Scholarship opportunities for local high school golfers

(Nov. 18, 2020) Applications for 2021 college scholarships awarded by members of the Ocean Pines Golf Club are now available through guidance offices at Stephen Decatur High School and Worcester Preparatory School.  

Additionally, students from other local high schools who feel they may qualify can request information and an application from Scholarship Chairman Bob Long at [email protected]. 

Long said the Ocean Pines Golf Members’ Council has awarded more than $22,000 to 21 local seniors during the last four years. Students receiving these awards have shown an interest in the game of golf and are judged on the totality of their record. Participation in competitive golf is not a requirement. 

This year, the golf members of Ocean Pines — including members of the golf club, the Ocean Pines Ladies’ Golf Association and the Ocean Pines Men’s Golf Association — raised more than $12,000 for the scholarship fund, and matched last year’s record amount despite having to forgo the annual Ocean Pines Taylor-Bank Scramble and other fundraising events because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"Our members found creative ways to give generously to this favorite cause in a challenging year," Long said.   

Long said members of the men’s and ladies’ associations chipped in weekly amounts after rounds of golf, and raised a total of $3,000. Many members also cleaned out their garages and donated unused clubs and equipment toward an online yard sale that raised more than $4,000. Several individual members made generous lump-sum contributions as well. 

Tee-box advertising signs that are a part of most golf fundraisers were sold to members, friends, and local businesses, and were put on display at the entrance to the new Ocean Pines Clubhouse. This effort raised another $1,700. 

Taylor Bank, title sponsor of the Ocean Pines-Taylor Bank Scramble, supported the scholarship fund with an annual contribution of $2,000. Deely Insurance, a regular platinum sponsor of the event, again contributed $500. 

"We are grateful for the support of our friends and neighbors at Taylor Bank and Deely Insurance, especially in 2020," Long said. "Their contributions will help fulfill the education goals of deserving local students." 

Long said the membership had little idea in March, as things began to close down, how it would be able to raise funds in the coming months.  

“After a summer and fall different from any they ever witnessed, the Ocean Pines Golf members are now looking back on how many small contributions turned into something special,” he said. “Those receiving Ocean Pines Golf Members’ scholarships in the spring will be the beneficiary of these various efforts.”