Women Golfers Give Back, a nonprofit based in Plymouth Meeting, is celebrating its 20th anniversary as a driving force behind girls’ golf and leadership development in the region.

In 2022, WGGB provided grants to help finance to six Players Programs and nine Clinic Programs extending from Wilmington through southeastern Pennsylvania to Trenton and the Jersey Shore, all with the goal of getting more girls into the game of golf and supporting their development. Founded in 2003 by Alexandra Frazier, the organization aims to enrich girls’ lives through golf, both personally and professionally.

“Golf presents an incredible opportunity to build your character and learn so many life lessons,” said Frazier. “We hope [the girls] take the skills learned from the program and continue to play golf well into adulthood.”

WGGB hopes to create a world where girls find equal opportunity and personal growth through golf. Programs start for girls as young as seven years old, but professional women are invited to join the fun as well. Through the Get Golf Ready program, women learn the ins and outs of the sport, from technique to etiquette and proper dress. The goal is to empower women to take advantage of the game’s professional networking and growth opportunities.

“Men get to network and grow their businesses on the golf course, so why shouldn’t women be able to do the same?” said Frazier.

After graduating from the program, Jaclyn D’Angelo went on to play college golf. WGGB helped her realize there was a future for girls in the game.

“I was only ever playing with boys,” she said. “When I got involved with WGGB, I saw just how many young girls were there and realized how many women are actually playing the sport of golf. For the first time, I saw that it wasn’t just for boys.”

“The programs WGGB supports significantly expand access to the sport while also providing opportunities for girls to build self-confidence, practice perseverance, and refine social skills that will enable them to grow into successful young women,” said executive director Rachel Shearon. “[We] foster an environment where girls build relationships with peers and mentors that will open doors to future endeavors.”

A key component of the program is the atmosphere, one which Shearon describes as “comfortable and engaging,” perfect for learning new skills and fostering connections.

“When I became involved in WGGB, it was like coming home to [a] giving family of golfers and a sense of community to pay it forward,” said former LPGA professional Val Skinner. “I cherish the opportunity to help WGGB.”

Each year, WGGB hosts an annual charity golf tournament, which was held in 2022 at St. Davids Golf Club and raised a record-setting amount exceeding $230,000. This year’s tournament will be held June 19 at Whitemarsh Valley Country Club.

Donations and annual tournament sponsors enable WGGB to carry out its mission. Get involved, donate, and learn more at Women Golfers Give Back or contact rshearon@womengolfersgiveback.org.