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R&A Foundation
Empowering golf’s next leaders: Apply for The Royal and Ancient Golf Club Scholarship
15 Jan 26
3 mins
The enterprising, energetic and entrepreneurial recipients of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club Scholarship come from a wide variety of backgrounds but they are united through a passion for the game’s values and traditions as well as a deep appreciation of a programme which is helping to nurture the next generation of industry leaders.
Established in 2023 through a collaboration between The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and The R&A Foundation, the programme provides both financial support and professional development, and uniquely mentorship from a Member of the Club. “I found out about the Scholarship through Instagram, that’s how teens get their news,” said Sarah Brannigan, who was one of first ten recipients of the Scholarship when it was launched. "When I saw it I thought it was too good to be true. Having a formalised mentor for the first time in my life really drew me to the programme.” Sarah was introduced to golf through a First Tee programme in the Bronx, New York and was inspired to set up a girls’ caddie initiative, 'She Can Carry', at her home club.“Golf is so much more than playing, it’s about helping to support others."
Sarah Brannigan
The Royal and Ancient Club scholar“My first job was at Westchester Country Club on the tram driving players from the range to the tee,” she reflected. “But I had a longing to be on the course. I had the chance to be the first female caddie and I immediately said ‘yes’.
“I wanted to give other girls in my neighbourhood that chance. Golf is so much more than playing, it’s about helping to support others. One of the big things in my life is taking advantage of every opportunity that’s in front of you but also creating opportunities for the people behind you.
“Golf has been my outlet to do that and I’m so grateful for the support from the Scholarship.”
Scholarship blends history while looking to the future
From “life changing” and “motivating” to “collaborative” and “inspiring”, the testimonials from those already involved in the programme speak volumes for the unique value of the Scholarship and its comprehensive package of support. “The Scholarship for me was a great opportunity to network with people I would never have had the chance to meet,” said James Harris, who was among the first cohort of scholars and is now thriving as the Golf Services Manager at Yas Acres Golf and Country Club in Abu Dhabi. “It gives young people the opportunity to do things academically and financially that they couldn’t have done before.” The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, as its name suggests, may be steeped in history, but it continues to move with the times while embracing the trends of a rapidly evolving world. “The Royal and Ancient Golf Club Scholarship gives me every single tool I need to achieve my full potential as a leader,” said Spain’s Jaime Canal Campos, who was part of the second cohort of scholars and is advancing his work in the field of sustainable greenkeeping and agronomy. With applications coming from all corners of the globe, competition for places remains fierce. The rewards, however, are considerable for those chosen from a lengthy list of impressive candidates."Applying was one of the best decisions I have made in my career so far."
Atirath Deb Roy
India“It’s a small sacrifice to put in some hard work on an application for something that, ultimately, can give you so much,” said Tim Manzello, a young golfing entrepreneur with ambitions to develop his own apparel and equipment range.
“It’s worth 100 times more than what you put in. I could sit here for hours and tell people about the benefits. There’s not a proper way for me to say, ‘thank you’.”
Applications open
In addition to the significant benefits of financial assistance, mentorship and leadership development, the opportunity to meet kindred spirits, and share experiences and aspirations, is another key element of this multi-layered Scholarship. “It brings together a niche group of people who probably wouldn’t have known each other,” added Manzello, as he urged others to embark on the application process. “Golf’s core principles are built on values that people should live their lives by. That’s why golf matters to me. It’s helped me build relationships with people who share the same values as myself. “Some people in this programme will go on to be big time, successful people one day. Those are some great connections to have.” Applications for The Royal and Ancient Scholarship close on Wednesday 4 February, so there is still plenty of time to register you interest. As Scholar Atirath Deb Roy from India, who is studying golf management said, “Applying was one of the best decisions I have made in my career so far. I recognised the Scholarship was much more than just financial support - it was a pathway to joining a global network of people who share the same love for the game and its values.” To find out more information and to apply, visit The Royal and Ancient Club of St Andrews Scholarship page.Watch: Learn more about our scholarship programme and what it means to our Scholars.