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If you’re reading this, you’ve probably had a much more significant impact on my life than you think, and you may have never even met me. Let me begin by working backward through my life:
My name is Elisa Gómez, and I am a Program Coordinator for the SCGA Junior Golf Foundation. I recently began my role as a Coordinator, after I spent 8 months working as the USGA P.J. Boatwright Intern, after I graduated from college in May 2025. Through 4 years spent in college in Pennsylvania, the Foundation supported my educational journey through the SCGA Junior Golf Foundation Scholarship, which I graciously received after spending 10 years in the junior programming classes, which is where my entire golf journey began in 2011.
A large part of my time working with the Foundation has been spent managing a Girls Golf chapter. LPGA*USGA Girls Golf is a national initiative, founded by Sandy LaBauve, that aims to introduce the game of golf to girls ages 6-17 through positive and inclusive environments, where they can develop life skills such as confidence and perseverance. Now, more than ever, it's critical that we create safe and supportive spaces on the course, as we've seen more women and girls come to the game than any other demographic since 2020. Impacting more than one million girls nationwide, Girls Golf continues to advance the game through female participation while creating spaces where young girls feel seen, supported, and empowered. I am lucky enough to have been one of the million of girls whose lives were directly influenced by the support and mentorship of the women around me through the game.
FORE Her readers are female golfers. You already know what the game has given you. Supporting the next generation of young people starting on the path you paved is how we all make this as full circle as my journey. Together we can change lives through golf.
You can continue to support girls through the game of golf by becoming a mentor, volunteering, or donating. If you’d like to learn more about the LPGA*USGA Girls Golf program, please visit https://www.girlsgolf.org/ and https://www.scgajunior.org/girlsgolf-2/.
