Thanks to the growing popularity and competitiveness of golf, it’s easier to find scholarships for golfers than you may think. Many high school golfers mistakenly believe that only the NCAA and NJCAA will provide athletic scholarships, but there’s countless other organizations around America rewarding golfer’s determination and skill with free tuition money too. Whether you’re planning to play on your college’s varsity golf team, seeking a career in golf management, or simply enjoy golfing as a hobby, there’s financial aid options for you. Below, from Top10Colleges Online, you will find 25 of the most lucrative scholarships available for avid golfers advancing into higher education.
1. Anne Trabue Scholarship Fund
Deadline: May 15th
In honor of the “founding mother” for the Women’s Southern California Golf Association (WSCGA), the Anne Trabue Scholarship Fund is awarded annually for female golfers who are enrolled full-time in a bachelor’s degree program in English or journalism at an accredited university in the United States. Eligible candidates must reside in Southern California, take 12 or more credits per term, carry a minimum overall GPA of 3.2, and exhibit career goals that blend the joy of writing with golf.
Contact
Anne Trabue Scholarship Fund
402 West Arrow Highway
San Dimas, CA 91773
(909) 592-1281 ext. 212
info@wscgafoundation.org
2. Bill Dickey Scholarship Association
Deadline: May 11th
Each year, the Bill Dickey Scholarship Association (BDSA) offers up to $14,000 to help graduating high school seniors finance four years of undergraduate studies at an accredited American university of their choice. Qualified applicants must have participated in golf, have U.S. citizenship, exhibit financial need, be actively involved in community service, demonstrate leadership potential, maintain good academic achievement, and have strong golfing abilities.
Contact
Bill Dickey Scholarship Association
1301 East Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85034
(602) 258-7851
andrea@bdscholar.org
Scholarship Link
3. Bobby Goodman Scholarship Grant
Deadline: June 15th
Established by the South Florida Section of the PGA in honor of an active member who captained the Challenge Cup team for six years, the Bobby Goodman Scholarship Grant is presented annually for $2,500 to a high school senior or college student in their freshman or sophomore year of undergraduate studies. To qualify, applicants must live in Florida, have played on their school’s golf team, possess a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, and be recommended by a PGA professional in the golf industry.
Contact
Bobby Goodman Scholarship Grant
186 Atlantis Blvd.
Atlantic, FL 33462
(561) 729-0544
sflorida@pgahq.com
4. Caitlin Brondolo Golf Scholarship
Deadline: May 31st
In memory of an avid junior golfer who lost her life tragically from carbon monoxide poisoning at the youthful age of 12 years old, the Caitlin Brondolo Golf Scholarship is awarded each year for $2,500 to a female high school senior who has played golf throughout her schooling and is pursuing an accredited college education in America. Eligible applicants must plan to play competitive collegiate golf, have a minimum overall GPA of 3.5, and write a short personal essay describing how golf has shaped their life.
Contact
Caitlin Brondolo Golf Scholarship
P.O. Box 811794
Boca Raton, FL 33481
(561) 350-9906
RELATED ARTICLE: Why Too Many NCAA Golf Scholarships for Women Go Unclaimed
5. Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship
Deadline: September 30th
Since 1930, the Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship has been distributed through the Western Golf Association to provide full tuition and housing funds for more than 10,000 young men and women who attend one of the 14 participating universities nationwide. To be selected as one of this year’s 800 winners, candidates must have caddied for a minimum of two years, work at a sponsoring golf club, have a minimum high school GPA of 3.0, demonstrate financial need, and possess an outstanding character for leadership.
Contact
Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship
One Briar Road
Golf, IL 60029
(847) 727-4600
applications@wgaesf.org
6. Dinah Shore Scholarship
Deadline: May 15th
Sponsored by the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), the Dinah Shore Scholarship was established in 1994 to provide $5,000 in honor of the late Hollywood entertainer and honorary member of the LPGA Tour Hall of Fame. Qualified candidates must be female high school seniors, be pursuing a college education this upcoming fall term, enjoy golfing, have a strong academic record, be involved in community service, but not be playing collegiate golf.
