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 is pleased to offer TWO $1.500 scholarships in memory of longtime Aberdeen golf professional and junior golf advocate Dean Shortridge.
Scholarships will be paid in the second semester of recipient’s first year of college. Scholarship winners will be responsible for sending verification from their school stating full time enrollment for their spring semester of 2026.
As a part of the application process, we require at least a one page essay, but not more than two pages. In the essay, let us know your accomplishments and respond to the following statement: “Golf is a great game! Describe what effect golf has had on you since your exposure to the game.” This section will be given high priority in determining recipients.
Please return the application to: Junior Golf Aberdeen, 1103 Willow Dr, Aberdeen, SD 57401.
No faxes or e-mails please. Applications must be postmarked by August 31, 2025
A selection committee will determine scholarship winners. Participation in the First Tee at Moccasin Creek & Lee Park, the Aberdeen PGA Junior Golf League, and local junior golf programs and events will be given high priority. In addition, winners will be determined by participation in local high school, club, and state level golf, high school academic achievement, and participation in other high school and community activities not related to golf, as well as leadership qualities such as honesty, integrity, and sportsmanship.