Scholarships are one of the best ways to take the value of your academic program; what more incredible avenue than leveraging on your talent to earn you a scholarship. Golf scholarships are a great way to help keep scholars college funds up to par.
If you’re looking for a route to develop your golfing abilities and academics, Golf scholarships are ideal for achieving your goals.
Universities and colleges award Golf Scholarships to very talented golfers, which allows the athlete to participate in collegiate, intercollegiate matches and national championships.
Colleges and universities offer athletic scholarships to stand-out golfers to support rising interest and lure talented golfers to their schools.
Why Do You Need a College Golf Scholarship?
Golf is fast becoming one of the most competitive college sports, showing growth in women’s and men’s collegiate programs.
Funding higher education with free-money scholarships is very appealing to most students, especially when college aid is earned playing sports. An undergrad degree may be an expensive feat.
Using the latest National Center for Education Statistics (NC’ES) data, the average cost for new undergrads living on campus at public college is $24,900. It’s higher at private for-profit ($33,200) and private nonprofit ($51,900) schools.
You also may be able to use a sports scholarship with other forms of aid like government grants.
College Golf Scholarship will lessen your dependence on loans. No one knows but you if you will leave college with student debt. Unlike a loan, Scholarship money typically does not need to be repaid. If you abide by the terms, you don’t pay the money back.
Often, scholarship committees look at applicants from all sides. You may not have the talent that recruits you to the major leagues.
However, if you take part in a sport, it could show judges you have discipline. Add solid grades and a history of being a ‘good sport’, and you might have an even better shot at a scholarship.
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How Do I Get a College Scholarship for Golf?
Getting a college scholarship for golf depends on the school and how many scholarships are available. College scholarships for golf are both academic and athletic scholarships.
There is the opportunity to qualify for academic scholarships for a specific amount above and beyond athletic scholarships. It depends on the division of the school for the scholarship opportunities.
The NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) provides golf scholarship administration guidance for men’s and women’s programs. Individual campuses and the NCAA itself are active in supporting student-athletes.
Golfers benefit from scholarship initiatives governed by NCAA rules and privately funded financial aid from industry groups like the PGA (Professional Golfers’ Association) and LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association).
In addition to the NCAA, two other collegiate athletic associations play roles in athletes’ higher education financing: The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).
What Are The Chances of Getting a Golf Scholarship?
Academic and need-based scholarships provide the perfect conduit for rewarding students with athletic potential. Having good academics will help open up more opportunities.
The more universities you can qualify for academically, the higher your chance of earning a scholarship. Use a solid GPA history and exceptional performance on college entrance exams to stand out among other scholarship applicants.
The NCAA D1 Council, however, adopted legislation that loosened regulation regarding need-based aid and academic scholarships that are not tied to athletic ability.
Effective August 1, 2020, golf programs will not have any athletes’ need- and academic-based aid count against the maximum athletic scholarship limit.
Before this rule change, athletes had to meet specific criteria for their additional aid not to be counted against a team’s athletic scholarship limit.
Also, know your coaches and build relationships with them. The reason is that out of the 1,318 schools offering men’s golf, 972 offer athletic scholarships. However, these programs operate equivalently, meaning coaches distribute their funds across multiple athletes.
Also, registering with the NCAA’s Eligibility Center determines a student-athlete’s academic eligibility and endeavour to meet the eligibility requirements of the NCAA.
Most candidates are evaluated based on the following criteria: academic history, test scores, financial need, personal references, community service participation, golfing ability and experience.
What is Right Tournament for Golf Scholarship?
The chances of getting a golf scholarship are high when you aim for shooting scores in the right tournaments. Don’t expect to be found just because you are playing in tournaments; no, you have to play in the right tournaments.
High school tournaments are not the best indicators of success. Coaches want players competing in quality summer events, such as USGA State Association and AJGA tournaments. Tournament experience is crucial, and tournament scoring is as well.
Playing in the right tournaments and playing well gives you better visibility and improves your chances of getting a golf scholarship.
Do You Need a Golf Score to Get a Scholarship?
If you are looking to compete at the D1 level and get a scholarship, you will need to show the ability to shoot even par and break-even par to get a scholarship. For most programs mid to low 70s is important for a scholarship.
Therefore, you need to be shooting in the 70s. Also, there’s actually an equation that many coaches use to determine who they’ll recruit, they find the average score of their best four players and subtract it by two.
So, for example, let’s say a team’s best scores from the top four golfers adds up to 300, making the average 75.
In other words, that specific coach will want to recruit student-athletes who score a 73 or better. Of course, in some cases where the college is already extremely competitive, this equation isn’t always foolproof.
However, it’s a great way for a coach to determine how they can better their program.
