Ohio Girls Golf Foundation Open Crowns Champions

Taking a break from her LPGA Tour schedule, Cleveland native Barb Mucha shared instructional insight that inspired the players onto some of the lowest scores in the history of the Ohio Girls Golf Foundation (OGGF) Open on July 16 at Avon Oaks Country Club in Avon, Ohio.

"What makes the OGGF unique is our broad appeal — we want the high handicappers out here learning the game as much as we want to see the finest girl golfers in the state," said OGGF Executive Director Judd Stephenson.

Coming in with the low score for an individual was Katie Rogner, a graduating senior from Warren JFK, with a score of 2-under par 70, seven shots ahead of the number two score by Ariel Witmer of North Lima with 77, and a third place tie with Rachel Levi from Brookpark and Katie Kohut of Twinsburg with a score of 78.

And the winning team was Magnificat High School with 341 strokes, followed by Canfield High School (364), Warren JFK (365), Padua Franciscan(365), St. Joseph’s Academy (373), Westlake (379), Jackson High School (384), Poland High School (403), Amherst Steele (424), Magnificat Team #2 (439) and Canfield Team #2 (445).

Prior to the tournament, Barb Mucha conducted an instructional clinic for the girls, sharing tips she garnered on the LPGA Tour. Patty Jacobson from the USGA and Ohio State Women’s Golf Association led an informative rules clinic, and PGA Professional Judd Stephenson offered an instructional clinic on course management.

Also at the awards ceremony, five girls were presented $1,000 scholarships: Kaitlin Hensal of Seville, who will attend St. Francis University, Rachel Levi of Brook Park - Xavier University, Samantha Meier of Canfield - Youngstown State University, LeAnna Pickeral of Genoa - Bowling Green State University, and Kathryn Rogner of Fowler - Youngstown State University.

The OGGF’s mission is to encourage, sponsor and support the game of golf for girls by providing college scholarships, golf training programs, and financial assistance to attend designated golf tournaments. Since the Foundation was established in 1994, the number of girls high school golf teams in Northeast Ohio has grown from none to more than 200.