GCSAA Scholars Competition assists turf management students

Up to $6,000 scholarships available

Students planning careers in golf and turf management can earn up to $6.000 in the GCSAA Scholars Program.

Eligibility

  • Undergraduate student currently enrolled in a two or more-year accredited program related to golf/turfgrass management. (Seniors graduating prior to the application deadline of June 1 are ineligible.)
  • Must have completed the first year (24 credit hours or equivalent) in a program related to golf course management.
  • Children of those employed by the GCSAA Foundation Board of Trustees, the GCSAA Board of Directors, and GCSAA staff are not eligible.
  • Must be GCSAA student member.

Scholarships range from $500 to $6,000.

Selection criteria include academic excellence, work experience, extracurricular activities, and potential to become a leading professional in the golf course management industry.

Learn more

  • The first-place Mendenall Award winner receives a $6,000 scholarship and an all-expense paid trip to the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show.
  • Ten to 15 Scholars ($1,500-$2,500) and up to 10 Merit Winners ($500) are selected to receive scholarships.
  • Students who are citizens of countries other than the United States may apply for the Ambassador Award, a special scholarship for outstanding international students. Students must provide documentation of non-US citizenship, meet the eligibility requirements for a GCSAA scholarship, be enrolled in a university in the United States, and rank as one of the top candidates in the GCSAA Scholars Competition.
  • Applicants will be notified of their scholarship by Aug. 1. All scholarship award checks will be made payable to the applicant and his or her educational institution.

Applicants must submit

  • Transcripts from all high schools, universities and post-secondary schools attended that include grades from the last completed semester. (Transcripts do not need to be official copies.)
  • The Advisor’s Report completed by your academic advisor or the head of the department at the school that you currently attend.
    • If the candidate is turning in the Advisor Report, they may attach it as a PDF file in the application form.
    • If the Reference is turning in the Advisor Report, they may email it directly to Yasmin Etienne.
  • The Superintendent’s Report completed by a golf course superintendent for whom you have worked. The form should be in an envelope sealed by the superintendent and mailed with your application. The superintendent may send via email to Yasmin Etienne.
    • If the candidate is turning in the Superintendent’s Report, they may attach it as a PDF file in the application form.
    • If the Reference is turning in the Superintendent’s Report, they may email it directly to Yasmin Etienne.
  • The essay component may be completed via the application form, or the candidate may upload their completed essays as separate files within the application form.
  • All applications must be completed by June 1 of the year of application.
  • Please follow the instructions exactly.
Questions? Contact Yasmin Etienne, specialist, First Green and workforce development, at 800-472-7878, ext. 3645.