As the LPGA’s historic 75th season tees off later this month, the women’s golf world will set sights on breaking more records after a phenomenal decade of growth. Prince William County carved out a slice of that history last year on a series of spectacular, sunny September afternoons.
The best women golfers from Europe and the United States battled it out in front of thousands of fans at the 2024 Solheim Cup hosted at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, VA. The Americans won the trophy back in dramatic fashion on the 18th green, and a group of local young women were there to cheer them on.
For four extraordinary young women from the First Tee Prince William chapter — Grace, Peyton, Malaika, and Rosangela — the Solheim experience was an immersive opportunity that combined the excitement of international sports with a front-row seat to history in the making.
Thirteen teenagers from the First Tee Greater Washington DC program volunteered to serve as standard bearers at the tournament. In the age of digital apps, their role was largely ceremonial: carrying physical scoreboards to keep fans on the course updated with the latest match results.
In addition to being a standard bearer, many of students had an opportunity to participate in Girls Golf LPGA-USGA activities organized by the tournament, including a behind-the-scenes tour of the first tee stadium and a media press conference photo-op.
"It’s been amazing to walk on the green with all the famous golfers,” said Peyton, age 12. “The Girls Golf tour was really cool [because] when we were standing on the first tee, all the fans out there were cheering for us."
Yet the Solheim Cup was not just a golf tournament for many of these students—it was a showcase of international camaraderie and sportsmanship. It gave them a better understanding of how a sports event can transcend boundaries, bring communities together, and make them feel part of something bigger.
"I want to play golf in college, which is why this experience has been so inspiring—because I can say ‘I want to be like that, I want to go play in the tour like them,'" said Rosangela, age 17. "It’s pushing me to become better, pushing me to go practice everyday and be a better golfer and a better person, really."
As both students and teachers in First Tee Prince William, the teenagers spoke about having been shaped by a program that goes beyond teaching golf skills. They cited core values like perseverance and positivity.
"Golf may seem like an individual sport, but the power is in our shared experiences," said Alan Smith, director, First Tee Prince William. "Our county Parks & Recreation department invests in this program because of our overall focus on building a community where young people can grow into global citizens."
Along with multiple official activations throughout the week of the Solheim Cup tournament, the Prince William County Department of Economic Development and Tourism captured the First Tee teenagers’ story to showcase the energy and excitement of our youngest community ambassadors.
"People are drawn to places that offer exceptional amenities and cultural opportunities, including our parks, schools, and entertainment," said Christina Winn, executive director, PWCDEDT. "At the same time, quality of life fuels tourism by creating destinations that are not only attractive to visitors but also reflective of our community's identity and charm."
Need more golf? LIV Golf just announced their June 6 to 8 tournament at RTJ!