Iowa Golf Association Foundation Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by Iowa Golf Association Foundation
Overview
Two scholarships administered through Iowa golf organizations support students pursuing further education in the state: the Ann Griffel Scholarship and the Herman Sani Scholarship. Both honor individuals who contributed to golf in Iowa and provide annual financial awards to qualified recipients.
Ann Griffel Scholarship
History and purpose
Named for long-time IWGA President Ann Griffel, who served a 23-year term during which the Girls’ State Junior, Forever 39, State Wife-Husband and Senior Women’s Championships were launched. Ann Griffel was inducted into the Iowa Golf Hall of Fame in 2006 in recognition of her service to the sport. By 2025, 285 students have been granted this scholarship.
Administrator and award
The Iowa Golf Association Foundation (IGAF) supports preservation of the game and the development of programs to advance golf’s future in Iowa. Through the IGAF, the Ann Griffel Scholarship provides $2,000 awards to high school senior girls from Iowa who plan to continue their education at an Iowa institution—this may be a college, university, or trade school.
Eligibility
Applicants must be Iowa high school senior girls intending to enroll at an Iowa college, university, or trade school.
Herman Sani Scholarship
History and purpose
Created in 1958 to honor Herman Sani’s love of golf and commitment to young people, the Herman Sani Scholarship exists to help Iowa students pursue higher education. As of 2025, 206 students preparing for college have received this multi-year award.
Administration and award structure
The Iowa Golf Association administers the program. Each recipient is eligible to receive a total of $8,000, distributed as $2,000 per year over four consecutive years, provided the student maintains reasonable academic progress.
Selection, recognition, and ceremony
A Selection Committee—composed of nine voting members plus three emeritus members—reviews applications and selects awardees according to established criteria. Recipients and their families are celebrated at the Herman Sani Scholarship Award Banquet, held the day before the first round of the Herman Sani Golf Tournament.
Notable recipients
The inaugural scholarship was presented in 1958 to J.D. Turner of Perry, Iowa. Turner, formerly a pro at Des Moines Golf & Country Club, now resides in Savannah, Georgia, and has been recognized by Golf Digest as one of the top 50 golf instructors. Many other Sani scholars have gone on to notable careers in the golf industry.