MAKENNA CARLSON
University of Nebraska - 2028
Makenna is from Story City, Iowa, and is enrolled in the PGA Golf Management program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Makenna is passionate about growing the game and using it to create meaningful, positive change in peoples’ lives.
LENA DURETTE
Howard University - 2028
Lena is from Scottsdale, Arizona, and is a member of the Howard University Golf Team. When not on the links, Lena is in the classroom where she’s pursuing her degree in Mechanical Engineering.
MADISON LONG
University of Maryland - Eastern Shore - 2028
Madison is from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and is a member of the golf team at the University of Maryland - Eastern Shore. Majoring in Biochemistry, she hopes to bridge science, golf, and environmental conservation to better her community.
PEYTON RENEE CUSICK
University of Nebraska - 2027
Peyton is from St. Louis, Missouri, and enrolled in the PGA Golf Management program at the University of Nebraska. Away from the course, Peyton volunteers with Special Musicians and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
MALEYNA GREGORIO
University of California - Riverside - 2027
From Indio, California, Maleyna is a member of the Golf Team at the University of California - Riverside. Away from the course, she’s pursuing her Masters of Business Administration and sings in her church choir.
GABRIEL KNOWSHISGUN
New Mexico State University - 2027
Gabriel is from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and is in the PGA Management Program at New Mexico State University with a focus in Marketing. An aspiring PGA Professional, Gabriel is completing his Level 2 PGA internship in Kauai, Hawaii.
LARYSSA MAIA
Culinary Institute of America - 2027
Laryssa is from Belmont, Massachusetts, and is studying to become a chef at the Culinary Institute of America. Working as a line cook at a country club near her home, Laryssa fell in love with the environment and the connection with members. She hopes to one day return to that environment as an Executive Chef.
MICHAEL MCGINNIS
Coastal Carolina University - 2027
From Easton, Massachusetts, Michael is enrolled in the PGA Golf Management program at Coastal Carolina University. Michael has worked in the game since the age of fifteen and is currently interning as an Assistant Professional at Wianno Club in Otsterville, Massachusetts.
JAKOB SAMUELS
University of Idaho - 2027
From Sandpoint, Idaho, Jakob is studying in the PGA Management Program at the University of Idaho. In his spare time, Jakob volunteers as the Tournament Director for the PGM Club.
BENJAMIN SCHEFF
Cleveland State University - 2027
Benjamin is from Olmsted Township, Ohio, and is a member of the Cleveland State University Golf Team. Majoring in Sports Management, he was awarded the Best Team Award which recognizes the highest GPA in the school’s athletic department. Benjamin volunteers with the PGA Junior League in Northeast Ohio.
JOHN BUDNICK
University of Tennessee - 2026
John is from Charlotte, North Carolina, and is studying Turfgrass Science and Management at the University of Tennessee. His interest in turfgrass management stems from what he thought was simply a summer job on the grounds staff, however, he quickly realized he had a passion for the industry and decided to make it his academic focus.
JAMES COWDEN
Pennsylvania State University - 2025
From Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, James is studying Turfgrass Management at Pennsylvania State University. Having left a corporate career to pursue his passion in golf and turfgrass, James is finding fulfillment through his studies and professional relationships.
ROU YUN “JOEY” LIM
Methodist University - 2026
Joey is originally from Penang, Malaysia, but grew up in Jakarta, Indonesia. She attends Methodist University and is a part of the PGA Management Program while majoring in Financial Economics and minoring in Business Administration.
ERNESTO ANTONIO MARTINEZ
Pennsylvania State University - 2026
Ernesto is from Caracas, Venezuela, and is a member of the Venezuelan National Golf Team. He studies Turfgrass Management at Pennsylvania State University. Through his studies and his professional networking, he hopes to help lead the revitalization of Venezuela’s struggling golf course industry.
ADDYSON MEADOWS
University of Nebraska - 2026
Addyson is a member of the PGA Management Program as well as Pre-Med at the University of Nebraska. With plans to attend medical school, she has the unique goal of incorporating golf and medicine into her career. Specifically, teaching golf to people who have mobility limiting conditions or other disabilities.
ELI OWENS
University of Nebraska - 2026
From Runnells, Iowa, Eli is part of the PGA Management Program at the University of Nebraska and will be entering his senior year as a Level 3 PGA Associate. In his free time, Eli volunteers at local YMCA Junior Golf Camps.
HENRY LAND
Pennsylvania State University
Henry is a native of Alexandria, Virginia, and is pursuing his continued education in Turfgrass Management at Pennsylvania State University. Henry is the Assistant Superintendent at East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, D.C.