MONTEREY COUNTY — Six girls from First Tee Monterey County have been selected to attend the 2026 LPGA Girls Golf Leadership Academy in Pembroke Pines, Fla., earning spots in a highly competitive national program that selected just 40 participants from across the United States.
The girls will travel June 9-12 to attend the two-day academy at Pembroke Lakes Golf and Racquet Club and visit LPGA Headquarters prior to the event. The academy focuses on leadership development, communication, teamwork, decision-making and self-confidence through golf instruction and mentorship from LPGA professionals and female executives in the sport.
Program leaders said the selection reflects the growing impact of mentorship and leadership opportunities for young women in the Salinas Valley and surrounding communities.
“For many of these girls, this is much bigger than golf,” said Dominic De La Torre of First Tee Monterey County. “This may be their first opportunity to travel outside of Salinas or participate in a national leadership experience. The academy is about helping them discover their voice, build confidence and realize there are no limits to what they can achieve.”
Organizers said the experience is expected to inspire the nearly 300 girls participating in First Tee Monterey County programs to remain engaged in golf, academics, volunteerism and personal development.
At the academy, participants will work directly with LPGA instructors and female leaders from across the golf industry while also learning about professional sports management and business during a tour of LPGA Headquarters.
“This is the kind of opportunity that can change how a young person sees herself and her future,” said Paulina Valdez, marketing manager for First Tee Monterey County. “To have six girls from one local program selected nationally is remarkable. It speaks volumes about their dedication, the support of their families and the impact of providing positive mentorship and access through programs like First Tee.”
First Tee Monterey County has launched a fundraising campaign to help offset about $8,000 in travel and participation expenses for the students, coach and parent volunteers attending the academy. Visit firstteemontereycounty.org for more information.
