Starting this fall, the GWAA will award two (2) Herbert V. Kohler/GWAA Journalism Scholarships to deserving students to help with their college costs. Each scholarship is for $5,000 per year; the Kohler family has generously committed to doing this for the next five years.
GWAA is seeking applicants who have an interest in pursuing a career in golf media and/or the golf industry. While the pursuit of a communications degree is not required, applicants should have an interest/involvement in the field of communications.
To apply, click here and please fill out the application form and attach the following:
- One sample of journalistic work (i.e. written story, video, podcast)
- One letter of recommendation
- Must attend one GWAA webinar (April 24, 2024 and May 6, 2024)
- Copy of most current transcript, plus ACT/SAT scores if in high school
- A 300-word essay on the applicant’s interest in golf/golf media
Applicants are required to attend one Golf Writers Association of America (GWAA) webinar this spring, featuring several professionals in golf media. The webinar will focus on career paths and the behind-the-scenes of a major championship.
In addition to awarding a scholarship, the goal is for the two winners to shadow GWAA members at one of golf’s marquee events in 2025 (TBA).
To apply, please email scholarships@gwaa.com. To sign up for a webinar, please click here.
The Herbert V. Kohler Jr. Scholarship is dedicated to the memory of the longtime chairman and CEO of Kohler Co., who had warm relationships with many members of the Golf Writers Association of America and was a fixture at the annual GWAA Awards Dinner.
Herb Kohler and architect Pete Dye teamed to build the Kohler Co. golf empire in Wisconsin, which includes Blackwolf Run, the site of two U.S. Women’s Opens, and Whistling Straits, which has played host to a U.S. Senior Open, three PGA Championships and the 2021 Ryder Cup.
Kohler also purchased and renovated the iconic Old Course Hotel and Hamilton Hall (now called Hamilton Grand) in St. Andrews and was beloved by the Scots.
A larger-than-life figure with a distinctive beard and a booming laugh, Kohler enjoyed hosting golf writers at his courses. He took up the game relatively late in life and was a mid-handicapper, but he played with great gusto and in any kind of weather. His golfing claim to fame was a hole-in-one on the Old Course.
Kohler was inducted into the Wisconsin Golf Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019.
ABOUT THE GWAA: The Golf Writers Association of America, founded in 1946, is a 501c6 non-profit members organization dedicated to the improvement of working conditions for golf media. We strive for advancement in press facilities at tournaments, hotel accommodations, local transportation, communication with players, and we work in concert with the Association of Golf Writers, our British counterparts.
