SDGA Scholarship | Sanford International | Denny Sanford Scholarship | Dean Shortridge Scholarship
SDGA Junior Golf Foundation Scholarship & Sanford International | Denny Sanford Scholarship
SDGA Junior Golf Foundation Scholarships: Continuing our long-standing commitment to supporting South Dakota student-athletes, the Foundation will once again award multiple $1,500 scholarships to graduating seniors attending a two- or four-year post-secondary institution.
Sanford International | Denny Sanford Scholarships: We are excited to announce the addition of two annual $5,000 scholarships! These new awards recognize “Game Changers”—students whose experiences in golf have shaped their character, leadership, sportsmanship, and commitment to community service. Two awards will be presented annually: one to a Sioux Falls area resident and one statewide.
Both scholarships support students entering college in the Fall of 2027, with awards paid out during the Spring 2028 semester upon proof of full-time enrollment. While competitive participation in high school golf, SDGA events, or First Tee is highly valued, applicants do not need to be the top players on the leaderboard to qualify. We are looking for dedicated individuals who embody the values learned through the game.
REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATION
- Applicants must have lived in the state of South Dakota for a minimum of the past two years.
- Applicants will be attending a two- or four-year college, university, or accredited post high school institution starting in the fall of 2027.
- Applicants must complete the Scholarship Application Form with the following attachments.
- Cover Letter
- Golf Resume
- Extracurricular Activity Document
- Transcript
- Essay
- References/Recommendation Letters
- Application deadline is May 15, 2027
Dean Shortridge Scholarship
“Dean Shortridge came to Aberdeen in the late 1940’s to become the PGA Golf Professional at the Aberdeen Country Club. He eventually moved to Moccasin Creek Country Club when it was built in 1971. He retired in 1985, but continued to frequent Moccasin Creek and pass on great advice to golfers, young and old, until shortly before his passing in 2012. Dean was a gentleman of the first order and exhibited the attributes that make golf a great game for juniors to learn. Hundreds of juniors are better players because they were fortunate enough to have him as an instructor. He refused to charge juniors for lessons and often gave clubs to young people who could not afford to purchase them. Many of his junior players were still coming back to him for advice and instruction even as they themselves were reaching retirement age. Best of all, for generations his former juniors have passed on his teachings to the betterment of their children, grandchildren, and the youth of our region. Dean was a model for gracious living and a legend in our golf community. And his legacy lives on with Junior Golf Aberdeen, a non-profit organization dedicated to impacting the lives of young people through the game of golf by providing educational opportunities, competitive events, and quality facilities that enhance their knowledge, enjoyment, and appreciation of the greatest game while instilling life-enhancing values.”
HISTORY
Junior Golf Aberdeen annually awards two $1,500 educational scholarships to area high school seniors who have demonstrated involvement in golf and intend to pursue education at a two- or four-year post-secondary institution.
About Junior Golf Aberdeen & Dean Shortridge
Junior Golf Aberdeen is a non-profit organization dedicated to positively influencing local youth through golf by offering educational programs, competitive events, and access to high-quality facilities. Its mission is to foster knowledge, appreciation, and enjoyment of golf while promoting values that enhance personal development. The organization’s programming includes First Tee lessons, PGA Junior League, the Junior Golf Aberdeen tournament series, the Dean Shortridge Scholarship, and various community outreach initiatives.
Dean Shortridge was a long-time Aberdeen PGA Golf Professional who was a great advocate of junior golf. Junior Golf Aberdeen is pleased to continue his advocacy with this scholarship awarded in his name.
REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATION
- Applicants must have lived in the Aberdeen area (within 50 miles) for at least the past year.
- Applicants must plan to attend a two- or four-year college, university, or accredited post-high school institution during the upcoming fall and spring semesters.
- Applicants must complete the Scholarship Application form and include the following:
- School Transcript
- Cover Letter & Golf Resume
- Essay
- References
Please submit application and attachments to: JGA Dean Shortridge Scholarship, Attn: Dean Zahn, 1103 Willow Dr, Aberdeen, SD 57401.
Applications must be postmarked by August 31, 2027.
A selection committee will determine scholarship winners. Priority consideration will be given to applicants who have participated in the First Tee in Aberdeen, the Aberdeen PGA Junior Golf League, Junior Golf Aberdeen events, and local junior golf programs and events. Additional criteria include participation in local high school, club, and state-level golf programming, high school academic achievement, involvement in other high school and community activities, and demonstration of leadership qualities such as honesty, integrity, and sportsmanship.