Organisations That Offer Golf Scholarship in Colleges
#1. NCAA Scholarhsips
The NCAA sponsors Division I and Division II golf. Each program offers a limited number of scholarships. Golf being an equivalency sport, coaches can split the available scholarships among several golfers. This way, each golfer receives a partial scholarship.
Men’s golf has 289 Division I programs and 210 Division II programs. Each DI program gets 4.5 scholarships and each D2 program gets 3.6 scholarships.
Women’s golf has 235 Division I programs and 128 Division II programs. D1 programs receive 6 scholarships each and D2 programs receive 5.4 scholarships.
NAIA
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) offers Divisions I and Division II athletes scholarships. Few scholarships are awarded than the NCAA, but the eligibility qualifications are also easier for students to meet.
#2. NJCAA
The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), sponsors college men’s golf in three divisions. In women’s golf, they sponsor one. NJCAA scholarships are less competitive. Some scholarships do not even get claimed.
There are both full and partial scholarships available. Besides NCAA scholarships, golf students can apply to scholarships from outside organizations.
13 Best Colleges for Golf Scholarships
#1. Florida Southern College
The Moccasins women’s team has four championships, while the men’s team has 13 NCAA national championships. Both teams have individual national champions, including Rocco Mediate, Jeff Klauk, and Lee Janzen.
Golfers of Florida Southern College enjoy many benefits, including scholarships and aid based on athletic talent, academic merit, and financial need, among other factors. The university provides more than $51 in grants and aid every year.
Student-athletes, including golfers, can also apply for two or more of the numerous scholarship programs at FSC. The merit scholarships are open to all students with notable academic achievements and with full-time enrollment status.
The university also has faith-based scholarships and departmental scholarships that student-athletes can consider.
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#2. Daytona State College
The Falcons and Lady Falcons golf program has produced the likes of Tiffany Chan and Pat Meyers.
In recent news, three Lady Falcons were recognized with the 2018-2019 All-American Scholars by the Women’s Golf Coaches Association (WGCA). This is recognition of their strong academic and athletic achievements.
Indeed, being a Lady Falcon is no mean feat. But it’s possible with the help of scholarships – there’s less financial pressure. The Daytona State College offers a wide range of scholarship programs, including:
The S-STARS Scholarship is a full in-state tuition scholarship program open for STEM students, among other criteria.
The William H. Murray Memorial Scholarship, a merit-based and need-based grant.
As with all athletic and academic scholarships, student-athletes must maintain their grades and actively participate in their sports.
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#3. Oklahoma State University (NAIA)
When you apply for admission to Oklahoma State University (OSU), you are automatically considered for scholarships. Current students are also automatically considered for university-wide scholarships but can apply for college-specific awards.
To apply for college-specific awards/scholarships, you can apply for an athletic scholarship as a college golfer. You should also consider using for many of the university’s competitive scholarship programs at OSU.
These scholarships are typically awarded based on academic excellence, talent, athleticism, leadership qualities, financial need, and study field.
OSU also offers tuition waivers, which are tuition reductions on credit hours (not fees). Tuition waivers, unlike most scholarships, aren’t in the form of cash.
All new students are automatically considered for scholarships without needing an additional application.
#4. UCLA (NCAA D1)
UCLA’s unique view toward athletics creates athletes that are more than just winners. They are invested in their academics. Involved in their community, become versatile, engaged individuals who use their abilities to produce victories beyond the field of play.
The UCLA Bruins men’s golf team only has two NCAA Championships to its name, but it’s considered a force in college golf due to its strong standing. From its ranks came well-known names in the professional golf circuit.
If you’re looking for a strong chance at a golf scholarship, you must try UCLA. It has a solid financial aid program to provide students from diverse backgrounds with first-rate education.
About 30% of its revenues from tuition and fees are allocated for financial aid, including to its student-athletes.
UCLA offers financial support that may be awarded based on need, academic merit, background, specific talents or professional interests.
UCLA offers a range of scholarships namely; Regents Scholarships (merit-based), UCLA Alumni Scholarships (merit-based), UCLA Achievement Scholarships (merit- plus need-based), and University Student Aid Program Funds (need-based).
Grants are also awarded, they are awards that the recipient does not have to repay. Sources include the federal and state governments, as well as UCLA.
#5. Purdue University
The Purdue Boilermakers are making their marks at the NCAA Division and Big Ten Conference. While they have only won one NCAA national team championship, they have 12 Big Ten Conference championships. Their alumni include Rick Dalpos and Shiv Kapur.
Boilermaker golfers can apply for scholarships with varying amounts, mostly based on academic and athletic merit, while many are also based on financial need.
There are plenty of scholarships programs to choose from, including:
The Mortar Board Fellowship Awards gives out $2,500 per student with exceptional academic standing and community service. Applications are available in January with a deadline in early March.
