PELHAM, Ala. (July 1, 2020) – The Alabama–NW Florida Golf Foundation is excited to announce the inaugural class of recipients for its Scholarship Program. The announcement was made back in May sharing this great new venture the Foundation would be undertaking. “This new Scholarship Program truly is symbolic to us – in more ways than one,” says Foundation President, Eric Eshleman. “Not only are we tapping into a long-awaited dream of ours, but we get to honor our own people and expand deeper on this narrative we’ve been telling for the last three years.”
The 2020 class of winners is headlined by four outstanding students. Each submitting impressive applications which showcased their drive, accomplishment and, arguably most important, their dreams. In total, the Alabama–NW Florida Golf Foundation awarded $7,500 to these deserving recipients. See below to learn more about their stories:
Riley Hamilton – 2020 PGA Family Scholarship Recipient
Daughter of Wade Hamilton, PGA Director of Golf at Montgomery Country Club, Riley is entering her Junior year at the University of Southern Mississippi. Riley plans to enroll in USM’s nursing program beginning in the spring of 2021 and hopes to work and gain experience as an ICU nurse. Eventually, she would like to work her way towards becoming certified as a Registered Nurse Anesthetist. Riley is currently involved in the Luckyday Scholars Program at USM, a competitive service-based program for undergraduates aimed to teach servant leadership and provides opportunities to get involved in the communities throughout Mississippi. Finally, Riley also participates in EagleTHON, a student-led, nonprofit organization at USM that helps raise money for local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
Angus Bates – 2020 PGA Family Scholarship Recipient
Son of PGA Tour Champions player, Ben Bates who now also serves at Marcus Pointe Golf Club in Pensacola, Angus says he has been around the game since a very young age. “Golf has introduced me to some of my greatest friends,” says Bates. “It shows me the importance of being able to connect with people – I am grateful for golf in that it has shaped me into the person I am today.” Angus will be starting his Junior year at the University of West Florida this fall where he has already received multiple scholarships and accolades. After he graduates, Angus plans to enroll in medical school to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor.
Kyle Medendorp – 2020 Junior Tour Scholarship Recipient
A member of the 2020 Hartselle High School graduating class, Kyle will enter into his Freshman year this fall at the University of Alabama in Huntsville to pursue a degree in engineering. “I see engineering as a way to effectively change the world around me,” says Kyle. “Upon graduation, I plan on remaining in the Hartselle area to offer my services locally because I understand the positive impact of paying it forward to the community I grew up.” A stand-out student, boasting a GPA of 3.96 and finishing in the top-ten of his two-hundred and fifty-person class, Kyle also participated on his high school cross country, track and golf teams. Kyle was a Member of the Alabama–NW Florida PGA Junior Tour in 2017 and 2018 where he finished in the top three of his age division a remarkable seven times.
Jack Wert – 2020 Junior Tour Scholarship Recipient
A Junior Tour Member for the 2019 season, and the son of PGA Member Doug Wert, Regional League Manager for the PGA of America, Jack graduated from Oxford High School in 2020 finishing with an astounding 4.20 GPA. Jack will be heading to Auburn University this fall to pursue his dream of becoming an ophthalmologist or an orthopedic surgeon. “Golf has taught me that it’s important to keep a positive mindset – whenever you have a bad hole, you have to keep pressing forward,” says Jack. “The same is true for life, whenever you fail you can’t give up. The failures in life are lessons to be learned.” Jack was involved in the Oxford High School Ambassadors program where he led school tours and assisted at other school functions. On top of several academic and extracurricular honors, he was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout by the Boy Scouts of America, participated in Special Olympics Fundraisers and other activities for individuals with special needs.
The Alabama–NW Florida Golf Foundation is honored to celebrate these four individuals as the inaugural class of its Scholarship Program. As the Foundation continues to grow and expand, so too do our dreams for what the future of golf and communities can look like in Alabama and the Florida Panhandle – we feel the future of it is in very good hands.
Media Contact: Hayden Lewis, PGA | hlewis@pgahq.com
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ABOUT THE ALABAMA–NW FLORIDA GOLF FOUNDATION
The mission of the Alabama – NW Florida Golf Foundation is to positively impact the lives of those who reside in the state of Alabama and the Florida Panhandle through community outreaches, programs and initiatives the game of golf provides. The Foundation has three (3) main areas it will focus is programming and outreach on – these include engaging youth, military communities and diverse populations with the PGA Section. Our dream: create life-changing opportunities through the game of golf.
ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The purpose of the Alabama–NW Florida Golf Foundation Scholarship Program is to encourage and promote the attainment of higher education goals for youth who have demonstrated a high level of achievement during high school or college, have financial need and have shown an interest in the game of golf.