Michelle Wie West and LPGA's HOODIES FOR GOLF CAMPAIGN RECIEVES OVERWHELMING SUPPORT

                                                                            West In her LPGA HOODIE

                                                                                                                                              _________________________________

     After selling out three hours after first becoming available Michelle Wie West says she hopes the excitement surrounding the LPGA’s Hoodies for Golf limited edition tie dyed hoodies will continue.
     Available through the LPGA’s pro shop proceeds from the sale of the hooded sweatshirts will go toward increasing access to the game of golf for girls of color.
     The LPGA Renee Powell Fund and Clearview Legacy Foundation will be the recipient of monies raised through the sale of the hoodies.
      The Renee Powell Fund provides needs based grants to help girls’ golf programs purchase equipment and cover other expenses with the aim of increasing access to the game of golf for girls of color. Renee Powell was the second African-American women to join the LPGA Tour in 1967.
      The Clearview Legacy Foundation is a tax exempt charitable foundation with the goal of preserving the legacy and facilities of the Clearview Golf Club in Canton, Ohio.
The course was created in 1946 after Powell’s father returned home from World War II and faced racial discrimination on the golf course. He decided to construct a course where persons of all races would be welcome.
     According to West – who spoke about the campaign during a pre-tournament press conference at the Hugel-Air Premia LA Open Tuesday - supplies of the new hoodie have already run out two times and will soon be on the their third drop.

     Since news of the campaign first broke West said she has received a flood of direct messages from those interested in getting their hands on the hoodies – including mothers looking to buy the sweatshirts for their daughters.
     Among those who have shown their support for the campaign have been athletes from the NBA, Major League Baseball, the PGA, NFL and professional tennis said West.         “Everyone is super stoked about it,” West told reporters. 
Those who have recently posted photographs on Instagram, of themselves wearing the hoodie, include Golden State Warriors Point Guard Damion Lee.
     According to West – who came up with the idea behind the campaign and helped design the hoodies – women’s sports need all the help it can get. “Hopefully this hoodie is an easy, tangible way for people to show their support,” she said.
      West said she is thankful that people are so excited about the campaign and hopes that excitement will continue.
      While the hoodies are currently sold out West said she hopes the public will remain patient. More supplies of the hoodie are expected in the near future and can be purchased through the LPGA’s pro shop.

                               
​                               -By Shawn R. Dagle Women's Pro Golf Editor/Reporter