PELHAM, Ala. (May 1, 2020) – For the past few years the Alabama–NW Florida Golf Foundation has gone through numerous changes to its bylaws, updated the mission and vision statements to encompass a broader group of individuals and rebranded as the Section’s charitable arm for golf in the state of Alabama and the Florida Panhandle.
Today the Foundation announced it is entering into a new venture for the betterment of junior golfers, students and PGA Professionals through the formation of its Scholarship Program. Included in the 2020 program is the PGA Professional Family Scholarship and the Junior Golf / Junior Tour Scholarship. Both scholarships will be awarded to any recent high school graduate or current college student who fit the eligibility guidelines.
Traditionally, the Foundation has focused its efforts in developing programs like the Section’s Junior Tour, PGA Jr. League and Drive, Chip & Putt. By implementing the PGA Professional Family Scholarship, the Foundation will create a more tangible connection between it and the Alabama–NW Florida PGA Section’s Membership.
“Since its inception, the Foundation has focused its efforts threefold – by engaging junior golfers, military communities and diverse populations. Today we get to introduce another piece to that mission by including PGA Professionals and their families in this dream of creating life-changing opportunities,” says Foundation President, Eric Eshleman, PGA. “After months of organizing, I’m elated to share our Scholarship Program has become a reality. We look forward to expanding these efforts in the years to come.”
“PGA Professionals are on the front lines of making this game special for thousands across the state of Alabama and the Florida Panhandle,” adds Alabama–NW Florida PGA Executive Director, Bart Rottier. “Including them and their families in this scholarship program was a no-brainer for us because of what they do, day-in and day-out, for the game of golf. We exist as a Section to support our PGA Professionals, and we want our Foundation to be a key piece to these efforts.”
Since its creation, the Alabama–NW Florida PGA Junior Tour has been primarily supported through the Foundation. “We wanted to honor our Junior Tour Membership – past, present and future – by developing a scholarship special to them,” says Hayden Lewis, PGA, Manager of Communications & Foundation Development. “We hope this Program creates new opportunities for deserving students who excel in their communities and classrooms while also sharing a love for the game of golf.”
Additional information and applications for the 2020 Scholarship Program are now available HERE. To apply for a 2020 Alabama–NW Florida Golf Foundation Scholarship students can download an application and fill out all required criteria. Completed applications must be submitted to the Section office by Monday, June 1, 2020 at 5:00 PM.
###
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 ALABAMA–NW FLORIDA PGA
The Alabama – NW Florida PGA is one of 41 Sections that make up the PGA of America. Our Section is headquartered in the Birmingham suburb of Pelham, Alabama at Ballantrae Golf Club. Established in 1969, the Section consists of over 400 Members and Associates in the state of Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. The Section exists to support its Members who are the driving force to growing the sport and business of golf.