Golf is open to all
R&A Foundation
Applications open for the third year of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club Scholarship
11 Dec 25
4 mins
The R&A Foundation has today announced that applications are now officially open for the third year of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club Scholarship, a programme created to identify, empower and nurture the next generation of golf’s leaders.
Launched in 2023 in partnership with The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, the Scholarship supports young people who are committed to shaping the future of the sport through administration, research, coaching, sustainability or other pathways contributing to golf’s long-term success. Now entering its third year, the programme continues to expand its impact, offering a blend of financial support, professional development and mentorship from Members of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. The programme is open to individuals aged 18-29 who demonstrate both passion for golf and the drive to make a meaningful contribution to the sport. Scholars receive a comprehensive package of support:- Up to £10,000 per year towards their educational costs
- Up to £5,000 per year to support their golf-related activities
- Mentorship from within The Royal and Ancient Golf Club membership
- Access to a peer support network of fellow Scholars
- An invitation to the Scholars Conference in St Andrews each year they are studying, where all new and current Scholars will meet
Watch: Learn more about our scholarship programme and what it means to our Scholars.
Together, these five elements form the unique programme, enabling Scholars to overcome any financial barriers, while providing the expert guidance, lifelong connections and experience of excellence to inspire and equip the next generation of golf leaders around the world.
Since its inception, the programme has welcomed 21 young people from 12 countries across five continents and supports young people from around the world with a wide range of interests. Ranging from agronomy and club management to coaching, sports medicine, golf development and entrepreneurship, reflecting the diverse nature of golf and the many pathways through which young people contribute to the sport.
Caroline Wallard, Director of Philanthropy at The R&A, said, “Since the launch of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club Scholarship, The R&A Foundation has proudly supported Scholars from all corners of the world, ranging from Nepal to New Zealand, Spain to Kenya and from Great Britain and Ireland to the USA and Canada. Each has brought their own expertise to the programme and contributed considerably to the sport.
“Each year we see remarkable energy, creativity and ambition from applicants who have a passion for the future of golf and this scholarship offers a unique opportunity to grow, learn and contribute to the sport in so many ways. We look forward to hearing from those individuals who are ready to take that next step in their journey.”
Since its inception, the programme has welcomed 21 young people from 12 countries across five continents and supports young people from around the world with a wide range of interests. Ranging from agronomy and club management to coaching, sports medicine, golf development and entrepreneurship, reflecting the diverse nature of golf and the many pathways through which young people contribute to the sport.
Caroline Wallard, Director of Philanthropy at The R&A, said, “Since the launch of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club Scholarship, The R&A Foundation has proudly supported Scholars from all corners of the world, ranging from Nepal to New Zealand, Spain to Kenya and from Great Britain and Ireland to the USA and Canada. Each has brought their own expertise to the programme and contributed considerably to the sport.
“Each year we see remarkable energy, creativity and ambition from applicants who have a passion for the future of golf and this scholarship offers a unique opportunity to grow, learn and contribute to the sport in so many ways. We look forward to hearing from those individuals who are ready to take that next step in their journey.”
Kashmira Shah (left) hopes to grow the game of golf in her native Nepal.
One Scholar who has already benefited from the Scholarship is Kashmira Shah from Nepal. Living just 100 yards from the sixth green of Royal Nepal Golf Club, Kashmira grew up watching others enjoy the game. Through a free clinic organised by the Nepal Golf Association, she developed a passion for golf and has since represented Nepal nationally in the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific championship (WAAP) and the Asian Games.
Kashmira has ambitious plans to grow golf in Nepal with a special focus on developing the women’s game. This scholarship has enabled her to pursue a Master’s degree in Golf Management before embarking on a career in Club Management, where she aims to create programmes that increase diversity.
Talking about the Scholarship, Kashmira Shah said, "This Scholarship means everything to me. "Golf has been with me through every high and low, and it's my everything. Whatever I am today it's because of golf and with this opportunity I hope to give back to the game in Nepal, especially by growing women’s golf and providing all the necessary things needed as a female player. I also want to inspire young generations to follow their dreams and seek opportunities to grow and give back".
Applications are now open and will close on Wednesday 4 February 2026. More details can be found by visiting The Royal and Ancient Golf Club Scholarship webpage.
Talking about the Scholarship, Kashmira Shah said, "This Scholarship means everything to me. "Golf has been with me through every high and low, and it's my everything. Whatever I am today it's because of golf and with this opportunity I hope to give back to the game in Nepal, especially by growing women’s golf and providing all the necessary things needed as a female player. I also want to inspire young generations to follow their dreams and seek opportunities to grow and give back".
Applications are now open and will close on Wednesday 4 February 2026. More details can be found by visiting The Royal and Ancient Golf Club Scholarship webpage.