Golf is open to all
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club Scholarship
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club Scholarship supports young people from around the world with the passion and potential to shape the future of golf.
Established in 2023 through a collaboration between The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and The R&A Foundation, the programme offers not only financial support and professional development, but mentorship from a member of the Club. Read on to find out more about the The Royal and Ancient Golf Club Scholarship or click here to apply for the 2026 programme.Watch: Learn more about our scholarship programme and what it means to our Scholars.
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club Scholarship is open to young individuals aged between 18 to 29 years-old and consists of five elements of support:
- A bursary of up to £10,000 per year for educational costs
- A bursary of up to £5,000 per year to facilitate career development experience within the golfing world alongside studies or training
- Mentorship from within The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews’ membership,
- Membership of a global peer support network of Scholars past and present
- Leadership development – a year of virtual leadership training and skills development workshops culminating in the week long Scholars Conference in St Andrews
Meet the Scholars
In its first two years, 21 Scholars have been selected from over 500 applications representing 12 countries. They have a wide variety of interests, spanning agronomy, club management, coaching, sports medicine, golf development, championship staging and entrepreneurship.
St Andrews Scholars Conference
The inaugural Scholars Conference took place in St Andrews in August 2025, marking the first time both cohorts gathered in person for the first time.
Our scholars share their views on our mentorship programme.
Scholars took part in a week-long programme designed to challenge and inspire. Days 1-4 focused on personal development, leadership workshops, alongside industry talks and professional insights. The week culminated with Scholars spending time with Club Members at a drinks reception and dinner in the Clubhouse, and golf on the Eden and New Courses with Mentors and other Club Members.
2026 Applications
Applications for the 2026 Scholarship are now open.
Thinking about applying? Click below to view our candidate brochure or to begin your application.
Applications close on Wednesday 4 February.
Thinking about applying? Click below to view our candidate brochure or to begin your application.
Applications close on Wednesday 4 February.
How to apply
Watch: Find out about our application process from our scholars.
Mentoring Programme
The relationship between Scholars and their Mentors is what makes The Royal and Ancient Golf Club Scholarship such a unique opportunity. Every Scholar is matched with a Club Member who shares their interests and can offer insight, introductions and encouragement.
Both Scholar and Mentor benefit from this connection. Mentoring offers the chance to share the wisdom of experience and open doors to new opportunities. For Scholars it means having a trusted sounding board and a guide to navigating challenges.