Contact
Dinah Shore Scholarship
100 International Golf Drive
Daytona Beach, FL 32124
(386) 274-6200
info@lpgafoundation.org
Scholarship Link
7. Drew Smith Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: October 25th
In honor of his 13-year turf management career that was cut short unexpectedly after his passing at the Nissan Open in Pacific Palisades from a heart condition in 2003, the Drew Smith Memorial Scholarship is awarded for at least $1,000 each year through the Eastern Shore Association of Golf Course Superintendents (ESAGCS). Eligible candidates must be enrolled at least part-time in an accredited U.S. institution, have a declared major in turfgrass management, exhibit financial need, and write a 100-word statement illustrating their passion for golf.
Contact
Drew Smith Memorial Scholarship
P.O. Box 708
Berlin, MD 21811
(410) 548-1599
admin@esagcs.org
8. Fairway to Success Scholarships
Deadline: Varies
As part of the Northern Texas Section PGA Junior Golf Foundation, the Fairway to Success Scholarships are granted annually for $20,000 apiece for deserving high school seniors in the Dallas metropolitan area who have participated in the foundation’s five-week after-school golf program to learn golf basics from PGA professionals. Applicants must be enrolling full-time in an accredited U.S. institution, be involved in other extra-curricular activities, have financial need, and exhibit a clear desire to continue developing their golf skills.
Contact
Fairway to Success Scholarships
15150 Preston Road Suite 250
Dallas, TX 75248
(214) 420-7421
pgapgmmentor@pgahq.com
RELATED ARTICLE: UBGA 4th Annual Scholarship Golf Classic A Winner for All
9. Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund
Deadline: December 1st
Ranging in value from $1,500 to $15,000 per year, the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund is designed to provide annual renewable awards as college tuition assistance to graduating high school students who have performed at least two years of service to golf as caddies, course superintendents, or pro shop workers in Massachusetts. Applicants must submit an online application, three essays, an Ouimet club member recommendation, an official transcript, a copy of their SAT/ACT scores, and a financial aid report.
Contact
Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund
300 Arnold Palmer Blvd.
Norton, MA 02766
(774) 430-9090
michellee@ouimet.org
10. GCSAA Scholars Competition
Deadline: June 1st
Annually, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) hosts a Scholars Competition to provide several scholarships for $500 to $6,000 apiece to currently enrolled full-time undergraduate students pursuing a major related to turf management. To apply, students should complete at least 24 college credits, receive GCSAA membership, provide proof of U.S. citizenship, submit a recommendation from a golf course superintendent they’ve worked for, and showcase strong academic achievement on an official college transcript.
Contact
GCSAA Scholars Competition
1421 Research Park Drive
Lawrence, KS 66049
(785) 841-2240
mwright@gcsaa.org
Scholarship Link
11. Gene Sarazen Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: April 30th
Sponsored by the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) to honor one of golf’s champions who was the first to complete the “Grand Slam,” the Gene Sarazen Memorial Scholarship is presented yearly for $2,000 to Italian American undergraduate or graduate students to cut costs for tuition and/or university-provided room and board. Qualified candidates must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. institution, have a minimum GPA of 3.5, have at least one ancestor who immigrated from Italy, and exhibit a strong passion for the game of golf.
Contact
Gene Sarazen Memorial Scholarship
1860 19th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 387-0600
sarazen@mindspring.com
12. Herman Sani Scholarship Program
Deadline: March 14th
Administered by the Iowa Golf Association (IGA) in memory of its first director who served for over 30 years and was named one of the top 50 golf instructors by Golf Digest, the Herman Sani Scholarship Program is designed to provide $8,000 to college-bound high school seniors over four years of undergraduate studies. Selection will be based on applicants’ academic achievement, involvement in extra-curricular activities, leadership qualities, financial need, and golf-related accomplishments.
Contact
Herman Sani Scholarship Program
1605 North Ankeny Blvd. Suite 210
Ankeny, IA 50023
(515) 207-1062
katelynn@iowagolf.org
13. Marilynn Smith Scholarship
Deadline: May 15th
Also granted through the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) to honor one of the foundation’s original 13 founders who instructed more than 250,000 golfers in her illustrious career, the Marilynn Smith Scholarship is awarded for $5,000 annually to female high school seniors who are planning to play golf at an accredited university in America. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents, be enrolling full-time in college, have played in at least half of their high school golf team’s scheduled events, and possess a minimum GPA of 3.2.
