The LPGA Foundation aims to empower young women and girls through the game of golf. Part of that mission includes increasing opportunities by partnering for greater success.

The LPGA Foundation is excited to partner for a second year with the Notah Begay III Junior Golf National Championship, providing junior golfers ages 9-18 with the chance to compete in an inclusive environment in hopes of becoming the world’s next top golf stars. The 54-hole championship features 140 participants, comprised of 50 boys and 50 girls, aged 14-18, and 20 boys and 20 girls, aged 13 and under.

As a part of this partnership, LPGA*USGA Girls Golf (Girls Golf) participants were nominated by their Site Directors for a chance to receive one of three complimentary entry fees into a Regional Qualifier for the 2021 Notah Begay III Junior Golf National Championship. Additionally, all Girls Golf members were awarded an exclusive discount to compete in their 18-hole local qualifying stage for $50 off.

This year’s winners are: Annie Dawson (16) from LPGA*USGA Girls Golf – Phoenix, AZ; Brigitte Fenton (17) from LPGA*USGA Girls Golf – First Tee – Greater Seattle; and Erin Strouse (16) from LPGA*USGA Girls Golf – First Tee – Canton, OH

Annie Dawson (16), LPGA*USGA Girls Golf – Phoenix, AZ

A long-time member of LPGA*USGA Girls Golf – Phoenix, Annie Dawson’s current USGA Handicap is 1.2. She plays in elite Arizona state events and competes at a high level.

“Annie is a kind, engaged, and dynamic player,” said Cori Matheson, Site Director at LPGA*USGA Girls Golf – Phoenix. “She is a joy to play with and deserves a chance to shine on a national level. Her family is dedicated to participation and volunteers their time for the betterment of our local programs. She is a hard worker, determined, and a joy to play with.”

“Annie has always given back to our local Girls Golf program as well as her community,” added Matheson. “She is an asset and leader to our state. Annie is an outstanding student and overall success with academics, athleticism, as well as character.”

Brigitte Fenton (17), LPGA*USGA Girls Golf – First Tee – Greater Seattle

Brigitte Fenton is known to have an incredible work ethic. She is a long-time competitive dancer who dedicated herself to golf two years ago, now pouring all of her free time into practicing and playing.

“Brigitte’s dream is to play golf at a high level in college, and she is definitely ready,” said Stella Withey, Site Director at LPGA*USGA Girls Golf – First Tee – Greater Seattle. “Her game is sharp and she plays with the utmost grace and respect.”

“Brigitte volunteers with her school and church and spends a great deal of time giving back to First Tee Seattle,” Withey added in her recommendation letter. “She plays as an Ace member, interns as a junior coach with weekly classes, and serves on the Junior Advisory Board. She sets a terrific example for her peers and for younger golfer.”

Erin Strouse (16), LPGA*USGA Girls Golf – First Tee – Canton, OH

Erin Strouse is the only participant to win the First Tee Junior Tour in Canton, OH three years in a row in the 13-15 age division. Erin competes in various local junior tournaments and has been an attendee at First Tee – Canton, OH for almost 10 years, where she has improved each and every year.

“Erin has a strong practice ethic as well as having competitive drive.” said Angela Palomba, Site Director at LPGA*USGA Girls Golf – First Tee – Canton, OH. “She plays in many golf tournaments over the summer and is always pushing herself at improving her golf game. She willingly takes advice of her coaches and will work drills to constantly improve areas of her game. After each of her matches/tournaments she always goes back through her event identifying areas where she could have done better and what she needs to work on to take to her next event.”

Academically, Erin pushes herself with honors and college credit classes, maintaining a 4.214 GPA. Outside of the classroom she is a part of Key Club, French Club, and National Honor Society. She also gives back to her community through volunteer work at the Humane Society as well as First Tee Canton, where she enjoys helping kids learn the game of golf.

“Erin fully commits to anything she sets out to do knowing that there is always something to improve on and strives at success whether on the golf course or in the classroom,” said Palomba. “She will not settle on average and is always working on being the best she can be. As she heads into her senior year of high school, she is trying to advance herself as much as possible to get herself ready to play at a collegiate level.”

Click here for more information about the Notah Begay III Junior Golf National Championship.