Susie Kennedy describes her husband, Brian Shields, as a “‘Let’s get it done’ kind of person.”
So, when the Burr Ridge natives identified a need within the youth golf infrastructure, they got it done.
As coaches of the Nazareth Academy girls golf team, the couple became aware of the lack of opportunities for girls golfers outside of the high school season.
“We realized we had to do something because these girls weren’t being given the opportunity to prepare for the season, improve their games or develop a lifelong love of golf if they weren’t playing during the summer,” Kennedy explained.
“We started asking ourselves, ‘Could it really be as simple as creating a league?’”
Fortunately for girls golfers, it was.
GRACE (Girls Representing Athletic Commitment to Excellence) Golf League recently completed its second season. It consisted of a 15-week season at Water’s Edge Golf Club, a year-end 36-hole tournament and a banquet.
More than 30 girls competed as both individuals and part of teams. Scores are tracked and play follows the Rules of Golf, but unique weekly challenges and positive reinforcement foster an environment of community and camaraderie.
“We wanted to create a semi-competitive environment where girls could improve without feeling intimidated,” Kennedy explained.
Despite being only two years old, GRACE has developed strong roots. Parents from other locales and of boys have been asking for the league to expand. Two program alums – Anna Bukovic and Caitlin Sullivan – returned to serve as GRACE Ambassadors this past season. Shields and Kennedy view the early success as evidence of GRACE’s power.
“Our message isn’t about scores,” Shields said. “It’s about showing up. It’s about committing to getting better. It’s about building confidence. These girls come every week, work hard, encourage one another and improve. Whether they realize it or not, those experiences will stay with them far beyond high school golf.” —Casey Richards
CDGA Member Spotlight articles are a partnership between the CDGA and Wintrust to highlight an individual, group or program making their underrepresented community Better Through Golf. Individuals with CDGA Member Spotlight ideas should reach out to magazine@cdga.org.
