About LPGA•USGA Girls Golf of Greater Union
LPGA•USGA Girls Golf of Greater Union is part of the national Girls Golf program created by the LPGA Foundation and supported by the USGA to inspire and empower girls through the game of golf. ⛳
Our program introduces girls to golf in a fun, welcoming, and supportive environment where they can learn new skills, build friendships, and develop confidence both on and off the course. We introduce the 5 Stages of Learning of Girls Golf - The 5 E's - Empower - Engage - Energize - Exercise - Enrich.
Girls Golf is about much more than learning how to swing a golf club. Through weekly themes and activities, participants develop important life skills such as leadership, perseverance, teamwork, and self-belief. The lessons learned on the golf course help girls succeed in school, relationships, and future careers.
Golf is also a lifelong sport that opens doors. Many business leaders build relationships on the golf course, and by learning the game early, girls gain a skill they can enjoy for a lifetime.
Our goal is simple: to create an encouraging community where every girl feels welcomed, supported, and inspired to believe in her potential.
About Debbie O’Connell
Site Director
Debbie O’Connell is an LPGA Professional with over 35 years of experience teaching and mentoring golfers of all ages. She is passionate about empowering girls and young women through the game of golf and the powerful life lessons it teaches.
Debbie is the Site Director of LPGA•USGA Girls Golf of Greater Union and co-authored the curriculum for the LPGA Leadership Academy, a program designed to help young women develop leadership skills, confidence, and personal growth through golf.
Recognized as an LPGA Top 50 Teacher, Debbie has dedicated her career to helping people improve not only their golf games, but also their mindset and belief in what is possible. She is an international speaker, author of Golf Positive! Live Positive!, and mindset coach who believes the game of golf provides one of the greatest platforms for personal growth.
Through Girls Golf, Debbie’s mission is to help every girl feel confident, capable, and empowered—both on the course and in life.
About Sandy Jaskol
Co-Site Director
Sandra “Sandy” Jaskol is an LPGA Life Member and former Class A LPGA Professional with over 28 years of experience in the golf industry. She serves as the Co-Site Director of LPGA•USGA Girls Golf of Greater Union and brings a wealth of knowledge, enthusiasm, and compassion to the program.
As a passionate teacher, Sandy’s most important goal is for every student to feel understood, supported, and empowered to discover their own potential through the game of golf. She loves bringing people together through the sport and helping them create meaningful memories with family, friends, and colleagues both on and off the course.
Sandy has an extensive background in instruction and golf operations. She has taught at several prestigious clubs in the metropolitan area including Winged Foot, Old Westbury, Fresh Meadow, Maplewood, and The Ridge at Back Brook. She currently serves as the Membership Director at Metuchen Golf & Country Club, where she focuses on building community and supporting junior golf initiatives.
A former competitive player, Sandy won the Metropolitan Women’s Open in 1990 and qualified for the U.S. Women’s Open in 1989.
She is also TPI Certified and has been a guest instructor at corporate women’s golf clinics, helping introduce many professionals and executives to the game.
Sandy graduated cum laude from Penn State University, where she was a varsity letter winner in both Field Hockey and Golf.
Outside of golf, Sandy is a musician and vocalist who enjoys playing saxophone and singing jazz standards at assisted living and nursing homes. She is deeply passionate about sharing positivity and uplifting others through both music and golf.