LPGA*USGA Girls Golf comes to South Africa

The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Foundation announced today that LPGA*USGA Girls Golf will spread its reach to South Africa, in partnership with two-time major champion and LPGA Tour Legend Sally Little.

With over 500 Girls Golf sites in the United States, LPGA*USGA Girls Golf - Sally Little Golf Trust will become the 22nd international location. Other countries with Girls Golf programs include Malaysia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, France, Sweden, Venezuela, the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.

“As a young Tour player, I grew up through the LPGA. To this day, I share its vision and goals. The Sally Little Golf Trust was formed for that purpose. It seems only fitting to have LPGA*USGA Girls Golf and the LPGA Foundation by my side here in South Africa growing the game for girls, and I couldn’t be more delighted with this partnership,” said Sally Little.

Forming the Sally Little Golf Trust

Little was born in Cape Town, South Africa. Her interest in golf began at a young age by tagging along behind her father, Percy, on his regular weekend round of golf. By the age of 17, Little had claimed more than a dozen regional and national amateur titles. She enjoyed a successful 30-year career on the LPGA Tour, winning 15 titles including two majors. Little continues to compete on the Legends Tour, the women's senior division of the LPGA, of which she is a founding member.  

After being back in South Africa for a number of years, Little saw a need and felt a great desire to give back. In 2015, she formed the Sally Little Golf Trust, dedicated to educating and empowering the previously disadvantaged through the game of golf.  

Through the Prestwich Primary School Program, Little has mentored and coached students from the beginning stages of golf, training and employing members of the adjacent Garden Village community to assist with each coaching session. The students are transported to the Sally Little Centre for Excellence and provided with food, prizes and the joy of golf. The school principal has noted the progress these girls have made not just in golf, but the improvement in their grades, discipline, perseverance, respect and leadership.

LPGA want to engage 100,000 girls in the LPGA*USGA Girls Golf program

“We are so excited to bring LPGA*USGA Girls Golf to South Africa,” said Nancy Henderson, Chief Teaching Officer and President of the LPGA Foundation. “It is an honor to partner with LPGA legend Sally Little who is already so committed to making a difference to the lives of girls.”

The LPGA is on a mission to engage over 100,000 girls in the LPGA*USGA Girls Golf program by 2022, continuing the movement to change the face of golf. Celebrating its 32nd year, Girls Golf is the only national program of its kind that specializes in providing a girl-friendly environment for juniors to learn and play the game of golf.

Find out more about the LPGA*USGA Girls Golf programs here.