(Fairborn, OH) – The Southern Ohio PGA, through PGA REACH Southern Ohio, in conjunction with the PGA of America, is happy to announce that 13 scholarships have been awarded this year to the children and grandchildren of PGA Members in Southern Ohio.

“We are so incredibly proud of our PGA of America Professionals and the outstanding academic success displayed by their families,” noted Brian Jones, President of the PGA REACH Southern Ohio Foundation. “Fostering these student’s continued growth through the PGA REACH Southern Ohio scholarship program is one of the many ways we support our community through the game of golf.”

13 Southern Ohio PGA students applied for the PGA Financial Assistance Fund Scholarship Program this year. The PGA Financial Assistance Fund was established in 1986 with the goal of providing college scholarships to the children and grandchildren of PGA Members based on academic achievement. Six students have been named recipients of a PGA of America Scholarship. Seven students have been named recipients of a Southern Ohio PGA Scholarship, funded through the PGA REACH Southern Ohio Foundation.

Three additional scholarships were awarded to Southern Ohio PGA Junior Tour alumni.  The 2024 Southern Ohio PGA Junior Golf Scholarships are awarded to one male and one female athlete who participated in SOPGA Junior Golf programs. Each scholarship will award $4,000, given annually to each recipient, while they continue to obtain further education.  PGA Reach Southern Ohio is also excited to introduce the Ohio Women’s Open Scholarship, which will be given annually through the Ohio Women’s Open to a deserving young woman. The scholarship will be based on academic performance, extracurricular activities, and community involvement.

The Southern Ohio PGA Scholarships are made possible through fundraising efforts like the Play Yellow Birdie Bash and annual giving to the foundation. $22,000, awarded to Southern Ohio PGA students for the 2024-2025 school year.

PGA of America Scholarships
PGA Scholarship – $2,000

Taylor Blackburn – Freshman, Ohio Northern University
Bill Blackburn, PGA; Parent

Aleigha Crispin- Freshman, University of Cincinnati
Major Crispin , PGA; Parent

Lorien Crispin – Junior, University of Dayton
Major Crispin, PGA; Parent

Ryan Murphy – Senior, Capital University
Michael Murphy, PGA; Parent

Belle Scholles – Junior, Northern Kentucky University
Greg Scholles, PGA; Parent

Jordan Sowards – Senior, Arizona State University
Bob Sowards, PGA; Parent

PGA REACH Southern Ohio Scholarships
Southern Ohio PGA Scholarship – $1,000

Carlyn Andrews – Sophomore, Ohio University
Anthony Andrews, PGA; Parent

Carly Armour – Freshman, Ohio State University
Justin Armour, PGA; Parent

Ellie Arthur – Sophomore, The University of Tampa
Sean Arthur, PGA: Parent

Taylor Bahr – Sophomore, Ohio State University
David Bahr, PGA; Parent

Madi Gates – Freshman, Furman University
Daniel Gates, PGA; Parent

Katharine Luke – Sophomore, Bowling Green State University
Cory Luke, PGA; Parent

Adam Murphy – Junior, Capital University
Michael Murphy, PGA; Parent

Southern Ohio Junior Golf Scholarships

$4,000 (Awarded annually in $1,000 increments) 
Ally Turner – Miamisburg
Ohio University

Zach Hartley – Centerville
Sinclair Community College

Ohio Women’s Open Scholarship

$1,000 
Alayna Meyer – Bellbrook
Otterbein University

About the PGA REACH Southern Ohio Foundation

Established in 2010, the PGA REACH Southern Ohio Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the philanthropic arm of the Southern Ohio PGA Section, one of the 41 sections in the PGA of America. The Foundation is committed to serving our communities and growing the game of golf through our three pillars – Youth, Military, and Diversity & Inclusion.