LPGA-USGA Girls Golf partnered with Chevron to host a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Academy at TPC of Harding Park in San Francisco. The academy, which took place Aug. 11-12, gave 75 girls from the San Francisco Bay Area the opportunity to receive instruction from LPGA teaching professionals and discover the important role that STEM plays in the game.
The STEM ZONE, a hands-on experience that fans have been able to enjoy at the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open and U.S. Senior Open since 2012, was also available during the academy. John Spitzer, the managing director of equipment standards for the USGA, gave a presentation on how radar can be used to track a golf shot.
“It is very rewarding to work with young people and share new experiences with them,” said Spitzer, who has worked at the USGA since 1997 and has headed up its Research and Test Center since 2013. “Hopefully, their time at the Girls Golf Academy will enhance their enthusiasm for the game of golf and their curiosity about the science involved.”
Another objective of the free two-day academy was teaching aspiring golfers the nuances of the game. LPGA professional Debbie Koyama, who earned low-amateur honors in the 1993 U.S. Women’s Open, was among those who provided instruction.
“The LPGA-USGA Girls Golf STEM Academy brings girls with different backgrounds together from various parts of the country and provides them with a once-in-a-lifetime learning experience, along with memories that they will cherish forever,” said Kiernan Schindler of LPGA-USGA Girls Golf. “The STEM Academy is truly one of our pinnacle events and a shining example of what LPGA-USGA Girls Golf is all about. The fun, girl-friendly environment not only focuses on camaraderie, but also allows girls to invest in their own personal growth both on and off the golf course. “
LPGA-USGA Girls Golf introduces the game to girls throughout the year at sites around the country with Girls Golf Days. A full schedule can be found here.
Since 2012, the USGA and Chevron have provided more than $1.2 million in charitable support for golf education programs, including the development of a STEM scholarship program that will help 20 incoming college freshmen achieve their dream of a career in STEM disciplines. In addition to their charitable efforts, the partners have collaborated with NBC Learn and other educational partners to develop a library of content, including videos, tool kits and interactive modules, designed for use in classrooms and junior golf programs. To learn more about the partnership’s efforts, visit www.usga.org/chevron.