The Links STEAM Academy comes to PGA Frisco to introduce young girls to golf

FRISCO, Texas (September 10, 2024) - In an effort to grow the game and introduce new audiences to the game of golf, the PGA of America and Northern Texas PGA Foundation will offer interactive and innovating golf experiences to more than 60 next-generation female STEAM scholars on Saturday, September 14, at PGA Frisco. The Dallas (TX) Chapter of The Links-Incorporated’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) Academy consists of middle- and high-school-aged girls of color primarily from the Dallas Independent School District. The students will participate in a swing clinic as well as chipping and putting classes focused on scientific and technology principles.

Amari Smith, PGA Associate and coordinator of golf park programming at The Ronny Golf Park, and Chad Moscovic, PGA, director of golf park programming at The Ronny Golf Park, will teach swing fundamentals, while also engaging in a Q&A session about how they were introduced to the sport and made a career for themselves in the industry.

Inside the Home of the PGA of America, PGA of America Golf Professionals will lead the students through four stations to teach the basics of the sport, as well as provide a historical overview of the PGA of America, including the story of Renee Powell, the first Black woman to become a PGA of America Member. Using the technology within the Education Center of the Home of the PGA of America, students will learn how tracking software traces a golf ball’s flight path and how cameras are used to teach and improve students’ performance.

“We are proud to partner with the PGA of America and the Northern Texas PGA Foundation for this unique opportunity to inspire and empower the next generation of STEAM innovators and leaders,” said Charlotte McKenize, President of the Dallas (TX) Chapter of The Links-Incorporated. “STEAM education and exposure to diverse organizations and opportunities are key to these students’ development. Introducing them to the PGA of America Golf Professionals and giving them hands-on experience will allow them to thrive and open doors to new opportunities.”

The day’s activities conclude with a lunch panel, sponsored by Raising Cane’s, featuring Sandy Cross, Chief People Officer of the PGA of America; Richard Brown, PGA; Tiana Jones, PGA, LPGA; and Kennie Sims, PGA. The panel will feature questions about each leader’s experience working in the golf industry and advancing the mission of the PGA of America, as well as highlight how they’ve overcome challenges and achieved success in the golf industry.

“This is an exciting opportunity to introduce young girls to golf through collaboration with The Links STEAM Academy and demonstrate how science and technology intersect with sports,” said Cross. “Last year, of the nearly 27 million golfers, 7 million were women and 3.5 million were between the ages of 6-17. Our intention is to continue expanding inclusion in the game and get more women and girls interested in the myriad of ways they can make a career in a sport and industry we hope they come to love.”

About the PGA of America

The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals who love the game, are expert coaches, operators and business leaders, and work daily to drive interest, inclusion and participation in the sport. The PGA of America owns and operates numerous championships and events, including major championships for men, women, seniors and the Ryder Cup, one of the world’s foremost sporting events. For more information, visit PGA.com and follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

About the Northern Texas PGA Junior Golf Foundation

Founded in 1983, the nationally acclaimed Northern Texas PGA Junior Golf Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt organization, was rebranded in 2019 as the Northern Texas PGA Foundation. The Northern Texas PGA Foundation focuses on five pillars: junior golf, college scholarships, inclusion, internships and military & veterans. The Northern Texas PGA Foundation is governed by the Northern Texas PGA Board of Directors and is supported by the Northern Texas PGA Foundation Trustees. The mission of the Northern Texas PGA Foundation is to positively impact lives and communities through golf.

About The Links, Incorporated

The Links, Incorporated is an international, not-for-profit corporation, established in 1946. It is one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations committed to enriching, sustaining, and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other people of African ancestry.

About the Dallas (TX) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated

The chapter was incorporated in November 1957 to enrich communities and improve the quality of life for people of African descent through friendship and service. Launched in 2012, the STEAM Academy engages 7th to 12th-grade female scholars of color in exciting activities that increase STEAM awareness and career readiness.  The chapter also provides scholarships to Dallas-area students. The Dallas (TX) Chapter presently has 60 active members who contribute 5,000 plus service hours annually, strengthening the community and enhancing the nation.‍

‍Media Contact

Nicole Mayberry, PGA of America, nmayberry@pgahq.com