Summit proves championship is more than just golf

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When the idea for the Inaugural PXG Women’s Match Play Championship was initially created roughly two years ago, the goal was much more than golf.

That goal was accomplished Oct. 29 when tournament partner and Jacksonville-based Generation W hosted its Links to Leadership Summit presented by Circle K at the World Golf Village Renaissance Resort Hotel.

“This is an exciting time, and as a former professional athlete I can tell you that the time to support women’s sports has never been better or more important,” Generation W founder Donna Orender said. “This is what we live and breathe for here at Generation W. To support women in their desire and passion to pursue their best.”

The summit program consisted of several speakers from executives to athletes, all of whom were female.

“As part of the overall women’s development mission of the tournament, Generation W Links to Leadership is designed to offer enrichment programming beyond the competition,” Orender said. “This event goes beyond the golf course. It is designed to create the opportunity for the players (64 of the top up-and-coming women’s golfers are in the championship) and guests to learn from each other, develop personal leadership skills and provide opportunities to connect with each other.”

The panel of speakers included Sharon Rowlands, CEO of global tech company Newfold Digital; former LPGA golfer Anya Alvarez; University of North Florida Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion Whitney Meyer; Rear Admiral Marty Evans, retired from the Navy; and Latria Graham Leak, president and founder of GLB, a brand strategy company.

“We are shining a light on women’s initiatives not just on the golf course, but in the workplace and in the community,” said Mark Berman, who’s company, MediaShare Consulting Group is producing the championship.

President and Executive Creative Director of PXG Apparel Renee Parsons also spoke to the crowd in attendance during the summit.

“How do we create pathways for them outside playing (golf) professionally, in the business community and in the golf industry, so they can be successful given their propensity for hard work and winning attitudes?” Berman said. “They are who we all want to hire.”