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.