ACE Grant to Provide Financial Support to Junior Golfers
Juniors who have the ability to play in AJGA events – but not the financial resources – may receive aid

In an effort to continue combating the costs of playing a national junior golf schedule for players without the financial resources, the American Junior Golf Association enters its fourth year of implementing the Achieving Competitive Excellence (ACE) Grant program.

The goal of the ACE Grant program is to give top-flight golf opportunities to young golfers regardless of financial resources. This program helps to fulfill the AJGA’s mission of developing young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf.

“The ACE Grant is one of the most important initiatives the AJGA has ever undertaken,” said AJGA Executive Director Stephen Hamblin. “It is critically important that the AJGA help give young golfers who may have the talent, but not the resources, the opportunity to compete on a national stage to gain exposure for a college golf scholarship.”

Rolex signed on to be the inaugural Founding Partner to the ACE Grant.

Rolex signed on to be the inaugural Founding Partner to the ACE Grant.

The ACE Grant was piloted and funded through private donations during the 2003 season, helping 12 junior golfers play in AJGA events in which they otherwise may not have had the opportunity to compete. Through the benevolence of Rolex and private donors, the program continued to grow in 2004, providing 51 junior golfers with playing opportunities that they otherwise may not have had. In 2005, the AJGA committed $195,750 in grants to 55 juniors helping them compete in 148 AJGA tournaments and 95 qualifiers. Ultimately, the ACE Grant program will continue to expand until it is able to support all young golfers in need.

“As we enter our third decade of support, Rolex's commitment to the AJGA now takes a significant step forward,” said President and CEO of Rolex Watch USA Allen Brill. “Rolex is extremely proud to be the Founding Partner of the ACE Grant program. There’s a great future in golf because of programs like this.”

To apply for the ACE Grant, you must become an AJGA member, then you can log into the player center to view the ACE Grant application process. Once the application is received and the required IRS documents are received and the financial situation of the family is ascertained, the ACE Grant Committee will select those who qualify for the program and determine the amount of assistance for which they are eligible. Click here for additional information about the ACE Grant. This is a need-based grant; juniors must still gain entry into an event based on their own merits through the AJGA Performance Based Entry process.

For more information, contact Bob Miller, AJGA Chief Advancement Officer, via email at bmiller@ajga.org.

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