Contact
Marilynn Smith Scholarship
100 International Golf Drive
Daytona Beach, FL 32124
(386) 274-6200
info@lpgafoundation.org
14. PGA Financial Assistance Scholarship Program
Deadline: March 16th
Since being founded in 1986, the PGA Financial Assistance Scholarship Program has awarded over $5.7 million in funding to more than 2,800 students across America who are the children and grandchildren of PGA golfing professionals. For consideration, applicants must display financial need, be graduating high school seniors, carry a minimum overall GPA of 3.4, plan to enroll full-time at an accredited U.S. university in the upcoming fall, be actively involved in extra-curricular activities, and be pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
Contact
PGA Financial Assistance Scholarship Program
100 Avenue of the Champions
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
(561) 624-7612
cblackwood@pgahq.com
Scholarship Link
15. Phyllis G. Meekins Scholarship
Deadline: May 15th
As part of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Foundation, the Phyllis G. Meekins Scholarship is granted annually for $1,250 to female high school seniors of African American, Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American, Alaskan Native, or Hispanic descent who will be enrolling full-time in an accredited American university. Eligible candidates must plan to play collegiate golf, have U.S. citizenship or legal residency, have an accomplished background in golf, exhibit financial need, and carry a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
Contact
Phyllis G. Meekins Scholarship
100 International Golf Drive
Daytona Beach, FL 32124
(386) 274-6200
info@lpgafoundation.org
16. Richard D. McDonough Golf Scholarship
Deadline: June 15th
Each year, the Richard D. McDonough Golf Scholarship is presented for up to $3,000 to aid young male and female golfers employed at a New Hampshire golf course to reduce the financial burden of tuition expenses for attending the accredited U.S. university of their choice. Along with the completed application, candidates must attach their FAFSA form, official high school transcript, proof of enrollment, and a letter from their golf course to certify at least two seasons of employment experience in the golf industry.
Contact
Richard D. McDonough Golf Scholarship
61 North Street
Manchester, NH 03104
(603) 219-0371
mcdonoughapplication@comcast.net
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17. Robert H. Bradley Jr. Memorial Golf Scholarship
Deadline: March 2nd
In honor of a 35-year Fredericksburg Country Club member who “lived and breathed” golf who lost his battle with kidney failure in 2013, the Robert H. Bradley Jr. Memorial Golf Scholarship is granted for at least $500 annually to a graduating high school senior from Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Alleghany counties of the city of Fredericksburg. Qualified applicants must demonstrate significant involvement in golf, plan to attend a two or four-year higher learning institution, and submit a 900-word essay on how important golf is to them.
Contact
Robert H. Bradley Jr. Memorial Golf Scholarship
P.O. Box 208
Fredericksburg, VA 22404
(540) 373-9292
scholarships@cfrrr.org
18. Shirley and Billy Weir Scholarship
Deadline: March 4th
Created in honor of the original Ping Man and the first Lifetime Honorary Member of the Georgia Section PGA, the Shirley and Billy Weir Scholarship is designed to provide graduating high school seniors with a full college scholarship that will cover tuition, room and board, textbooks, supplies, lab fees, and other education-related expenses. Eligible applicants must exhibit financial need, maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, have been accepted to an accredited university, and be employed at a golf course facility within Georgia.
Contact
Shirley and Billy Weir Scholarship
7804 Eagles Landing Court
Columbus, GA 31909
(706) 573-2255
mcgolf@knology.net
19. The Sara Scholarship
Deadline: May 4th
In memory of Sara Sheehan, a true golfer who possessed a lifelong passion for the game in good or ill health before passing away in 2011, the Sara Scholarship is awarded annually to provide $2,000 to 12 female high school seniors who have had some involvement with the sport of golf. Qualified applicants must enroll at an accredited university in the United States, demonstrate financial need, carry a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.1, submit one character reference letter, and show active involvement in golf regardless of skill level.
