Phoenix, AZ, August 27, 2025 – Golf It Forward® (GIF) has announced a nationwide campaign to collect stories, memorabilia, photos and videos of the original 13 Founders of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA). This initiative aims to preserve and share the invaluable life lessons of these 13 trailblazing women, inspiring young female golfers and women across all fields.
These efforts align with the 75th anniversary of the LPGA’s inception. In 1950, Alice Bauer, Patty Berg, Bettye Danoff, Helen Dettweiler, Marlene Bauer Hagge, Helen Hicks, Opal Hill, Betty Jameson, Sally Sessions, Marilynn Smith, Shirley Spork, Louise Suggs, and Babe Zaharias, established a professional golf tour and in doing so shattered social and cultural barriers, ensuring women could pursue and be compensated for their passion for golf, establishing a new profession for women.
“For 13 women to have a united vision for women in the world of golf is impressive,” said Debbie Waitkus, GIF President. “What they overcame to bring that vision to life and the impact it has had on the sport of golf is truly inspiring. We simply cannot let those profound lessons in determination and resilience fade. Our goal is to ensure the thousands of young women and girls in sports today have an opportunity to draw strength and inspiration from their pioneering spirit.”
If you or someone you know has memorabilia, photos, videos, or personal stories or memories about any of the 13 LPGA Founders, please reach out to 13Founders@GolfItForward.org or visit Submissions.
ABOUT GOLF IT FORWARD®
GOLF IT FORWARD is the public face of the Marilynn Smith and Founders’ Legacy Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. The foundation embodies the ingenuity, drive and passion of 13 women who had the foresight to see that there was a future for women in golf and golf in the future of women. For more information on GIF, please go to www.GolfItForward.org
PRESS CONTACT: Debbie Waitkus – Foundation President, 602-722-3605
