INVESTING IN GOLF'S FUTURE
13 hours ago
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Super-Scratch Foundation caps 2026 season with more than $200,000 committed to future superintendents. The season culminated in October with 43 teams representing clubs from around the country competing for more than $125,000 in scholarship funding.
The Super-Scratch Foundation celebrated the culmination of its 2026 competitive season in October with the National Invitational at Huntingdon Valley Country Club, bringing together 43 teams from across the country to compete for more than $125,000 in scholarship funding benefiting the next generation of golf course superintendents.
The event marked another milestone for the Foundation, whose initiatives throughout 2026 will result in more than $200,000 in student scholarships supporting individuals pursuing careers in golf course management.
Unlike traditional golf competitions, the Super-Scratch National Invitational offers participating clubs the opportunity to compete on behalf of turfgrass programs of their choosing. Scholarship dollars are directed to schools based on participating clubs' selections and competitive results, creating a meaningful connection between golf clubs, their superintendents, and the educational programs developing the profession's future leaders.
Representing Wilmington Country Club, Director of Golf Courses & Grounds Jon Urbanski and member Matthew Homer captured the National Invitational Championship with an impressive round of 64 (-6). The duo earned top honors in a field featuring golf course superintendents paired with amateur golfers, competing for scholarship dollars to support the future of the industry.
In the individual competitions, 2026 U.S. Mid-Am Champion Andrew Bailey claimed Low Amateur honors with a round of 69 (-1), while Ryan Moore of Hidden Creek earned Low Superintendent Gross honors with a score of 78 (+8). Urbanski added to his championship performance by capturing Low Superintendent Net honors with an even-par 70.
The festivities also included the Sponsor Scramble at nearby LuLu Country Club, where the team representing Better Billy Bunker took top honors with an outstanding round of 57, earning $5,000 for the turf program of their choice.
Investing in Golf's Future
While the Foundation’s 2026 events showcased exceptional golf at outstanding venues across the country, the season’s greatest achievement extended far beyond the competition.
Through its Regional Qualifiers, National Invitational, Advocate Club Program, partnerships, and other initiatives, the Super-Scratch Foundation will provide more than $200,000 in student scholarships to future superintendents as a result of its efforts in 2026.
As the golf industry continues to face challenges in attracting and developing its future workforce, Super-Scratch remains committed to connecting those who enjoy the game with those who make it possible, ensuring the next generation has the resources and opportunities to succeed.
Looking Ahead to 2027
Building on the momentum of this year's events, the Super-Scratch Foundation will announce its 2027 Regional Qualifier schedule in the coming weeks.
These regional events will provide golf clubs and their members with opportunities to compete for scholarship dollars benefiting their preferred turfgrass programs, while directly supporting the education and development of future interns, assistant superintendents, and industry leaders.
Through its growing network of participating clubs, sponsors, and industry partners, the Foundation continues to demonstrate how the golf community can come together to address one of the profession's most pressing challenges: developing the next generation of golf course superintendents.
