The health of the women’s game has upped
the ante on competition. More young women
aspire to play professional golf than ever
before. The path to the professional ranks
usually begins early in a career with amateur
tournaments and continues on into collegiate
golf.
Competition is a great platform for self-
development and growth, that is why IJGA
was proud to partner with MexGolf in
the recent IJGA Collegiate Invitational in
Guadalajara, Mexico. The event was the first
multi-team NCAA Division 1 tournament
ever organized by MexGolf. Hosted by
the University of Virginia (U.V.A), the event
attracted several prestigious women’s college
teams. Based on the feedback we received, it
was good for both women’s golf and Mexico.
The field included six teams ranked in
Golfstat’s current top 25 poll. Teams
participating were (Golfstat ranking): Arizona
State (2), Arkansas (15), Baylor (25), California
(72), Clemson (36), Florida State (30), LSU
(18), Maryland (58), Michigan (49), South
Carolina (5), Stanford (8), Tennessee (42),
Texas A&M (37) and Virginia (41). With UVA
taking the first place, they jumped to 38th
place in the rankings.
This event had a great importance not only
for the teams attending but for young girls
in Mexico, who had the opportunity to
observe and learn from the best amateur
players in the U.S. It created a buzz which,
in turn, raised expectations for Mexican
golf programs everywhere. The motivation
and inspiration had a big impact on young
women, local coaches and families who
aspire to be like the amazing athletes who
participated in the event.
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