St Andrews, Scotland: The R&A Foundation, in partnership with The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, are in the process of recruiting for Cohort 2 of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club Scholarship.

“The Royal and Ancient Golf Club Scholarship has been designed to provide a unique opportunity for up to 12 talented individuals to fulfil their career ambitions, by participating in this potentially life-changing, leadership-focused experience. We are looking to attract candidates from all across the golf industry,” said a spokesperson for the initiative.

“As with all the work of The R&A Foundation, we are recognising our responsibility and commitment to the game of golf, to ensure that it will be thriving 50 years from now,” added the spokesperson.

The scholarship programme, funded through The R&A Foundation, by Club members, offers funding but also the chance to be connected to a community of people who share their passion about the future of the game.

Through mentorship, education and training, the programme will help these individuals to enhance their skills and knowledge, enabling them to become the next generation of leaders.

“Whether as future agronomists, coaches, engineers, executives or innovators, our scholars will serve as golf’s ambassadors, defining the future of the game both on and off the course.

“The initiative is not designed to support elite amateur players during their studies, as The R&A Foundation Scholarship already excels in this mission, but rather to help create the strongest possible foundation for our sport as a whole,” said the spokesperson.

The programme will be promoted through The R&A’s broad global network of affiliates and other connections.

Applicants should be aged between 18 and 29, who already have an active interest in golf and can demonstrate exceptional commitment and contributions to the game, particularly those who: 

• Have ambitions to contribute significantly to golf throughout their lives, including candidates interested in industry-specific education, for example – club management, agronomy, sports medicine, journalism or technology and equipment manufacturing.
• Volunteer actively within the golf community.
• Demonstrate resilience in overcoming challenges or adversity.
• Serve as role models for their peers, friends and the younger generation who look up to them by showcasing determination, aptitude and leadership.

The Scholarship Guidelines, some answers to frequently asked questions and details of how to apply can be found on The R&A website. A link to The R&A post on LinkedIn can be found here.

The deadline for applications is noon (GMT) on Wednesday, March 12.