LPGA AND LEGENDS TOUR CHAMPION ROSIE JONES HOSTS 2023 WSCGA-JUNIOR GOLF FOUNDATION HIGH SCHOOL INVITATIONAL & MENTORING WEEKEND

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (September 30- October 1, 2023) - The Women's South Carolina Golf Association - Junior Golf Foundation (WSCGA-JGF) has chosen Hilton Head's Moss Creek Golf Club to hold the 2023 WSCGA-JGF High School Invitational, September 30-October 1. Top-ranked teams and individuals from throughout the state will compete over 36 holes in two days on the George Fazio-designed Devil's Elbow South Course. Officials expect a 72-player field.

Weekend host Rosie Jones, 13-time LPGA Tour winner

LPGA Legend Michelle McGann with local junior golfers.

Moss Creek resident, LPGA and Legends Tour champion Rosie Jones played a key role in bringing this statewide competition to her home course. "Throughout my entire career, it has been important to me to give back to young players learning the game of golf. My goal has always been to mentor and guide future talents ranging from the Middle School to LPGA levels," says Jones. "Now I have the chance to give even more back to the game that's given so much to me right here in my 'Low Country Back Yard'."

This year the tournament will feature a chance for these hopefuls to learn on - and off-course life lessons from select LPGA Tour winners including host Jones, along with Michelle McGann, Hollis Stacy, Leta Lindley, Lisa DePaulo, Cathy Johnston-Forbes, and WSCGA Executive Director Clarissa Childs. The entire weekend is presented by Karen Tekulsky, Vice President and Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley. The event is designed to support the non-profit WSCGA-Junior Golf Foundation's efforts to provide role models, resources, and opportunities for South Carolina's young girl golfers beyond the course, paving the way for their future success.

"This is a dream come true for me," said Tekulsky. "Success is personal and requires hard work. I still rely on role models and mentors. It's my honor to help teach and motivate these young athletes, and to work for a company that provides such tangible support." Ms. Tekulsky's sponsorship aligns with Morgan Stanley's program Everyone Deserves a Shot at Success. "The goals are to promote inclusivity, expand access to sports, and encourage the inspiration to dream big."

The weekend's mantra is "Play with a Purpose" and includes a professional exhibition before Sunday's round and a mentoring dinner where the pros will interact directly with the competitors. The event is a personal passion project for Jones, who is committed to increasing U.S. girls' participation in golf at all levels. "It is especially important to support our talented athletes' dedication by providing access to top coaches, equipment, ranked courses, lessons, entry fees, and travel to tournaments."

Net proceeds from the two-day event will fund lessons, tournament travel, and additional mentoring for South Carolina's top junior girl golfers. Sponsorship opportunities at various levels are currently available. Some include playing spots with LPGA professionals.

ABOUT MOSS CREEK GOLF CLUB

Moss Creek has a long history of supporting and hosting girls' and women's golf events at all levels. The Moss Creek Women's Invitational was an official LPGA Tour event from 1976 to 1985. Hollis Stacy won the tournament in 1980 and 1983. In 2018 the community hosted the WSCGA Junior Girls Championship. And the SEC and other intercollegiate women's contests have become annual calendar highlights.

Golf Digest refers to Moss Creek Golf Club - South as "a beauty with a bite." Much of the nationally famous Devil's Elbow South Course stretches past lovely salt marshes along the Intracoastal Waterway and Mackay Creek, which brush along the northern reaches of the property.

Considered one of George and Tom Fazio's best efforts, the par-72 golf course measures approximately 6,878 yards from the back tees, with a rating of 73.9 and a slope of 136. While not long, it is an exacting golf course with tight greens on almost every hole.

The South Course, built in 1975, plays longer and is considered more difficult than Moss Creek's North Course. Since 2012, the North and South Courses have achieved the status of being Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries.

Shaded by live oaks draped with Spanish moss, the Moss Creek natural environment is unique, and residents take pride in celebrating and protecting it. In 2022, Moss Creek was recognized and certified by the National Wildlife Federation as a Community Wildlife Habitat.

MEET THE MENTORS

Clarissa Childs

Columbia, SC
College: University of South Carolina
LPGA Legend. LPGA and Symetra Tours. WSCGA Executive Director

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Jackie Gallagher - Smith

Jupiter, FL
College: LSU
LPGA Legend. LPGA and LPGA Legends Tours competitor

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Rosie Jones

Moss Creek, Hilton Head, SC
College: The Ohio State University
LPGA Legend. 13 LPGA Tour wins, 8 LPGA Legends Tour wins, Solheim Cup Team member and Captain

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Cathy Johnston-Forbes

Kitty Hawk, NC
College: University of North Carolina
LPGA Legend. 1 LPGA Tour win, LPGA Legends Tour competitor

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Leta Lindley

Palm Beach Gardens, FL
College: University of Arizona
LPGA Legend. 1 LPGA Tour win, LPGA Legends Tour competitor

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Michelle McGann

North Palm Beach, FL
LPGA Legend. 7 LPGA Tour wins, LPGA Legends Tour competitor

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Hollis Stacy

Holmes Beach, FL
World Golf Hall of Fame member
Legends Hall of Fame member
18 Wins on the LPGA Tour
3 Major Championship Titles
1 Win on The Legends Tour
Legends Wins: 2001 Copp's Great Lakes Classic

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Venue

Moss Creek Golf Club, Hilton Head, SC

Two Fazio-designed 18-hole courses: Devil's Elbow North and South

Home of The Moss Creek LPGA Invitational 1976-1985

Host of numerous intercollegiate tournaments

Rosie Jones' home course

Redesigned clubhouse, grille and banquet facilities opening Summer 2023

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Host: Rosie Jones

LPGA Player for 24 years

13 LPGA Titles
$8.3M LPGA career earnings
2011 US Solheim Cup Team Captain; member of 7 additional teams

Senior Player Accomplishments
8 Legends Tour Titles
#1 Legends Tour Career Ranking
Sr LPGA & Sr Women's US Open top tier finishes
Hall of Fame Highlights
Ohio Golf HOF
Legends Tour HOF
Georgia Golf HOF
The Ohio State Buckeyes Varsity HOF
Rosie resides in Moss Creek, Hilton Head Island, SC