The LPGA Foundation administers several scholarship programs for young women who enjoy the game of golf and plan to attend college in the fall. Qualifications for all scholarships include strong academic programs, community service, and recommendations.

The LPGA Foundation’s structure also allows for the establishment of endowed scholarships in honor or in memory of individuals who made a significant difference in the world of golf.

• The Dinah Shore Scholarship is awarded to an outstanding female, high school senior who played golf during high school but will not be playing collegiate golf. One $5,000 scholarship is awarded annually.

• The Marilynn Smith Scholarship is awarded to high school seniors who will be playing golf at the collegiate level. Up to twenty $5,000 scholarships will be awarded in 2016 to the most highly-qualified candidates.

• The Phyllis G. Meekins Scholarship is a need-based award given to a high school senior from a recognized minority background who will be playing golf at the collegiate level. One $1,250 scholarship is awarded annually.

• The Goldie Bateson Scholarship is an initiative of the LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP) Midwest Section membership and is awarded to junior golfers between the ages of 7 and 17 who have an interest in learning and playing the game of golf. Ten $250 scholarships will be awarded in 2016. Eligible candidates must reside within one of the following LPGA T&CP Midwest Section States: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, Kentucky, Arkansas, Tennessee, Louisiana, Mississippi, or Alabama.

In August 1996, Tiger Woods turned professional and set about changing the game of golf forever.
Over the intervening 20 years, he’s set records on the course and off it with his prodigious talent and immense marketability.
And it’s over the greens and fairways of Augusta National that the now 40-year-old Woods has cemented his legacy.

Of his 14 major triumphs, four have come at the iconic course.
Although he won’t be gracing this year’s tournament — the second time in three years Woods has missed the Masters — his presence is always felt when the year’s first major comes around.
As he prepares to enter his third decade as a pro athlete, CNN reporters recall the times they met one of the history’s most fascinating sportsmen.

“I have long been a sports fan and followed Woods’ amateur career. When CNN asked me if I would like to meet Tiger and interview him, I jumped at the opportunity. I believed he would likely become the best golfer to ever play the game.
“People were very excited to meet him. There was a buzz on the boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey where this all took place. People knew he was a young man who was likely to make history.
“Woods was polite, thoughtful, and considerate. I remember thinking to myself that I hoped he would always stay that way because I was so certain he would be immensely successful and so many people who become rich and famous don’t keep the values they had when it all began.

Read more by By Tom McGowan, Gary Tuchman, Don Riddell and Shane O’Donoghue, on CNN.com

“Golf is more of a teacher than I,” says T.J. Dorsey, DDS, Founder of the Orlando Minority Youth Golf Association (OMYGA) based in the City of Orlando, Florida.  Dorsey began the organization in September 1991, the result of a successful and encouraging meeting that he conducted between several concerned citizens.  Now, over two decades later, Dorsey is still sharing of himself, his energies and his time to benefit youth.

The mission is targeted: To acquaint inner city and urban minority youth with the sport of golf in order that they may reap the rewards of the game. These rewards enhance character. The following character qualities are developed through the quest for good golf skills.

Without a doubt, OMYGA has succeeded in being a positive influence in the lives of Central Florida youth. The youth who actively involve themselves have participated in numerous golf tournaments and brought home plenty of trophies and awards.  Because of the work and efforts of OMYGA, dozens of the youth have been accepted and successfully played on high school golf teams.  Many of the students have also earned golf scholarships at universities of their choice and gone on to become honorable members of society.

Where There’s A Will, There’s A Way

Upon seeing the progress and commitment that the organization was achieving under the leadership of Dorsey, the city’s Recreation Department agreed to provide practice space and several pieces of equipment for the youth to use including used clubs, gloves, a field designated for practice and golf course playing when available. Videos and tapes were also provided by the City Recreation Department. The Center for Drug Free Living agreed to provide assistance in recruiting youth and to provide drug prevention education. With Dr. Dorsey as Chief Administrator, the program was underway.

The OYGA season begins each year in January and ends in November. Thus far, there have been well over 100 members and participating parents, the organization prides itself in being family oriented, while nurturing you in the professionalism and disciplines required to play the game of golf and to leave a well-balanced life.

The organization helps transition youth from a life of mediocracy to developing strong characteristics of self-discipline, self-control and self-confidence and self-actualization.

With each season, the OYGA continues to successfully introduce minority youth, ages 6 to 18, to the many benefits of the sport.  The organization’s passion has spread throughout the community and others have embraced their efforts, offering volunteer time, and other services.

Dorsey has made great strides for his organization and his influence and impact resulted in the State of Florida providing a $200,000 state-of-the-art golf facility at the City of Orlando Dr. J.B. Callahan Neighborhood Center for his organization to use.

Role Models Make All the Difference

“By teaching the skills required to succeed on the golf course, these inner-city and urban-area youth learn the importance of discipline which will help them grow in almost every aspect of life,” states the organization’s website.  Dorsey, affectionately referred to as “Doc”, is a true soul, he knows the power of getting the attention of youth, especially in today’s world, filled with distractions.  He has created the perfect platform gain their interest and to help them get a step ahead in life.

OMYGA golf teams have gone one to win state championships and scholarships have been provided for many of their participants.

“The youth also develop various character traits such as positive self-esteem, self-motivation, self-direction and self-respect. Additionally, the OMYGA program aids in producing quality golf athletes that then qualify for high school and college golf teams.”

To learn more about OMYGA visit http://omyga.org/

Orlando Minority Youth Golf Association
708 W. Jackson Street
Orlando, FL 32805
(407) 423-8546