Launched last year, the scholarship is a collaboration between The R&A Foundation and The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. The programme not only includes financial support for young individuals keen to commit their talents and energies to the future of golf, but connects them to other like-minded individuals and to The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews through mentorship from its members.
The club’s support for The Royal and Ancient Golf Club Scholarship saw a first cohort of ten young men and women chosen though the inaugural programme last year, allowing the scholars to make the most of opportunities previously out of their reach.
The 2024 scholars – who hail from a wide range of countries, including Canada, France, India, Ukraine, the UK and the USA – will connect to their mentors and also gather together in St Andrews at the first leadership conference later this year.
For the chance to be part of the 2025 Scholarship cohort, the closing date for applications is March 12th. Those aged between 18 and 29 on 1 September 2025, are enrolled or will be enrolling in a nationally recognised academic or vocational qualification and can demonstrate an exceptional commitment to and active engagement in golf, are eligible to apply.
The scholarship programme consists of five key elements of support:
1. A bursary of up to £10,000 per year for educational costs.
2. A bursary of up to £5,000 per year for golf related costs.
3. Mentorship from within The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews’ membership.
4. Membership of a peer support network of Scholars.
5. A leadership conference in St Andrews.
Collectively, these five elements enable those enlisted on the programme to overcome any financial obstacles, while providing the expert guidance, lifelong connections and experience of excellence to inspire and equip the next generation of golf leaders around the world.
Jackie Davidson, Director – Golf Education at The R&A, said: “Over 200 applications from across the world were received for The Royal and Ancient Golf Club Scholarship in 2024. That is testament to the appeal of this new scholarship and the incredible opportunity it provides young people keen to commit their talents and energies to the future of golf.
“We were impressed by how our final round candidates represented themselves, and their leadership, ambition and intent rang loud and clear. We now look forward to new candidates applying to the scholarship programme from all across the world in 2025.”