To the Editor:
The Ocean State Women’s Golf Association has been an integral part of
women’s golf success as the association has delivered a variety of talented
women golfers from all sectors of life as well as ability levels. More notably,
the OSWGA, which was founded 12 years ago, has built their reputation among
The OSWGA prides itself and is known for its Junior Scholarship Program,
which is supported by private country clubs hosting our events. It was created
to provide an opportunity for young women to play golf, build lasting
friendships and experience competition in a fun and supportive environment,
preparing them for a lifetime of enjoyment. As of 2006, the OSWGA has awarded
and administered over 22 scholarships to young women.
Paul Kenyon’s column in The Journal on April 28 mentioned mergers and
threats to our members about solicitation. To clarify these issues, there have
not been any talks between the two organizations at board
level about a merger nor has the OSWGA threatened any member. We have policies
and procedures in place to protect our members against unnecessary and unwanted
mailings and solicitations, making our events a much more comfortable and
enjoyable environment in which to play.
The U.S. Women’s Open Championship came to Newport Country Club for the
first time last summer; Newport Country Club was one of the five original
founding clubs which created the USGA. To complement what the OSWGA has already
accomplished for women’s golf in
The OSWGA continues to make significant strides in promoting its membership,
which has grown in excess of 350 members and it continues to add new members
each year as well as attract the top women golfers to a vast majority of
tournaments.
The association was founded and is best known for three major tournaments,
which include the R.I. Women’s State Four-Ball Championship, R.I. State Amateur
Championship and the Par 3 Championship. All three events draw the top women
golfers from around our area, including women with various handicap levels. In
addition to these major tournaments, the OSWGA has made strides in gaining
access to New England Women’s Golf Association, Endicott Cup and the USGA Team
Championship, all of which will have top OSWGA representatives competing.
As an organization, our mission and objective has been and always will be to
continue to promote women’s golf and provide all
statewide events to all women golfers who are
Diane Kelly
President, OSWGA