Today the foundation continues in the spirit of Marilynn, Shirley and the 11 other founders of the LPGA to continue to GOLF IT FORWARD by providing 25 scholarships each year. Recipients of the scholarship are known as PEARLS.
Marilynn Smith Scholarship Fund
It was in 1949 when collegiate golfer Marilynn Smith had the opportunity to play in the Women’s National Intercollegiate Golf Tournament. Her father approached Mr Phog Allen, the Athletic Director at Kansas University, to ask for travel expense money for Marilynn who would be representing KU. “Mr Smith, “ he replied, “it’s too bad your daughter is not a boy.”
In 1949, there was no money for female athletes. This was the catalyst for Marilynn to establish a scholarship program to provide young women with the support that was not available to her. Founded as the Marilynn Smith Scholarship Fund, the program has served more than 220 young women with more than $1.3 million in scholarships.
THE 2025 SCHOLARSHIP PORTAL IS NOW OPEN
APPLY TODAY
THE 2025 SCHOLARSHIP PORTAL IS NOW OPEN APPLY TODAY
If you are a female high school golfer in your senior year, with a commitment to play collegiate golf, apply today for a Marilynn Smith College Scholarship.
The Marilynn Smith Scholarship Fund, founded with the intention of supporting aspiring athletes in their pursuit of higher education, offers an incredible opportunity for high school seniors who excel in golf and plan to continue their athletic journey at the collegiate level. With an impressive monetary value of $5,000, these scholarships aim to provide much-needed financial assistance to deserving individuals who have shown exceptional dedication and talent in the sport. Scholarship recipient benefits go beyond money for college. Becoming a PEARL means becoming a member of a community built around lifting young women up while celebrating the women who started it all.
Each year the foundation aims to empower young female golfers to achieve their golf dreams and pursue academic success simultaneously.
Qualifications
Female High School Senior
Committed to Attend a US College
Letter of Intent to Play Collegiate Golf
Strong Academic Background
Active in Community Service
Personal Endorsements
Application window is open annually from October through January
“I have a deep passion for the
competitive spirit that golf brings, yet it is humbling to realize that my opportunity to play collegiate golf only exists because of the relentless determination, against-the-odds perseverance, and ongoing sacrifices made by these remarkable pioneers.”
The scholarship is just the start!
PEARL benefits go beyond your scholarship and empower you to share in experiences of like-minded women.
PEARLS - Get ready for an exciting 2024! LPGA Member Sandra Gal, is bringing her inspirational superpowers and coaching expertise to the table to help PEARLS. Also in 2024 and beyond, we will continue to grow offerings in partnership with Women in the Golf Industry (WIGI). Keep an eye out for more exciting updates coming soon!
LPGA Tour Player Sandra Gal