Phoenix, AZ – Golf It Forward® is thrilled to announce the receipt of a generous $50,000 grant from The Sandra Gal Foundation’s Driving Dreams Invitational, held at the prestigious Sara Bay Country Club in Sarasota, Florida, this past November. This significant contribution reflects the enduring legacy of women in golf and highlights the transformative impact of scholarships on young athletes.
Sandra Gal, an esteemed LPGA player, traces the roots of her successful golf career back to a scholarship she received to play at the University of Florida. This year’s Invitational has supported two vital scholarship funds: the Marilynn’s Scholarship Fund from Golf It Forward and the Evans Scholars Foundation.
Sandra shared a special bond with LPGA Co-Founder and World Golf Hall of Fame member Marilynn Smith, who, in the face of gender-based financial obstacles during her collegiate years, founded the Marilynn Smith Scholarship Fund in 1999. Her vision was to open doors for young women, awarding $1.5 million to 300 deserving recipients to date.
Gal’s commitment to “Act Like A Founder” echoes her personal experience and dedication to empowering the next generation. Her support will crucially aid the 2026 program, providing 25 young women from the United States and Canada with $5,000 scholarships each, enabling them to pursue higher education and their golfing ambitions.
High school senior women in the United States and Canada, who plan to attend a U.S. college or university, are invited to apply for the Marilynn Smith Scholarship. Visit www.GolfItForward.org/scholarships and join in this shared journey towards a brighter future. The application portal is open through February 1, 2026.
ABOUT GOLF IT FORWARD®
GOLF IT FORWARD is the public face of the Marilynn Smith and Founders’ Legacy Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. The foundation embodies the ingenuity, drive and passion of 13 women who had the foresight to see that there was a future for women in golf and golf in the future of women. For more information on GIF, please go to www.GolfItForward.org.
Media contact:
Debbie Waitkus – President | Golf It Forward
602.722.3605
13Founders@golfitforward.org
ABOUT SANDARA GAL FOUNDATION
The Sandra Gal Foundation (est. 2021 as a 501c3) is providing support for young athletes. The services provided cover mentorship, mental health prevention and wellness, financial support through athletic scholarships, equipment and coaching.
The mission of the Sandra Gal Foundation is to provide the best support for a young athlete to be able to pursue their dreams as well as be a balanced, confident and happy individual.
Media contact: foundation@sandragal.com