The scholarships open in late February and close on May 1.
Undergraduate student currently enrolled in a two or more-year accredited program related to golf/turfgrass management. (Seniors graduating in spring 2026 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.
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.
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 Kera Matchett.
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 Kera Matchett.
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 Kera Matchett.
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. You will need to answer:
What has motivated you to become a golf course superintendent?
What has been your preparation to achieve this goal?
What do you expect from a career as a golf course superintendent?
All applications must be completed by May 1 of the year of application.
Please follow the instructions exactly.
Contact Erin Wolfram, director, First Green and workforce development, at 800-472-7878, ext. 5114.
Applications are open through May 1.
This application is open to GCSAA members and non-members. However, you will have to log in to apply. The login will be the same login you use for gcsaa.org. If you don't have a login, go here to get started.