| In 2004, Larry Ballen, a member of Bala Golf Club, sought to honor his late wife, Mary, an avid golfer and supporter of women’s team golf, and approached the Golf Association of Philadelphia for counsel.
What evolved was Mary’s Girls, a development platform for committed young urban female golfers who are not members of a private club. The program provides qualified applicants with financial assistance to help them excel at the game with the ultimate goal of winning college golf scholarships.
Generous initial support from Mr. Ballen attracted the attention of Women Golfers Give Back, which led female golfers from GAP member clubs and The Women's Golf Association to actively contribute to the girls' development. Last year's disbursements totaled $7,500.
Mary’s Girls is administered by PLAY (Philadelphia Local Area Youth) Golf Program of the Golf Association of Philadelphia, a venture that provides access to the game of golf for urban, disadvantaged, and handicapped youth throughout the tri-state area.
Applications for Mary’s Girls grants are evaluated by a committee comprising members of the Ballen family, the Golf Association of Philadelphia, the Women’s Golf Association of Philadelphia, and Women Golfers Give Back. Funds are distributed on a year-by-year basis for professional instruction, course access, equipment and other costs regarded by the committee to be vital for skills development.
For further information, click on the Mary’s Girls Prospectus or e-mail mpeterson@gapgolf.org.
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