Back in 1994, an up-and-coming 18-year-old golfer named Tiger Woods put himself in the national spotlight by winning the U.S. Amateur, a defining victory (complete with fist pumps).
Things were shaking up that year in the local golf world, too. Cleveland Sports Hall of Famer Mary Ann Bierman and daughter Anne Caja had decided they weren’t happy with the lack of girls’ golf teams in Ohio. It was time for change.
“We were seeing girls who wanted to play high school golf having to play on the boys’ teams,” recalls Mary Ann, “and that was a no-no. We felt strongly about making a change and today we are thrilled to see how far we’ve come.”
Mary Ann reached out to Parma native and LPGA Tour Professional Barb Mucha to join their grassroots effort, which began with a girls’ golf clinic.
Teen Burke, who became President of the OGGF for many years, says the enormous increase in girls entering the sport has been encouraging.
“It’s also exciting to see how the ability of the girls has improved remarkably,” she says. “We sought to change the playing field by adding instructional clinics and inspiring coaches to become active in their teams and it’s rewarding to see how successful that’s been.”
She points out that the OGGF Showcase for high school girls has earned a reputation for not just appealing to ultra-competitive players, but as a tournament for high handicappers to enjoy.
“Once high school teams played in our event, they kept coming back,” she says, noting each year there’s an early waiting list.
The Foundation was helmed for years by Judd Stephenson, PGA, who further expanded its reach, serving as Executive Director and President. Today the ED role is filled by Lynne Plaisance. “Through her unique perspective and extensive background in the golf world, Lynne has catapulted us forward in many ways,” says Teen.
“Several coaches who were part of our organization, such as Tom Rider of Warren JFK and Libby McGrath of Magnificat, were instrumental to our growth,” says Teen. “I’d also like to thank the many PGA and LPGA professsionals who have taken part in our clinics and the Showcase. Thanks to them spreading the word, we’ve blossomed.”
She says an aspect that’s remained constant over the years is how polite and sweet the players have been. “They have always been grateful, kind and enjoyed being at the Showcase.”
Consistency of sponsors and the Board of Trustees is another reason for OGGF’s evolution.
“I feel as though we’re in a really good place now, poised for future growth and here to answer the call for girls who want to begin or continue their journey with golf,” adds Teen.
According to Barb, who’s one of those girls who had to play on the boys’ team at Valley Forge High School in the late 1970s, “We wanted young girls to feel that they had a place where they belonged in this sport. Thirty years ago, golf was not readily accessible to most young girls. Thanks to the passion and enthusiasm of the OGGF, it’s not like that today.”
