CHRIS LANG

In 1984 , the VSGA launched the VIP Card — a product that provided discounted golf at VSGA member clubs around Virginia . At the same time , the VSGA-VIP Scholarship Foundation , a 501 ( c )( 3 ), was established to provide college assistance to high school seniors with an interest in golf , through a portion of the proceeds of the VIP Card .

That year , a total of 25 clubs provided purchasers with access to their courses . Three students received scholarships that totaled $ 4,000 .

VSGA member clubs that have supported the VIP Card since its inception include Botetourt Golf & Swim Club , Brookwoods Golf Club , Bryce Resort , Olde Mill , The Homestead , Ivy Hill Golf Club , Kingsmill Resort , Lakeview Golf Club , Caverns Country Club , Mill Quarter Plantation , Prince William Golf Course , Shenvalee Golf Resort , and Wintergreen Resort .

Over the years we ’ ve awarded scholarships to future LPGA Tour players ( Lauren Coughlin – 2011 ), fathers and daughters ( Michael Hamp – 1986 , Emily Hamp – 2022 ), and current members of the golf industry ( Martin Winters – 1991 , Birdwood Golf at Boar ’ s Head Resort ), among many other deserving recipients . Look how we ’ ve grown ! In 2023 , the VSGA-VIP Scholarship Foundation awarded its highest total in scholarships — to the tune of $ 140,000 for 37 deserving students . You may be wondering how we made that jump — with the

support of our VSGA member clubs and VIP Card purchasers . Approximately 200 courses in Virginia and West Virginia currently offer discounted rates to our 10,000 VIP Card purchasers . We could not do it without you all .

The Board of Directors of both the VSGA and the VSGA-VIP Scholarship Foundation recognize the impact our member clubs have had on the continued growth of the program and have made great strides to formalize our support of VSGA member clubs in the scholarship deliberation process .

Beginning with the Class of 2024 , the VSGA-VIP Scholarship Foundation will formally award member club Support Scholarships , in addition to the existing named awards and dedicated scholarships .

These are designed to recognize the support that staff at member clubs have given the VSGA over the years and are reserved for students whose parent or guardian works at a member club , or who themselves have worked a significant time at a member club .

The evolution of the VIP Card from its roots in 1984 through its 30th anniversary in 2014 .

Additionally , a new category for participation in golf has been created , designed for a student who has been active in VSGA programs and events , has shown an interest in growing the game of golf , or plans a major or career in the golf industry .

Rounding out the new awards debuting in 2024 is a scholarship reserved for dependents of military service members in Virginia with an interest in golf . More details on the VSGA ’ s military scholarship and commitment to military golf in Virginia coming to Virginia Golfer in early 2024 !

All scholarships require that the applicants are high school seniors who are Virginia residents and have an interest in golf . Other factors considered are academics , extracurriculars , need , and degree of golf involvement .

If you know a high school senior who may qualify , have them visit VSGA . org for more information . If you want to support the Scholarship Foundation , please consider purchasing a 2024 VIP Card or you can donate directly to the VSGA-VIP Scholarship Foundation on our website .