The Golf Coaches Association of America has opened applications for the 2026 Ron Balicki Scholarship, which supports students pursuing careers in golf journalism and media.
Applications are open now through February 27. One recipient will be awarded two $2,500 scholarships, with one distributed during each semester of the 2026 academic year. Eligible applicants include current college undergraduate students, graduate students, and current high school seniors.
The nomination form and full application details are available through the GCAA and can be accessed here:
https://gcaa.org/scholarships/ron-balicki-scholarship/
Completed nomination forms should be submitted to adam@gcaa.coach.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following materials:
- At least three samples of media work
- Two letters of recommendation from a journalist, English teacher, or media professor
- A 300 word essay explaining interest in the Ron Balicki Scholarship
- A current academic transcript, official copy not required
Accepted media formats include online publications, podcasts, audio or visual projects, photography, videography, broadcast work, newspapers, and magazines.
Past Scholarship Recipients
Previous recipients of the Ron Balicki Scholarship include:
Luke Hendry University of Texas
Tracy Peyton Palm Beach Atlantic University
Brayden Conover University of Oklahoma
Cade Tjomsland Palm Beach Atlantic University
Alex Gelman Arizona State University
Carson Racich Florida Gulf Coast University
Ben Parris Arizona State University
Henry Oelhafen Vanderbilt University
About the Ron Balicki Scholarship
The Ron Balicki Scholarship honors the legacy of Ron Balicki, whose career helped shape coverage of college golf. Balicki began covering golf in 1980 and became a foundational figure in college golf journalism during his time at Golfweek starting in 1983.
Balicki earned multiple writing honors from the Golf Writers Association of America, the International Network of Golf, and the Texas Golf Writers Association. He received the Golf Writers Association of America Jimmy D’Angelo Award and the Northwest Florida Sports Association Al Byrne Award in recognition of his service and impact.
Inducted into the GCAA Hall of Fame in 2010, Balicki covered every NCAA Championship from 1985 until 2013 and attended every GCAA National Convention until illness limited his travel. Known for his deep appreciation of the game and the people within it, Balicki remains a respected and influential figure in college golf history.
The first Ron Balicki Scholarship was awarded in Spring 2018. Since the 2018 to 2019 academic year, the scholarship has provided a total of $5,000 annually.
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