NCAA Ethnic Minority and Women’s Enhancement Postgraduate Scholarship is open to members of ethnic minorities and women who will be pursuing a postgraduate degree in any sports-related field. The award is for $6,000 for each student.
The NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship is open to final-season student-athletes who plan on enrolling in a graduate program. The award amount is $7,500 for each recipient. The application deadline is mid-May.
#6. Northwestern University
Northwestern University offers athletic scholarships for Golf. Need-based and academic scholarships are available for student-athletes.
Athletic scholarships are available for NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NAIA and NJCAA. On average, 34% of all student-athletes receive athletic scholarships.
These University golfers enjoy scholarships such as; REACh Your Goals’ Scholarship, UNCF-Northrop Grumman Foundation Scholarship, Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship.
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#7. Duke University
The Duke Blue Devils women’s golf team is undoubtedly the most successful of all the athletic teams since 2000. The lady golfers have won seven national championships and 13 consecutive ACC championships.
The student-athletes at Duke University must meet exacting academic and athletic standards. Indeed, they must be willing and able to comply with their academic load requirements and contribute to the Duke community.
Student-athletes may also apply for other forms of assistance. The Undergraduate Financial Aid Office typically created a customized aid package for applicants, and these aid packages include grant funds and self-help.
The self-help fund consists of subsidized, low interest, deferred payment loans combined with work-study eligibility.
#8. University of Tulsa
While the Golden Hurricane women’s golf team was at its strongest during the 1970s, it’s still a force you can join today.
The team has four national championships and 12 conference championships. Golfers like Nancy Lopez, Kathy Baker, and Melissa McNamara once called the University of Tulsa their second home.
Among the best things about being a Golden Hurricane member: You have a strong chance of attending TU on a partial ride, even a full ride! TU currently offers a full complement of scholarships, with about 83% of its student-athletes receiving athletic scholarships.
There are many other scholarships to choose from on TU as well. Be sure to ask the head coach or a financial aid staff about the possibility of stacking endowed scholarships with merit-based academic and athletic scholarships.
There are also university scholarships for incoming first-year students, transfer, and current students. These include the Presidential Scholarship, the TU Academic Scholarship, the TU Commitment Award, and the International Leadership Scholarship.
#9. Stanford
Stanford is a school that serves 7,087 undergrads. The school has over 22 varsity teams (including the Cardinals). Some Stanford athletes may qualify for full-ride scholarships. Full rides may pay tuition, fees, room, board, textbooks, and residence hall dues.
Apart from these, there may be academic scholarships. Many CA residents may qualify for the Cal Grant Program as well.
#10. Auburn
Auburn University is a land, sea and space grant university. The Auburn Tigers is a member of the Southeastern Conference, competes at the NCAA Division I and seversl representations by 19 varsity teams in 13 sports. Auburn University earned championships in women’s golf.
The athletics department, Auburn University enables student-athletes to be successful in all areas of their lives, athletics, academics and personal endeavours, both now and in their future careers, by providing them with the best resources available in academics, facilities and coaching.
Auburn athletics department receives the Jim McKay Scholarship, awarded by the NCAA to college athletes who demonstrate achievement in sports communication or public relations or hope to contribute to the field.
#10. Arizona State University
The Sun Devils men’s and women’s golf teams are among the most successful in the NCAA.
The men’s golf team has bagged 20 conference and six NCAA regional championships. The women’s golf team, on the other hand, bagged eight national championships.
To become a Sun Devil golfer is easier by becoming an ASU student-athlete on a scholarship. These scholarship programs are open to newcomers, transfer students, and current students who maintain outstanding academic records and demonstrate leadership potential.
The Larry Novak Memorial Golf Scholarship is only available to full-time students majoring in Professional Golf Management.
The amount varies depending on available funding, and it’s awarded based on financial need. The requirements are at least a 3.0 GPA and full-time enrollment.
#11. California’s National University
New golf management students at California’s National University may apply for a $2,500 Associate of Science in Professional Golf Management scholarship. Students must be accepted into the university’s program and may apply the scholarship funds toward the tuition costs of their first and last courses.
National University is proud to offer the Opportunity Scholarship, a need- and program-based award designed to reduce the cost of undergraduate tuition, ease financial stress, and make earning your degree more achievable.
#12. Michigan Ferris University
Michigan’s Ferris State University offers a $1,500 Marriot Golf Scholarship to sophomores, juniors and seniors in the school’s golf management program. Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
Captains of the men’s and women’s golf teams — if they have a 2.0 GPA — may apply for the school’s $250 Marty Lass Golf Captains Scholarship.
Conclusion
Student-athletes seeking an athletic scholarship need to stay on top of their recruiting. Most importantly, they should build a strong online profile, reach out to college coaches and attend tournaments, especially multiple-day tournaments, where they can rank nationally.
