Members of the inaugural class of the Orange Bowl “Drive for Excellence” Girls Golf Program pose with Lee Stapleton, Orange Bowl Committee President and Chair, and Obie.
The Orange Bowl, in conjunction with The First Tee Miami, is proud to launch the Orange Bowl “Drive for Excellence” Girls Golf Program. The Orange Bowl’s first girls sports initiative, the program is designed to empower young South Florida women through golf to develop academic, life and athletic skills, resulting in opportunities for collegiate golf scholarships.
In the inaugural year, thirty-five (35) young women between the ages of 8 and 18 will participate in the 37 week program. Participants will be selected from existing First Tee programs, as well as high school golf programs in South Florida. While enrolled in the program, golf professionals from The First Tee will provide instruction on the course and range, and tutors will provide high-level academic coaching and college prep help in The First Tee Miami’s state-of-the-art learning center. More than just an academic and athletic endeavor, the Orange Bowl Girls’ Golf Program also aims to instill the life skills and core values taught by The First Tee to enable them to reach their full potential.
“Drive for Excellence” participants take part in the Ceremonial Opening Drive.
“The Drive for Excellence Program is something that is near to my heart,” said Lee Stapleton, Orange Bowl Committee President & Chair. “The Orange Bowl has never before invested in an initiative focused solely on women’s athletics. I’ve long envisioned a program that would make a difference in the lives of young women, empowering them to achieve their greatest of dreams. Through the Orange Bowl’s partnership with The First Tee, we know these girls will succeed in the classroom and on the course. I’m so proud of the Drive for Excellence initiative and even prouder of the girls that will participate, grow through the program, and one day receive a college education.”
With an official launch on September 17, 2015, the Orange Bowl “Drive for Excellence” Girls Golf Program is no-cost to the girls and will engage participants year-round. During the school year, enrolled girls will participate three days a week, after school. In the summer, girls will attend a special Summer Camp five days a week. Orange Bowl Committee members will serve as mentors and role models, meeting with participants on a regular basis, focusing on building character and the integrity-centered core values of The First Tee. Based at Miami International Links/Melreese Country Club, program participants will have access to world-class training facilities and support.
(Photo at left, pictured left to right): Participants Zoila Herrera, Jiana Blaha and Cassandra Chen.
The Orange Bowl “Drive for Excellence” Girls Golf Program provides an unparalleled golf and educational experience for young women, empowering and preparing them for collegiate golf scholarships. Each year, hundreds of women’s golf scholarships go unused, increasing opportunities for scholarships across the country. According to the most recent study conducted by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), more than 200 women’s golf scholarships went unused at the collegiate level. Currently, 3,022 female golfers at Division I and II schools across the country receive scholarship aid, helping them achieve their dreams of a college education. Through its partnership with The First Tee Miami, the Orange Bowl “Drive for Excellence” Girls Golf Program is ready to make a difference in the lives of young women in South Florida, inspiring them to achieve and succeed, culminating with a golf scholarship and eventual college degree.
In addition to the girls golf program, the Orange Bowl will be the presenting sponsor of the Doral-Publix Junior Golf Classic. The premier tournament in junior golf, the Orange Bowl is proud to continue its mission of promoting youth sports and enhancing the South Florida community. Hosted at Trump National Doral Miami, more than 690 junior golfers from 45 countries around the world compete each year. To qualify for the tournament, contestants must succeed in golf and in the classroom. Winners of the 16-18 flight are crowned champions, their names etched into the winner’s trophy. Past champions have included PGA and LPGA Tour notables such as Tracy Kerdyk (1983), Michelle McGann (1986), Rae Anna Staples (1987, 1988, 1989), Chris Couch (1989, 1990), Lucas Glover (1992), Cristie Kerr (1992, 1994), Grace Park (1995), Elizabeth Bauer (1997), Sean O’Hair (1998), Rory McIlroy (1998), Candie Kung (1998), Paula Creamer (2002) and Lexi Thompson (2006). The 2015 Doral-Publix Junior Golf Classic presented by Orange Bowl will be held December 17-23. Applications are due no later than October 16, 2015, and can be found at http://www.firstteemiami.org/