For the first time in SCGA Junior’s history, its Scholar Program’s 2018 graduating class is all women.

We caught up with one of the seven graduates, Natalie Mattison who was also a WSCGA Foundation Scholar to hear about her post-graduation plans.

What did being an SCGA Junior Scholar mean to you?

It was a privilege. It taught me how to be a leader in my community and an example to younger kids who desired to play golf. I was afforded the opportunity to network and meet so many people through the play days and various events. SCGA Junior allowed me to play so many beautiful courses in Los Angeles that I might not have otherwise got the opportunity to play.

How did it feel to be part of an all-girls graduating class?

There are a lot more male golfers rather than female, so it felt special to be part of an all-girls graduating class. I hope we have inspired more girls to play the game. I’ve played with these girls through junior golf, so it was great to be able to graduate with them and have a life-long bond.

Why is it important to have girls specific programming for young golfers?

It’s always more fun for girls to play when there are other girls playing alongside them. I had one close female friend in junior golf and it made it much more fun for me to play and practice. I think there is definitely more opportunity for girls to get involved in the sport and girl-specific programming and adult female mentors will potentially increase the amount of girls who want to play.

Want to help the growth of girls programming? Click here to make a donation or contact Jennifer Seislove to learn more about our other youth serving programs.

Click here to watch a video featuring our all-female class.