WA Golf News September 11, 2025

Washington Golf Foundation offers three new programs to support youth golf

The WA Golf Foundation is proud to introduce three new opportunities for 2026, the Andrew Putnam Scholarship among them.

Since its launching in November 2022, the Washington Golf Foundation has led dedicated efforts to foster and advance the growth of the game in Washington, by supporting initiatives and programs that enrich and unite the golf community. As that mission continues, the Foundation is proud to offer three additional scholarship and grant opportunities for 2026 – The Andrew Putnam Scholarship, Future Fairways Scholarship and Junior Golf Opportunity Grant – all aiming to provide financial support to some of the region’s most passionate and committed young players. The Andrew Putnam Scholarship reflects Tacoma native and PGA TOUR player Andrew Putnam’s long-term commitment to serving junior golf and his deep connection to the region. The scholarship offers financial support to a standout junior player from Washington who demonstrates not only golf talent and financial need but also strong character and community engagement. For 2026, two $2,500 awards will be given to players aged 10-17, who exhibit a financial need, demonstrate academic achievement and sportsmanship, and have strong golf tournament results in addition to a passion for the game.

Andrew Putnam and kids at Family Golf Day — Tacoma's Andrew Putnam has long been committed to giving back to youth golf.

“We want young people to see golf not just as a sport, but as a pathway,” said Putnam, a Foundation board member, of how his program fits within the Foundation’s goals. “We want to provide opportunity to those who show promise, and we want to assist in their growth as young people and as golfers, in developing character and skills. These offerings show what the Foundation is all about.” The Evergreen Elite Junior Development Program is proud to introduce the Future Fairways Scholarship, which will help juniors develop efficient practice habits, sharpen course management, and build mental toughness – all within a supportive, structured environment resembling the collegiate golf experience. The program will bestow up to 10 individual grants of $750 each in 2026. Applicants must be Washington residents of ages 10-17 who show a strong commitment to golf development and personal growth, while demonstrating good academic standing. The program is offered by Evergreen Golf Club, of which former NFL and Seattle Seahawks player Jermaine Kearse is a co-owner.

Kearse, who is from Lakewood and is also on the Foundation’s board, recognizes the importance of growing junior golf. “For me, it’s about giving back in the same way others gave to me,” said Kearse. “The Foundation has a responsibility to lead this growth, to make sure no kid is left behind just because of financial barriers. That’s how we build a stronger game for everyone.” The Junior Golf Opportunity Grant, the third initiative offered by the Washington Golf Foundation, will present 10 one-time awards of $600 for 2026, with the Foundation board determining the exact amount annually. Applicants must be Washington residents of ages 8-17 who, like the other programs, exhibit financial need, passion for golf and strong academic achievement. The introduction of these three programs represents an exciting time for the Washington Golf Foundation and fits within its philosophy. Director of Development and Donor Engagement Matt Brown knows just that.

Director of Development and Donor Engagement Matt Brown (left).

“The heart of the Washington Golf Foundation has always been to open doors through golf,” Brown said. “The Putnam Scholarship, Future Fairways, and our grants program all share that same DNA: creating opportunity for kids, whether it’s in the classroom, on the course, or in life.” Putnam, a Foundation board member, spoke similarly about the new offerings, and how they reflect the Foundation’s continued growth. “What excites me is that this is not just talk—it’s action,” the PGA TOUR winner said. “These programs show the Foundation is investing directly in the next generation, and that kind of growth inspires everyone involved.” The new programs work in conjunction with WA Golf Youth on Course, a program supported by the Foundation, that provides golfers aged 6-18 with access to play for only $5 per round at 94 participating courses in Washington and Northern Idaho, as well as thousands more across the U.S., Canada and Australia. The program, which has over 15,000 young members throughout WA Golf territory, also simply provides an opportunity to develop a lifelong love for the game of golf. Brown knows that the three new offerings are more indicators of the Foundation’s progress. “The Foundation is really hitting its stride,” said Brown. “These programs are examples of how much momentum there is—not just in growing the game, but in growing the impact we’re able to have on kids across Washington.” The deadline for submitting applications to each of the three is Friday, November 7, 2025. Visit washingtongolffoundation.org for more information and to apply for these opportunities.