There are many ways in which young golfers can enjoy golf whilst they are studying and also go on to establish a career within the game. There are bursaries available to low handicap student golfers at an increasing number of universities and colleges, some of which are funded by the institutions themselves and some of which are awarded by the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A).
It is important that youngsters are given the opportunity to continue their education and obtain whatever qualifications they set out to achieve. Even the most talented junior golfers should consider their options to ensure that they have a back up plan if their golfing aspirations don’t come to fruition.
The following information is taken from the EGU/ELGA publication entitled ‘Education & Careers in Golf: A comprehensive guide to playing golf whilst studying and the opportunities available for a career within golf’ (this publication is available from the EGU at www.englishgolfunion.org or telephone 01526 354500).
The publication
The main part of the Education and Careers booklet consists of entries from the universities/colleges themselves, however it has been divided into further sections to make it more user-friendly:
- University and college information.
- Financial help for student golfers.
- Studying at an American university.
- Careers in golf and player development.
- Frequently asked questions.
This booklet has been compiled by the EGU and ELGA, however it is not an exhaustive document and whilst every effort has been made to obtain accurate and up to date information this cannot be guaranteed. Readers should always contact the university or college direct for the most up to date information.
University and college information
The booklet contains the following information on universities and colleges:
- Quick reference guide of universities and colleges.
- Universities offering R&A bursaries.
- Universities offering golf related studies.
- Colleges offering golf related studies.
- Universities and colleges offering leisure/sports courses.
- Details of Specialist Sports Colleges.
- Details about the British Universities Sports Association (BUSA).
- College Golf Championships.
Financial help for student golfers
There are a number of funding opportunities available for student golfers, including financial support to talented golfers that are part of English national squads.
The booklet highlights the following areas:
- R&A bursary scheme – bursaries awarded by universities and colleges and individual bursaries – www.randa.org
- Universities and colleges with sports scholarships open to all sports.
National Governing Body (NGB) scholarships and support (EGU & ELGA). - Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) – a Government funded programme to assist UK elite sportsmen and women to develop their sporting skills whilst in higher or further education in England – www.tass.gov.uk
- Sports Aid – to help aspire young sportsmen and women through the generous support of individuals, corporate partners and other grant-giving trusts – www.sportsaid.org.uk
- The Rules of Amateur status (R&A) – www.randa.org
Studying at an American University
There are over 3,000 institutions in America with in excess of 600 programmes that offer a liberal arts education of variety, flexibility and academic quality. More than 1,200 of these institutions have competitive golf programmes for men and women and many schools offer golf scholarships to accomplished players.
The Educational Advisory Service (EAS) of The US-UK Fulbright Commission, funded by the American Government aims to help students make informed decisions from the wealth of choice and is the primary source of information in the UK on US education.
Resources include: Beginners Guide to Undergraduate Study in the USA; A Few Things to Know Before You Go; A pre-departure guide, published by EAS;
Universities in the USA: The UK Guide to US Universities. A guide to a selection of US universities. Information sheets on athletic scholarships, gap year opportunities, US colleges in the UK and temporary work exchange schemes.
Contact: US Educational Advisory Service, The Fulbright Commission, Fulbright House, 62 Doughty Street, London WC1N 2JZ
www.fulbright.co.uk
English Golf Union www.englishgolfunion.org
English Ladies Golf Association www.englishladiesgolf.org