Hub Essentials!
- Grant or scholarship money may be available to help alleviate the financial burden of junior golf and college golf
- Grant money for junior golf is most often need-based
- Key sources of grant money for junior golf include the AJGA Ace Grant, local PGA Sections or State Golf Associations, junior tours, and crowdfunding
- A substantial amount of college scholarship money exists for golfers
- Check out some links below to search through college golf scholarship sources
It's no secret that golf is an expensive sport. Drivers, irons, putters, balls, greens fees, coaching sessions, club memberships, range finders, gadgets, and more. It adds up. And how about competitive junior golf? Well, now that just takes it to another level. Junior tour fees, tournament entry fees, hotels, flights, meals. E-x-p-e-n-s-i-v-e.
The good news is that there may be money available to help lessen the financial burden. This generally comes in two categories: pre-college money and college scholarship money. Finding these financial resources will take some research and legwork on your part, but can be worth it. Also keep in mind that most pre-college money is "need-based" and typically evaluates household income, household size, and location to determine whether money will be granted.
To help you, the Hub's compiled a list of common grants or scholarships for the competitive junior player, as well as links to resources that can help with college golf scholarships:
Pre-College
1. AJGA ACE Grant:
The Achieving Competitive Excellence (ACE) Grant is the AJGA's flagship grant program.The program started in 2003 and has delivered over $4M in grant money to nearly 2,000+ qualifying juniors. The ACE Grant is need-based and covers both AJGA events and select USGA or State events. For more information, visit https://www.ajga.org/ACEGrant/
2. Local PGA Section or State Golf Association:
We recommend you call your local PGA section or State Golf Association and discuss whether there is grant money available through their foundation for competitive junior golf. Often this is not public information available through their websites; however, there may be grant money available in certain cases.
3. Junior Tours:
We also recommend that you call junior tours that you are playing on and ask if there is any grant or aid money available to existing or prospective tour members.
4. Crowdfunding:
The internet has opened a new avenue for athletic funding. Sites like GoFundMe allow family, friends, or the general public to contribute small (or large!) donations to a particular cause. Consider whether this may be right for you as you navigate the competitive golf landscape.
In addition, we recommend you contact your local PGA professional to see if they are aware of any local programs. Remember, grants will require an application, so be sure to do your research in a timely manner to ensure that you get the most assistance possible.
College
In addition to the opportunities above, there are a number of golf-specific scholarship opportunities that are separate from the amount provided by the college or university. Often these programs are local- or state-specific, or target specific populations (caddies, for example).
There are a number of websites that can help you find these opportunities. Check out the links below for a good starting list:
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scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/sports-scholarships/golf-scholarships/
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collegescholarships.org (search using the keyword "golf")
Also remember to check in with your State Golf Association or local PGA section, which often has active college scholarship opportunities.
Don't lose sight of academic scholarships as well. We highly recommend doing your due diligence and searching for local, state-specific, or national scholarship opportunities to help alleviate the cost of college.
Enjoy your Journey!