Play It Forward’ inspires next generation to play, learn golf
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta and Bank of America are hosting the second annual Play It Forward Golf Clinic.
Members will be instructed by Augusta National Women’s Amateur Players. The Augusta National Women’s Amateur is this week.
The goal is to inspire the next generation to play and learn not only the game of golf but life skills.
Who better to push them in the right direction than a group of talented female golfers, including one of the best to ever play?
“Looking back, I wish I had some role models. I guess looking back at that, I’m just trying to inspire the next generation in different ways I can. Whether it’s just sharing stories or knowledge. But seeing the kids, they’re so excited. They’re like sponges. They want to see everything. Learn everything. They give me a lot of energy, and it’s fun to be able to do that,” said Annika Sörenstam, pro golfer.
As the women’s game continues to grow, representation and having someone to look up to have the power to pass the love for the game from one generation to the next.
Suzy Whaley is the first female PGA of America President. She said, “girls are coming along. I think 35% of all juniors are girls. So we are gaining on it. We are going to get to 51%. I’m trying. But right now there are way more girls playing the game, and it’s fun. It’s fun to play with your friends.”
This event is about fun and representation for the younger generation. The kids were able to make handmade gloves and were able to draw on them.
“It’s so special, especially with these young ladies who are coming out from the Augusta National Women’s Amateur. I want these young people to see what’s possible and see that they could also be somebody like them,” said Whaley.
By using the game of golf, maybe someday these kids can be like Megha Ganne. She’s a freshman at Stanford University and will be competing in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur for the third time in her young career.
“The game of golf is crazy. You can take it, it can take you really far. I mean, it got me into my dream school and it’s introduced me to all of my closest friends today. So the chance to maybe inspire that in someone else and help them pick up the game is a really cool thing,” she said.
In addition to getting a few pointers on the course, golf can teach these young kids lessons that will last a lifetime.
Sörenstam said: “golf is really something you can have all of your life, and so just learn a little. You can have the basics, and you can maybe pick it up later in life.”
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