Ohio Girls Golf Foundation celebrates 25 years of its signature high school Showcase tournament
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, on July 20 the OGGF Showcase tournament at Avon Oaks Country Club featured guest speakers, contests, golf clinics, loads of commemorative swag and a golf event that attracted teams from all over the state.
In a thrilling preview of girls’ golf in Ohio, the players and teams to watch brought their A game. Individual winner Sophia Goheen, who plays on the boys’ golf team at Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, shot an amazing 4-under 68. She is followed by 2nd place Samantha Morgan from Southeast High School at 2-under and Natalie Barnes from Nordonia High School at +3.
The top team was Southeast High School from Ravenna, which shot 345, followed by Padua Franciscan High School with 353, and Avon High School with 376.
“Golf is a sport that can test you and bring out your best,” said LPGA tour professional Barb Mucha. “You’re just beginning your journey and I hope it will surprise you with the lifetime connections it provides. There are friends I’ve made over the decades that stay in touch. Twenty years may have gone by, but they will still reach out if they’re in Florida to reconnect with a round of golf.”
This year the OGGF added a division for beginner golfers called Rising Star. “Playing from shorter tee distances allows girls in this group to be introduced to tournament golf alongside their teammates,” said Executive Director Lynne Plaisance. “We’ve had feedback over the years looking for something like this and are happy to provide the experience. Our charity has always appealed to both high- and low-handicappers—part of why we feel the sport is so unique. Girls’ golf is growing and we are proud to be part of that.”
This year’s showcase featured 14 high school teams, along with 22 girls playing as individuals from across the state. In addition to an 18-hole tournament, the girls also had an opportunity to hone their game, as the Foundation hosted PGA and LPGA professionals and golf industry leaders to share their expertise. The on-course clinic led by tournament headliners and LPGA tour professionals Barb Mucha and Janice Moodie explored the importance of the mental process to the game.
During the event, the OGGF presented a record number of 17 scholarships:
Natalie Barnes of Nordonia High School attending Mercyhurst University
Evvian Briner of Fort Recovery High School attending Ball State University
Evelyn Dehus of Milton-Union High School attending Marietta College
Leah DiFranco of Midview High School attending The Ohio State University
Angela Kerwood of Lake Catholic High School attending King University
Olivia Knapke of Fort Recovery High School attending the University of Dayton
Elsie Mello of Archbold High School attending University of Cincinnati
Allie Miller of Highland High School attending Malone University
Abigail Kate Owens of Avon High School attending The Ohio State University
Jillian Peters of Perry High School attending Mount Union University
Shyla Plezia of Marion L. Steele High School attending Bowling Green University
Tessa Ross of Boardman High School attending Duquesne University
Abbigail Roy of Berea Midpark High School attending Miami University of Ohio
Natalie Sawicki of Canfield High School attending Mount Union University
Isabel Stockmaster of Seneca East High School attending The Ohio State University
Riley Woodford of Bristol High School attending Kent State University
Ella Zampedro of Lake Catholic High School attending Baldwin Wallace
Over the years, the OGGF has awarded more than $177,000 in college scholarships to 175-plus girls and counting. The foundation awards college scholarships to incoming college freshmen based on involvement in the game of golf, community service, extracurricular efforts, academics and financial need.
Click here to apply for a 2027 college scholarship.