Since 2003, YWCA Bethlehem has introduced hundreds of Lehigh Valley girls to the game of golf through the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Program.

Working with over 375 affiliate sites across the United States, LPGA-USGA Girls Golf empowers girls and young women ages 7-17 to be strong and confident so that they can excel in their daily lives. The LPGA-USGA program promotes self-esteem and fitness through the “Five E’s” of Girls Golf: Empower, Enrich, Engage, Energize, Exercise. The national program has grown steadily since its beginning in 1989 and now serves over 50,000 girls each year.

YWCA Bethlehem works in conjunction with Bethlehem Golf Club and Southmoore Golf Course to offer the program to families in the Lehigh Valley. Whether a family simply wants their daughter understand the fundamentals of the game or hopes for her to aspire to team or tournament play, the Girls Golf Program teaches the game in a fun and supportive all-girls setting. Last year the four Lehigh Valley girl golfers who tried out for their high school golf teams all secured spots on their respective squads.

Spring clinics began in April, but it is not too late to join the fun:

A six-week beginner summer session for girls ages 7-11 starts on Saturday, July 8.

A class for 12-17 year-old girls begins July 12.

A nine-week intermediate level program begins June 23.

All Girls Golf classes at Bethlehem are taught by PGA Instructor Mark Csencsits, named “Best Golf Pro” in the Lehigh Valley by Lehigh Valley Style magazine four years in a row. In addition to the clinics, Girl Golfers enjoy a mini-putt and ice cream party, on-course play at Olde Homestead in New Tripoli, a Six Hole Classic mentoring experience at Saucon Valley County Club and an end-of-season celebration with “glow golf.”

The full 2017 program brochure is available at www.ywcabethlehem.org.

Adult golfers, men and women, wishing to support YWCA Bethlehem’s Girls Golf Program can join in the 15th Annual T.G.I.F. (Teaching Girls Is Fun!) Charity Golf Classic on June 9 at Bethlehem Country Club. Contact YWCA Bethlehem at (610) 867-4669 ext. 109.