ATLANTA – Georgia governor Sonny Perdue has proclaimed Saturday, September 19, 2009, as “Girls Golf Day” in Georgia. On that day, the Georgia State Golf Association (GSGA), Georgia Junior Golf Foundation (GJGF) and Girls Scouts of America are teaming up to provide instructional clinics at eight sites across Georgia.

The clinics are open at no charge to all girls ages 6-17. A variety of activities, including instruction on putting, chipping and long game, will be offered for all skill levels. Girls can bring their own golf clubs, or clubs will be provided as needed. Participants will also have a brief introduction to etiquette and the Rules of Golf.

In the Proclamation, Governor Perdue states, “Athletics play an important role in the development of discipline, initiative, confidence and leadership skills; and involvement in sports provides girls with an opportunity to expand their social worlds as well as develop their emotional and physical well-being.”

Allen Peake of Macon, a GSGA volunteer and member of the Georgia House of Representatives, worked with Gov. Perdue to produce the Proclamation. “I am grateful to Governor Sonny Perdue for proclaiming September 19, 2009, as Girls Golf Day in Georgia,” Peake said. “We should do everything in our power to encourage girls and young women to discover the joy of playing golf, and to develop the life lessons of integrity, sportsmanship, and honor that are inherent in the game of golf.”

Clinics are being held at sites in Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, LaGrange, Macon and Savannah. See the list below for site addresses and specific times. To register for a clinic, please email or call the GSGA (mbell@gsga.org, 770-955-4272 or 800-949-4742) with the following information by Wednesday, September 16:

. Girls’ Name
. Age
. Email Address
. Site Selection
. If golf clubs are needed

“My hope is that this day will spark interest among young women, like my 14-year-old daughter, that will grow into a lifelong passion of playing, and competing, in the wonderful sport of golf,” said Peake.

Founded in 1916, the Georgia State Golf Association received its official charter on June 24, 1924. Since that date, the GSGA has grown to one of the largest state amateur golf associations in the country, with over 350 member clubs and 85,000 individual members. With a mission to promote and preserve amateur golf in the state of Georgia, GSGA offers a computerized handicapping service, course rating and measuring, and annually conducts a full schedule of statewide competitions for men and women of all age groups. Other services include a summer-long junior sectional program, award-winning Golf Georgia magazine, membership recognition and rewards programs and a charitable foundation administering two college scholarship programs.

Girls Golf Day in Georgia Sites
Saturday, September 19
(All clinics take place 2:00-4:00 p.m. except Atlanta and Savannah, which run 2:30-4:30.)

Albany
The First Tee of Albany
110 Mercer Avenue
Albany, GA 31701

Athens
University of Georgia Golf Course
2600 Riverbend Road
Athens, GA 30605

Atlanta
Country Club of Roswell
2500 Club Springs Drive
Roswell, GA 30076

Augusta
The First Tee of Augusta
3165 Damascus Road
Augusta, GA 30909

Columbus
Maple Ridge Golf Club
4700 Maple Ridge Trail
Columbus, GA 31909

LaGrange
The First Tee of Troup County
1220 Lafayette Parkway
LaGrange, GA 30241

Macon
Idle Hour Club
251 Idle Hour Drive
Macon, GA 31210

Savannah
Wilmington Island Club
501 Wilmington Island Road
Savannah, GA 31410

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