Novalee Powell wanted to get information to help not only her golf game, but to find out more about opportunities the sport could possibly bring.
“I definitely want to gain more knowledge from their experience,” sad Powell, a Harlem High School junior and member of the Bulldogs’ golf team, who attended Bank of America’s fourth annual Golf with Us Clinic March 31 at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta’s J. Hebbard Club.
Annika Sörenstam, World Golf Hall of Famer and Legendary Professional Golfer Suzy Whaley, Former President, PGA of America, Megha Ganne, who plays for Stanford University and is a Augusta National Women’s Amateur participant and Kiara Romero, a University of Oregon golfer competing in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, were featured at the two-tiered event.
The first half of the event was new and provided female golfers from Lakeside, Grovetown, Harlem, Greenbrier and Evans high schools a chance to hear from Sörenstam and others as well as get some tips on their individual games.
Sörenstam, who has more than 90 international golf victories, including 72 on the LPGA and 11 Major Championships, spoke about her career as well as offered advice that would work on the green or in any area of life, highlighting goals and dreams.
“A goal is something you want to do but with a timeline,” she said, recounting her goal of winning the U.S. Open.
When she set the initial goal, she wasn’t at the level yet to achieve but she set other goals as steps along the way in her effort to attain it.
After the “fireside chat” as Whaley termed it, the teen golfers headed to different areas of the gym to work on skills under the tutelage of collegiate and professional golfers.
“It’s a passion of mine to inspire the next generation of golfers,” said Sörenstam, who has several initiatives through her Annika Foundation to do just that.
Bank of America, which sponsored the Augusta clinic, also partners with the Annika Foundation.
“It aligns with our mission to develop, educate and empower young women through golf and in life. We know that golf can bring a lot of great character traits and give you access, networking opportunities,” said Marissa Smith, Bank of America market executive.
The second half brought members of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Augusta out for a skills clinic, introducing them to the sport. Each child received a club and golf glove and maybe an interest in the game, she said.
“We’re hoping they leave with the confidence to say ‘if she can do this, I can do this,” Smith said.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for 35 years. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
