Dr. James Watson Fellowship Program

Funded by The Toro Company

These awards provide financial assistance for the future educators and researchers of the turfgrass industry. Up to three $5,000 fellowships are awarded each year, along with an expense-paid trip to the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show. Applicants must be candidates for master's or doctoral degrees in fields related to golf course maintenance.

The application period for the Watson Fellowship Program is August 1–October 1.

Eligibility

• Must be in the second year of a recognized graduate program in turfgrass science or a related field.
• Planning to pursue a career in research, sustainability, innovation, instruction or extension service in the turfgrass industry.
• High academic achievement (3.25 or better cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale or equivalent).
• Demonstrated excellence in research assistance, instruction or other relevant graduate studies activity.
• Recommendation of graduate adviser and other professionals.
• Ability to provide examples of graduate work, including honor’s or master’s thesis or progress reports on doctoral dissertations.
• Past recipients are not eligible.
• Employees or children of Toro, members or children of the GCSAA Foundation’s Board of Trustees, the GCSAA Board of Directors, and GCSAA staff are not eligible for this program.

Application Components

1. Completed application form with demographic information and required attachments.

2. Short essays related to your background, challenges in the turf community, and research details.

3. Resume or curriculum vitae.

4. One-page research summary.

5. Letters of professional recommendation (2 required).

6. Faculty adviser’s statement.

7. Superintendent letter of recommendation.

8. Academic transcripts – these can be unofficial.

Questions?

Contact Erin Wolfram, director, First Green and workforce development, at 800-472-7878, ext. 5114.

How to Apply

The application will close on Oct. 1.

Apply today