The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is the professional association for the men and women who manage and maintain the game’s most valuable resource — the golf course. The golf industry recognizes the association as a key contributor in elevating the game and business. The GCSAA Foundation, the philanthropic organization of GCSAA, secures funding and support to strengthen advocacy, education and research that advances the work of golf course management professionals.
Scholarship Details
- Scholarships range from $500 to $6,000
- First-place Mendenhall Award winner receives $6,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show
- 10–15 Scholars awarded between $1,500 and $2,500
- Up to 10 Merit Winners awarded $500
- Ambassador Award available for outstanding international students studying in the U.S.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be an undergraduate student currently enrolled in a two- or more-year accredited program related to golf/turfgrass management
- Must have completed at least one year (24 credit hours or equivalent) in the program
- Seniors (graduating in spring of this year) are not eligible
- Must be a GCSAA student member
- Children of GCSAA Foundation Board of Trustees, GCSAA Board of Directors, or GCSAA staff are not eligible
- International students must apply for the Ambassador Award and provide documentation of non-U.S. citizenship
Application Process
- Obtain and submit transcripts from all high schools, universities, and post-secondary institutions attended
- Submit an Advisor’s Report completed by your academic advisor or department head (attach as PDF or have advisor email directly)
- Submit a Superintendent’s Report from a golf course superintendent you have worked with (attach as PDF or have superintendent email directly)
- Complete the essay component within the application form or upload as a separate file
- Complete and submit the online application, along with all required documents, by May 1st
- Await notification of results by August 1st
GCSAA believes in investing in the future of the profession. To ensure this, GCSAA's philanthropic arm, the Environmental Institute for Golf, administers a number of different scholarships for students pursuing careers in the golf course industry, future turfgrass researchers and educators, children and grandchildren of GCSAA members, and foreign students studying in the United States. The total number of recipients will vary, and the requirements will vary by award.
