Congratulations to Port Byron, IL native, Anthony Ruthey on being selected as the 2019 Charlie Burkart Scholarship honoree by the Iowa PGA Foundation Charlie Burkart Scholarship committee.  

I am grateful for being blessed with this scholarship. It will definitely help immensely with paying for tuition and helping me pursue my dreams.
 
As of now, my major is Business Marketing with a minor in Psychology and Southern Illinois-Edwardsville.  I am contemplating changing it to Sports Psychology in hopes of helping other athletes get past the mental struggles that we all know are such a huge part of golf. 
 
Golf's impact on me and my character has allowed me to understand and respect the hard work that I need to succeed in the college atmosphere. It has allowed me to meet many people that have pushed me to be as good as I want to be. Golf is deeply rooted in the Ruthey family tree, starting with my Grandfather, Tony Ruthey. He was a very accomplished player and introduced my dad to the game in which he passed on to me. Knowing the legacy that the Ruthey family has in golf is immense pressure itself but it makes me push myself to live up to that legacy but also pave my own path in the game and define myself as an accomplished player.
 
As like most college golfers, I do have aspirations to continue to compete at a high level in my sport. I have complete and total confidence in myself that I can play at the professional level. That being said, I also understand that God might have different plans for my future. I can only control what is right now, so I am working hard to start off on a good note in trying to earn a degree. Like I said earlier, if I am not able to play professionally, I hope to continue to work in the golf business, helping other young athletes however that may be.
 
My biggest influence in golf was my dad (Mark Ruthey, PGA), a long time Iowa Section Pro. My grandfather was a great player and I leaned on him for advice. I was proud to compete in many Iowa Section junior events that helped me groom my tournament skills. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention PGA Members Jon Waddell from Palmer Hills, and Eric Drane at Oakwood C.C. for their support. I'm most thankful for the support from my parents for encouraging me during my junior playing career. Many hours on the road to tournaments provided ample time for conversations about where golf could take me in the future. I was also lucky to have great High School Coaches and teammates who pushed me to be the best I could be.
 
Earning this scholarship is a true blessing. As most of the members of the Iowa Section know, most do not become teaching professionals for the money. It is purely for the love of the game. That being said, this scholarship will help me incredibly to purse my dreams and aspirations. I am truly grateful for all the blessings golf has given me and all the opportunities the Iowa Section has granted in my journey so far. 
 
I would like to thank the committee for selecting me for this scholarship and I hope to continue to represent the Iowa Section to the best of my abilities.

The Iowa PGA Foundation annually awards a college scholarship in memory of Charlie Burkart, PGA member for 49 years and Head PGA Professional at the Elmcrest Country Club in Cedar Rapids for 42 years. The purpose of the scholarship is to assist students in furthering their education. At least one high school graduate will be the 2020 Scholarship recipient in the amount of $1,500 per year for four years. Other previously graduated applicants will be reviewed with additional scholarships awarded when possible.

Any graduating high school senior or previous graduate residing within the boundaries of the Iowa PGA Section and the State of Iowa is eligible to apply. The Iowa PGA Section is bounded on the west by U.S. Highway 71 and includes an area of Western Illinois from a point north of Quincy, east to near Springfield and directly north. It includes the major cities of Monmouth, Macomb, Galesburg, Moline, Rock Island, Kewanee and Galena. It does not include the cities of Freeport, Springfield or Quincy.

Scholarship winners are selected on the basis of their interest and activity in golf, the potential for future contributions to the game, leadership skills/community involvement, then on their academic/professional ability and financial need.

The Iowa PGA Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2020 Charlie Burkart Scholarship. Applicants must complete the application and mail to the scholarship committee prior to June 19, 2020. Applications can be mailed to Iowa PGA Section, 3184 Highway 22, Riverside, IA 52327. Call 319-648-0026 with any questions.

Each applicant is required to submit the following when applying for the scholarship:

1. High school transcript of work completed and description of any post-secondary academic achievement.

2. Two recommendations – may be from a high school administrator or teacher, a PGA professional or other non-family connections.

3. Applicant must include a self-statement concerning his/her interest in golf, other activities and awards, his/her educational and vocational plans/career goals and financial need.

4. Applicant is requested to send a list of other scholarship they have applied for and those that they have received.