Supporting Education Through Scholarships
Our Scholars
TSF was founded in 2007 in memory of Troon employee John Kayer. In November 2002 John was killed in a motorcycle accident. John was one of the most promising young Troon Country Club employees. At the time, he was a PGA apprentice and the outside services manager. John had tremendous ambition and was dedicated to everything he set out to do. Becoming a class A PGA professional was his dream. John's positive attitude and dedication continue to be an inspiration to all.
The mission of the Troon Scholarship Foundation is to encourage and provide scholarships and educational opportunities to Troon Country Club employees and their dependents. As a 501(c)3 organization, the foundation has provided over 500 academic scholarships totaling more than $3,000,000 thanks to generous donations.
History
Money raised from the annual event and Member donations grew to $30,000. Troon PGA apprentice scholarships doubled the Kayler event and Member donations exceeded Troon PGA program needs.
TSF applied for 501(c)3 status — scholarships that would be extended to Troon CC staff and their dependents for non-PGA education programs.
Total TSF scholarships awarded grew to 280 valued at more than $1.5 million.
The Troon Scholarship program and the annual John Kayler Memorial event continued under COVID restrictions; annual donations increased and scholarships awarded continued to increase annually.
The TSF faces its most challenging fundraising year — more than $400,000 is needed to fund the 42 scholarships awarded for the 2023–2024 academic year. TSF is funded through Member donations and the annual John Kayler events.
35 Troon scholars are awarded $380,000 in scholarships for the 2024–2025 academic year. The challenge continues to increase donations through Member participation in the TSF Kayler Golf and event days.
Qualified Education Programs
- ›Two-year accredited junior community colleges, trade schools, specialty schools
- ›Graduate and postgraduate programs
- ›Four-year accredited colleges or universities
- ›Professional Golf Management program
Scholarship Awards
- ›Maximum $13,500 for two-year accredited community colleges, trade schools, programs and specialty schools
- ›Maximum $13,500 for college or university undergraduate and graduate degree
- ›The full cost of the PGA program — Scholarships cover tuition and supplies to the maximum amount awarded
Eligibility
The Troon Scholarship rewards behavior and gives eligible candidates a hand-up.
- ›Scholarship candidates must show at least 6-months of employment at TCC
- ›Scholarship candidates must work 750 hours before eligibility
- ›Scholarship candidates must have a recommendation from the manager
- ›Scholarship candidates fill out an application and write an essay outlining their need
- ›Scholarship candidates must interview with the Board of Directors