JUNIOR GIRLS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Levelling the playing field

Granting scholarships to 10,000 girls by 2030

Launched in 2021, through the foresight and generosity of Foundation Director, Bonnie Boezeman AO, the AGF Junior Girls Scholarship Program provides scholarships to girls aged 9 to 16, enabling them to receive coaching, junior membership for one year, and a Golf Australia (GA) handicap.

While participation in golf is increasing, women and girls are under-represented at just 20% of total participation.

The program has seen incredible success with already over 3,000 scholarships being granted. Notably, 88% of the recipients have retained their club memberships upon completing the program and 60% of the scholarships have been awarded to girls from regional areas.

Scholars can also join an alumni network, gaining access to special events, reciprocal playing rights, and stay connected with other girls in the program.

The vision for the program is to grant 10,000 scholarships by 2030 and level the playing field.

Junior Girls Scholarships granted

Testimonials

Karrie Webb AO

Seven-time major winner and member of the World Golf Hall of Fame

“The Junior Girls Scholarship Program is not only creating the next generation of female golfers, but also impacting the lives of young girls beyond golf through building self-confidence, enhancing wellbeing, and developing valuable life skills and career advancement opportunities.”

Summer Dellow

JGSP Program Participant

Beginning her golf journey at the age of five, Summer has loved the sport from the moment she began – with or without girls. However, one of her favourite aspects of the scholarship program has been, “meeting other girls my age who play.” And it seems Summer is not alone. 2021 scholarship recipients rated ‘meeting other girls my own age’ as one of the most important aspects of the program.

“Thank you to the Australian Golf Foundation for my scholarship year. I improved my golf a lot through coaching and have made some really great friends.”

Jonathon Woon & daughters image Cleo Cassandra parent story.jpg

Jonathan Woon

Parent of JGSP Program Participants – Cleo and Cassandra

The Australian Golf Foundation has given his girls an opportunity to fully immerse themselves in golf, make friends, and learn important life lessons along the way.

“I couldn’t believe such an amazing opportunity could exist,” said Jonathan Woon upon hearing about the scholarship. “My two daughters had only recently taken up golf, so the timing was impeccable.”

“What the program does goes beyond sport but is a measure of ensuring my girls have life skills through the game and for their journey ahead, he said.”

Bonnie Boezeman AO

Founder of the Junior Girls Scholarship Program, AGF director

“I picked up golf later in life and was frustrated to witness the decline in female/girls club participation by 46% since the mid 90’s.

It all started at my own prestigious golf club in Sydney. Knowing the power of philanthropy and 'paying it forward', I designed a structured scholarship program for 5 girls a year between the ages of 10 and 16 and offered to pay for the program for my lifetime and another 30 years in my will.

The program was so successful, the AGF launched it across Australia in 2021.

Golf is a 'game for life' teaching social skills, etiquette, dress codes, adherence to rules, social interaction, how to win and lose, and best of all meet friends and have fun.

Giving whilst one is still alive, to witness the joy of changing lives and transforming small towns and clubs, can make hopes and dreams come true for families and young girls who will carry this experience in their hearts forever."

Emma Peard

JGSP Program Participant

“Even if I have a bad day at school, I just love going to golf,”

From a timid ten-year-old who knew nothing about golf, the club’s Cadet program plus the AGF Scholarship experience has catapulted Emma into a young and confident star.

“I never thought golf would be a sport for me, but I am loving it more and more. The best thing is meeting new people.”