GCSAA Scholars Competition

These scholarships range from $500 to $6,000. Applicants must be enrolled in a recognized undergraduate program in a major field related to turf management, have completed at least 24 credit hours or the equivalent of one year of full-time study in the appropriate major, and be a member of GCSAA.

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

General

The GCSAA Scholars Program was developed to recognize outstanding students planning careers in golf and turfgrass management. Marginalized or underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply.

The first-place winner of the competition receives a $6,000 scholarship and is honored as the Mendenhall Award Winner. Ten to fifteen GCSAA Scholars ($1,500-$2,500) and up to ten Merit Winners ($500) are selected to receive scholarship awards based on the final ranking in the competition.

In addition, students who are citizens of countries other than the United States may apply for the Ambassador Award, a special scholarship for outstanding international students. To be eligible, 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. (If the score of the highest Ambassador Award applicant is ranked 1st, then the award will go to the next highest Ambassador Award applicant.)

The Mendenhall recipient receives an all-expense paid trip to the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show.

Applications will be reviewed by the GCSAA Scholars Competition Task Group and all decisions will be final. Applicants will be notified of their status by Aug. 1 in the year submitted. All scholarship award checks will be made payable to the applicant and his or her educational institution.

Eligibility

• An applicant must be an undergraduate student and 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.)
• Applicants 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 for this program.
• Applicants must be GCSAA member planning a career as a superintendent or a closely related professional discipline.
• Individuals from marginalized or underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply.

Applicants must complete and 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 Leann Cooper.
• 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 Leann Cooper.
  • 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 Leann Cooper.
• 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.