Scholarship FAQs
Questions About the Scholarship Application Process?
We’re here to help! Here’s a list of the most frequently asked questions regarding the PGA Financial Assistance Fund. If you have any additional questions, please contact us directly.
What is the PGA Financial Assistance Fund?
It provides college scholarships for children and grandchildren of PGA Members.
How do I apply?
The PGA Financial Assistance Fund Scholarship application is accessible online at PGA.org. You will need the PGA Member’s ID number to access the application.
Who can apply?
High school seniors and college students with a cumulative GPA of 3.4 (unweighted) or higher and who are the children or grandchildren of a PGA Class “A” Member in good standing.
Do I have to play golf to be eligible for a scholarship?
No. The PGA Financial Assistance Fund Scholarship is based on academics, activities and merit.
What is the scholarship amount(s)?
There are two scholarships, the PGA Financial Assistance Fund Scholarship and the John Cox Scholarship. The PGA Financial Assistance Fund Scholarship is in the amount of $2000. The John Cox Scholarship is in the amount of $5000 and is for college students only. The online scholarship application is used for both scholarships.
Can I use the scholarship money for a trade school?
The scholarship money is for attending a traditional college to earn an associates or a baccalaureate degree.
How are the scholarship dollars disbursed?
Your check will be made payable to your institution listed on your My Profile page only. Your scholarship check cannot be made payable to you, the applicant. The check will be mailed to your home address so that you may deliver it to the correct office at your institution. You will receive an email notification once your funds have been issued.
Do I have to submit an essay or personal references?
No, an essay or personal references are not needed.
What are “supporting documents”?
- ACT/SAT Test Scores: Upcoming College Freshmen only.
- High School Transcript: Upcoming College Freshmen only.
- College/University Transcript: Upcoming College Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors only.
- 2020-21 FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR) Required for applicants who opt-in for financial consideration.
What does it mean “official” school transcript?
An official transcript is one from the school.
How many scholarships are awarded?
The number varies. It is dependent on the availability of funds and IRS guidelines concerning private scholarship foundations.
How is it decided which student gets a scholarship?
Scholarships are awarded at the discretion of the PGA Scholarship Committee.
When and how will I know if I am selected to receive a scholarship?
The scholarship recipients are announced in June. Selection results notifications are sent to all Complete applicants.
What happens to the scholarship money if I leave school after the fall semester?
The school has to send the remaining scholarship dollars back to the PGA of America.
I am planning to attend graduate school. Can I apply for the PGA Financial Assistance Fund Scholarship?
The scholarship is for first four years only. No graduate studies or 5th year under-graduate.
Do I have to apply every year?
Yes. All students need to reapply every year.
Can I receive a scholarship every year while I am in college?
No. The maximum number of scholarships a student can receive is two.
Why do I have to submit a photo?
Your photo is needed because it will be used in several of the PGA's communication vehicles. The John Cox Scholarship recipients' photos and all the names of the scholarship recipients will be listed in a fall issue of the PGA Magazine and online at pgamagazinedigital.com, the digital edition of PGA Magazine. Photographs of all scholarship recipients will appear on PGA.org and PGAmagazine.com.
I have applied for a scholarship before and didn’t receive one. Should I still apply?
Yes. Every year presents an entirely new opportunity, as the applicant pool will change and potentially be less qualified. The required criteria of this application will automatically rank the applicants in terms of who is best qualified to receive a scholarship. The rankings are automated by the criteria (test scores, GPA, activities).
When should I submit my school transcript?
You should submit your school transcript after the fall semester and before the deadline. The official transcript should have your first semester grades. Generally students will request their transcript be sent to the PGA after the New Year. That way the transcript has the first semester grades and the student’s current class schedule.
I’m a college student. Do I have to get my SAT and/or ACT scores sent to the PGA?
No. Only high school students have to have the College Board or ACT submit their test scores.