Ernie Bendzak at Winged Foot Golf Club

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) has awarded scholarships to 17 college students as part of the GCSAA Scholars Program administered by GCSAA’s philanthropic organization, The Environmental Institute for Golf. Penn State students received 4 of these awards totaling $6,000.  The Penn State Award winners were:

• Mike McNamara, Penn State University (World Campus), $2,500
• Martin Sǿrensen, Penn State University (Golf Course Turfgrass Management), $1,500
• Ernie Bendzak, Penn State University (Golf Course Turfgrass Management), $1,500
• Tim Kelly, Penn State University (Golf Course Turfgrass Management), $500

The GCSAA Scholars Program, funded by the Robert Trent Jones Endowment, was developed to recognize outstanding students planning careers in golf course management. Winners were selected to receive scholarship awards based on the final ranking in a competition judged by GCSAA’s Scholarship Committee. Factors considered were academic achievement, potential to become a leading professional, employment history, extracurricular activities, and recommendations from a superintendent with whom the student has worked and a current academic advisor.

GCSAA is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 20,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org.

Get the full list of scholarship winners here.