Contact
The Sara Scholarship
310 North Kensington Avenue
LaGrange Park, IL 60526
Scholarship Link
20. Tony Coleman Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: May 11th
Established by the Wisconsin PGA Section in honor of the General Manager and COO who ran Bishops Bay Country Club for nearly two decades, the Tony Coleman Memorial Scholarship is distributed for $1,250 each year to graduating high school seniors or current college students who have participated in at least three WPGA junior events. Eligible golfers must attend a full-time course of study at an accredited U.S. college, have a minimum GPA of 3.2, have graduated from a Wisconsin high school, and exhibit outstanding moral character.
Contact
Tony Coleman Memorial Scholarship
11350 West Theo Trecker Way
West Allis, WI 53214
(414) 443-3570
wisc@pgahq.com
21. Trans-Miss Scholarship Fund
Deadline: Varies
Since 1953, the Trans-Miss Scholarship Fund has become a national leader in assisting young male and female golfers who are enrolling full-time in an accredited U.S. college to pursue an undergraduate degree in turf management by offering eight annual awards for up to $7,500 apiece. Along with the online application, eligible students should include a current resume of extra-curricular activities and/or work experience, list of academic honors, and a one-page essay explaining their interests in the golf course management profession.
Contact
Trans-Miss Scholarship Fund
2909 Cole Suite 305
Dallas, TX 75204
(214) 468-8942
raddington@trans-miss.org
22. VSGA-VIP Scholarship Program
Deadline: February 23rd
Ranging in value from $1,000 to $7,000 each, the VSGA-VIP Scholarship Program has offered annual awards through the Virginia State Golf Association since 1984 to Virginia high school seniors with an interest in golf who plan to attend a higher learning institution within the Commonwealth after graduation. Recipients are chosen based on their academic performance, standardized test scores, moral character, community service involvement, essay submissions, and passion for any activity associated with golf.
Contact
VSGA-VIP Scholarship Program
600 Founders Bridge Blvd.
Midlothian, VA 23113
(804) 378-2300
pointman@vsga.org
23. Walter J. Travis Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: June 1st
Promoting the legacy of a champion amateur golfer, esteemed golf course architect, and innovative turf grass expert, the Walter J. Travis Memorial Scholarship provides $750 to four outstanding amateur college golfers who are currently enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate program with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Qualified candidates must be pursuing a career in landscape design, golf course architecture, turf grass management, golf management, or sports journalism with an emphasis in golf.
Contact
Walter J. Travis Memorial Scholarship
24 Sandstone Drive
Rochester, NY 14616
(585) 663-6120
travissociety@yahoo.com
24. Wayne Reynolds Scholarship
Deadline: April 30th
Sponsored by the Atlanta Junior Golf Association, the Wayne Reynolds Scholarship is granted annually for $3,000 to deserving undergraduate students at accredited two or four-year colleges within Georgia who have successfully participating in an organized junior golf program. Eligible applicants must reside in Georgia, be enrolled full-time, have a minimum overall GPA of 2.5, exhibit financial need, possess exemplary personal character, and demonstrate athletic ability.
Contact
Wayne Reynolds Scholarship
740 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30307
(404) 377-1766
Scholarship Link
25. Women’s Western Golf Foundation Scholarships
Deadline: March 1st
Since its inception 41 years ago, the Women’s Western Golf Foundation has awarded several scholarships for $8,000 annually for female graduating high school seniors who plan to enroll full-time at an accredited four-year college in the United States. Qualified candidates must show financial need, be actively involved in the sport of golf, carry a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, have U.S. citizenship, and write a 200-word personal statement describing their passion for playing golf.
Contact
Women’s Western Golf Foundation Scholarships
393 Ramsay Road
Deerfield, IL 60015
dkdink@aol.com
Tuition expenses are constantly growing, but there are many ways for you to turn your passion for golf into valuable college cash to reduce the costs and swerve around student loan debt. Tee off with one or more of these 25 great scholarships for golfers to receive the financial backing you need to excel in the classroom and on the golf course.
