Update on high school girls’ golf proposal
June 19, 2026
Last week’s column noted that on May 18 the Golf Committee of the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association voted 10-0 in support of a committee task force proposal to introduce girls’ golf as a separate fall sport in Delaware high schools.
Incoming junior Avery McCoy of the coed Delmarva Christian Royals golf team
The proposed developmental program, called a “Level 1” by the DIAA, could involve up to twelve schools statewide.
The Golf Committee discussed the proposal again at its June 17 meeting, with additional input from DIAA’s Executive Director David Baylor and Coordinator of Interscholastic Athletics Angel Prinos.
Baylor affirmed once again the DIAA’s and his personal support for the concept. However, he said the proposal needed a point person to work with the DIAA and others to confirm support from schools and the golf courses that would host the competitions.
Once more is done to flesh out how and when this could happen, the proposal would go before the DIAA Board.
Given my past work on the project, including creating the proposal’s elements, Baylor’s comments sure made it sound like I should keep going with it – so I am, along with several willing helpers.
Lesley Corydon is the president of the Delaware Women’s Golf Association and Scott Allen is the Director of Development & Programs for The First Tee – Delaware. They reviewed and commented on the draft proposal and have remained active supporters since its initial February distribution.
They have contacted golf club pros as well as school officials to seek support and input into what opportunities and obstacles should be dealt with prior to implementation.
Incoming junior Tina Turi of the coed Cape Henlopen Vikings golf team
Keith Kendzierski, Jr. current head of the Delaware Interscholastic Golf Coaches Association and the head coach of Sussex Academy, discussed the proposal with his fellow coaches. At the June Golf Committee meeting he said a surprising number of potential golfers came to a school meeting to express their interest.
Here are the basic elements of the task force proposal.
If girls’ golf is treated as a Level 1 sport, Delaware’s current coed high school system would remain in place. Golfers from Cape Region teams such as incoming junior Avery McCoy of Delmarva Christian or incoming sophomore Tina Turi of Cape Henlopen could play in the fall and still complete during the 2026 coed season.
The task force recommended fall golf for practical reasons. In autumn there are fewer playing spots for girls in all offered sports combined than there are in the spring. In addition, golf clubs and club professionals indicated they are more open to hosting fall golf for girls than adding additional competition or practice dates in the spring.
The golfers would begin practice sessions at the same time as other fall sports such as cross country or field hockey.
Based on survey responses, the task force recommended there be two Divisions, North and South. The North would include the participating New Castle County teams. The South would include teams from Kent and Sussex Counties.
The teams would play four weekly Divisional matches beginning in mid-September. The first two matches would use a 9-hole, two-player scramble format. The second set of matches would use a 9-hole, better-ball-of-partner format.
After a period of additional practice, the teams would gather for a statewide competition in medal play format, where individual scores count. Depending on coaches’ input this could be structured for both 9-hole and 18-hole versions. The final match would take place during mid- to late October, well before the clocks fall back to standard time and rush the sunsets.
There are structural benefits as a Level 1 sport. For example, if a school has one or three golfers participating, they could be put with players from other schools to create the two-player teams. Scramble and better-ball formats can also reduce performance anxiety and help promote a fun and rewarding experience.
The goal is to have something in place for this fall, if possible – and if not, at least make sure it is Board-approved, budgeted and staffed by the participating schools, and in place in plenty of time for the 2027-2028 school year.
Local club competition results
The Mulligan’s Pointe Ladies league played a Low Gross/Low Net game June 16.
Brenda Lewis won first place gross in the first flight, with Wendy Michaelson in second. Janece Hausch won first place gross in the second flight, followed by Penni Hope in second.
Kay Monack won first place net for the first flight, with JoAnn Foster taking second. Debby Quinn won first net in the second flight, followed by Kathy Marks in second.
The Kings Creek CC 9-Hole LGA League played a Net Stableford game June 11.
Sherry Schaffer, Carolyn Ortwein, Judy Rayner, and Brenda Schilli won first place. Lisa Gercenstein, Tish Brey, Kaye Allison, and blind draw Susan Griesemer finished second.
Sara Becker, Alicia Polsky, Deborah Hinderer, and blind draw Tracy Gordon came in third.
The Kings Creek CC 18-Hole LGA League also played a Net Stableford game June 11.
Lisa Schofield, Judy Wetzel, Kathleen Nilles, and Polly Donaldson won first place.
MaryAnn Veitch, Sally McGovern, Katie Heintz, and Kay Woolen came in second.