R&A Foundation welcomes new class of global Scholars
Emerging leaders set to shape the future of golf through innovation, diversity and inclusion
Las Vegas - Eleven talented young people from across the globe have been awarded The Royal and Ancient Golf Club Scholarship, announced today by The R&A Foundation in St Andrews.
Now in its second year, the scholarship identifies future leaders of the game, offering up to £15,000 annually in education and golf development support, mentorship from Club Members, and entry to a leadership conference at St Andrews.
“These Scholars come from a variety of backgrounds and share a collective ambition to break down barriers and shape the future of the game,” said Niall Farquharson, Chairman at The R&A. “Thanks to the support of the Club’s Members, they’re able to build connections and experiences that will support their journey in golf for years to come.”
Among those selected are agronomists, golf developers, disability golf leaders, performance nutritionists, marketers and club managers – each bringing a distinctive vision for the sport’s future.
In Spain, Rocío Alvear González is fusing agronomy and sustainability through her PhD in Agro-Environmental Technology. Nepal’s Kashmira Shah is championing women’s golf after growing up beside Royal Nepal Golf Club and rising to represent her country internationally. In New Zealand, Guy Harrison leads disability golf as the country’s top-ranked EDGA player, aiming to unify All-Abilities golf through one inclusive programme.
Also honoured are Amy O’Donnell of Northern Ireland, a performance nutritionist contributing to elite teams including the Solheim and Curtis Cups; Ellen O’Gorman of Ireland, whose physiotherapy research addresses the gender gap in sports medicine; and Ramya Meenakshisundaram of the USA, developing practical support for women’s professional golf.
From Australia, Claudia Mazarita is driving inclusive workforce strategies with Golf Australia. Anderson Kiplimo of Kenya brings hands-on turf management experience and a vision to diversify golf course leadership. Scotland’s Cameron Kpedekpo is eyeing executive roles in golf business, while Canadian Eli Trestan is expanding youth access through Golf Canada’s First Tee programme. Spain’s Jaime Canal Campos, following a greenkeeping family tradition, is focused on sustainable course management.
The new Scholars will gather in St Andrews later this month for their first leadership conference. Their selection from over 300 applicants reflects not only academic and sporting merit, but a shared commitment to evolving the game of golf for the better.