Women In Golf Foundation
This year marks a milestone in the history of women’s golf and in the advancement of opportunity for young women across the country. The Women In Golf Foundation (WIGF)—a pioneering organization dedicated to empowering girls and women through the game of golf—celebrates 30 years of mentorship, leadership development, and competitive excellence.
WIGF was founded with a bold vision to expand access to the sport and open pathways for student-athletes from historically underrepresented communities. What began as a grassroots effort has evolved into a far-reaching platform that helps young women build confidence, sharpen life skills, and pursue academic and career success.
A Legacy Built One Opportunity at a Time
Over three decades, the Women In Golf Foundation has touched the lives of hundreds of young women—many of whom credit the organization with changing the trajectory of their futures. Through clinics, leadership workshops, industry exposure, mentorship, and tournament play, WIGF has created spaces where young women can grow both as athletes and as leaders.
At the heart of this impact is the Foundation’s signature event: the National Women’s Collegiate Golf Championship, now recognized as one of the most significant competitive and developmental platforms for HBCU women’s golf teams. The championship has grown into a national champion for equity in golf. For 30 years, this championship has not only elevated collegiate competition but has also served as a gateway to professional opportunities and lifelong networks.
The Foundation’s influence extends far beyond the fairway. Many alumnae have gone on to pursue successful careers in business, STEM, law, healthcare, sports management, education, and professional golf—a testament to the holistic support that WIGF provides.
“This year marks a truly special milestone—30 years of impact, growth, and opportunity through the Women in Golf Foundation!,” said Gould. “As we celebrated this yearlong anniversary during the National Women’s Collegiate Golf Championship, we reflected on our journey and looked ahead to an even brighter future.”
“The 30th Anniversary theme – Sankofa Swing: Honoring Our Past, Driving Our Future – was inspired by the Sankofa bird,” says WIGF Founder LaJean Gould. “It is a powerful Ghanaian symbol. With its feet planted forward and gaze turned back, the Sankofa bird carries a precious egg—representing the wisdom and foundation that shape what’s to come.”
This perfectly embodies the spirit of WIGF. Since its founding, the organization has remained committed to empowering the next generation to learn, grow, and lead—on and off the golf course. Throughout the year, WIGF will continue to honor alumni, share stories of impact, and engage the community in securing the next 30 years of WIGF’s legacy.
“The 2025 event, presented by Arcis Golf and H-E-B, was an outstanding success, and we attribute much of that success to the 13 teams who made time in their schedules to join us for this year’s competition and our sponsors and volunteers for their generous support. Collectively, our commitment to showcasing the impact of empowering young women in golf created space for so many incredible moments,” Gould said.
“One of the highlights of this year’s championship was watching the women’s golf team from Howard University clinch the esteemed Renee Powell Cup. It was a proud moment for WIGF, symbolizing the impact of our mission for fostering talent and diversity within our sport. A tremendous congratulations to the team at Edward Waters College, first time participants, who won the Division II competition and took home the inaugural LaJean Gould Cup, symbolizing growth of the program and competitive competition.”
Congratulations goes out to Alaythia Hinds from Howard University, who emerged as the low medalist for Division I, earning an exemption into the Epson Tour’s Hartford Healthcare Women’s Championship. Additionally, Divyasheni Gunasegar, from Lincoln University, Division II Medalist, has received an invitation to participate in the LPGA’s Chevron Championship Pro Am where she’ll go inside the ropes to meet and play alongside LPGA Tour players and sponsors.
Celebrating 30 Years: Honoring a Vision and Its Stewards
This anniversary year is more than a celebration—it is a tribute to the people who built and sustained the Women In Golf Foundation:
- The founders, whose vision for equity and inclusion reshaped opportunities for young women in golf
- The student-athletes, whose talent, perseverance, and leadership continue to inspire.
- Corporate and community partners, whose long-standing support has made WIGF’s mission possible.
- Volunteers and advocates, who have dedicated time, expertise, and passion to expanding the game.
Together, this community has built something rare and powerful: a legacy that grows stronger with every generation.
Legacy Worth Celebrating
For 30 years, the Women In Golf Foundation has done more than elevate the sport—it has uplifted lives. It has created access where none existed, offered mentorship where it was most needed, and built confidence in young women who are now shaping industries and communities across the nation.
For a comprehensive overview of the event sponsors, speaker bios, and agenda, take a moment to explore the Virtual Event Program HERE.
Investing in the future of golf!
WIGF is proud to contribute $40,000 to the universities that competed in the 2025 National Women’s Collegiate Golf Championship. This brings their total contributions to $340,000—an investment that strengthens women’s golf programs nationwide and supports player development, access, and opportunity.
Driving the Future Forward
As the Women In Golf Foundation looks ahead, the commitment remains clear and unwavering. The next decade will build upon the progress of the last 30 years—expanding partnerships, strengthening collegiate programs, and creating even more pathways for young women to excel in golf and beyond.
The excitement is already building for next year, when WIGF will host its 31st Championship Event Week. With new initiatives on the horizon and an ever-growing network of alumnae and supporters, the Foundation is poised to deepen its impact and continue shaping the future of women’s golf.
“And as we honor this remarkable milestone, we also celebrate the promise of the decades still to come,” said Founder Gould. Together with their partners and supporters, WIGF is fueling the next generation of leaders in golf and continuing their mission to empower women and girls through the game. WIGF thanks all of them for being part of this incredible chapter—and for helping shape the future of WIGF. For more information on the Women In Golf Foundation visit. For more information on the Women In Golf Foundation visit https://www.womeningolffoundation.org/
