St Andrews, Scotland: Eleven outstanding young people from across the globe have been selected as recipients of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club Scholarship, as part of the programme’s third cohort. 

The scholarship programme is designed to identify, support and develop emerging leaders who are committed to shaping the future of golf through innovation, inclusion and expertise across a wide range of disciplines within the sport. 

Chosen from a highly competitive international application process, the 2026 Scholars represent a diverse range of specialisms that will help golf’s continued growth and evolution in years to come, including golf development, agronomy and sustainability, equipment design, data analytics, club management, golf course architecture, coaching, business and technology, sport psychology and partnerships and health. 

This year’s cohort also highlights the expanding global reach of the programme, with Scholars representing Ghana, Tanzania, China and Romania for the first time, alongside Australia, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States. 

Each Scholar will receive a comprehensive support package designed to advance their personal and professional development within golf, including:

• Up to £10,000 per year towards educational costs.
• Up to £5,000 per year to support golf-related activities.
• Mentorship from a Member of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.
• Access to a peer support network of current and former Scholars.
• An invitation to an annual leadership conference in St Andrews, bringing together Scholars from across all cohorts.

Funded entirely by Members of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, the scholarship reflects the club’s on-going commitment to supporting talented young people who aspire to make an impact on golf around the world. 

Unique to the programme is the mentorship and guidance Scholars receive from Members of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, alongside the peer support network that has been created between Scholars across all three cohorts.  

Martin Hattrell, Chairman of The R&A, said: “As the Scholarship Programme enters its third year, we are extremely proud of the progress it continues to make and of the positive impact our Scholars are already having across the sport. Members of our first and second cohorts have gone on to achieve remarkable things, underlining the importance of investing in talented young people who are passionate about the future of golf. 

“The programme plays an important role in identifying and supporting the next generation of leaders who will help shape, unite and inspire the sport around the world. This year’s cohort once again reflects a diverse and impressive range of expertise and perspectives, spanning sustainability, technology, coaching, golf development and player well-being. Many congratulations to all of the 2026 Scholars. I wish them every success for the future.”

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club Scholarship is an important part of The R&A Foundation’s mission to provide opportunities for people to reach their potential for – and through – golf.

Scholars are selected for their leadership potential, vision and commitment to making a positive contribution to the sport and its communities. The third cohort will gather in St Andrews this year for the programme’s annual leadership and networking conference, where they will connect with Members of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, industry leaders and fellow Scholars from previous cohorts.