Boezeman AO Named Founder and Patron of Junior Girls Scholarship Program

MELBOURNE, Australia – The Australian Golf Foundation (AGF) has announced that long-serving Director Bonnie Boezeman AO has been appointed as the Founder and Patron of the Junior Girls Scholarship Program (JGSP).

The appointment serves as a formal recognition of Boezeman’s pivotal role in designing and scaling what has become one of the most influential golf participation initiatives in the country. Boezeman is set to retire from the AGF Board on March 25, after years of advocacy to create inclusive pathways for young women in the sport.

A Legacy of Impact

Since its inception in 2021, the JGSP has fundamentally shifted the landscape of junior golf in Australia. Backed by nearly 290 partner clubs and venues, the program provides teenage girls with tailored support, including coaching, junior memberships, and GA handicaps.

The program’s success is reflected in its significant milestones:

• 6,000+ scholarships awarded across Australia.
• 82% retention rate for club memberships upon program completion.
• 60% of scholarships are awarded to girls in regional areas.

Leadership Tributes

AGF Chair Patrick Holt praised Boezeman’s vision for turning a concept into a life-changing national movement.

“Bonnie’s passion and vision transformed the JGSP from a concept into a national program that is genuinely changing young lives. Her leadership has created opportunities for thousands of girls, and this new role is a fitting acknowledgement of the extraordinary legacy she has built.”

Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland echoed these sentiments, noting that Boezeman’s influence will resonate for generations.

“Bonnie has been instrumental in shaping a program that reflects the very best of our sport. Her dedication has helped create a national movement that empowers young girls, strengthens clubs, and builds confidence and opportunity.”

Sutherland further emphasised the importance of the environment Boezeman helped foster: “The most important thing we can do for girls in golf is create environments where they feel they belong. When that happens, they thrive… The JGSP plays an important role in supporting those early journeys and helping make golf a sport for life.”

Future Role

As the honorary Founder and Patron, Boezeman will remain a high-profile ambassador for the program. She will continue to lend her voice to the JGSP’s next chapter, focusing her efforts on awareness, advocacy, and fundraising. She will be formally acknowledged across all national program materials and events, ensuring her leadership remains a cornerstone of the foundation’s mission to engage the next generation of female golfers.

SOURCE: Australian Golf Foundation