McIlravy Named Career Advancement Scholarship Recipient–
Riverside, Iowa – Sterling McIlravy of Blue Top Ridge has been named the 2025 Iowa PGA Career Advancement Scholarship winner by the Iowa PGA Scholarship Committee. The Iowa PGA Section Foundation annually awards a career advancement scholarship to assist individuals in furthering their education toward career development. Applicants who are interested in pursuing a career in the golf industry or other career requiring educational training are welcome to apply for a one year $1,000 scholarship.
When asked on what this means to win, McIlravy responded with, “I am extremely honored to receive the 2025 Iowa PGA Career Advancement Scholarship. This will be a huge help in completing the necessary course work and training materials required to pursue my career goals as an Instructor. To have the support from the Iowa PGA means a great deal to me as they have been a large part of my life since I was in junior golf. To be in a position where I get work alongside the amazing Iowa PGA members is truly a gift that I will always be thankful for.”
His background in the game began his sophomore year of high school. Once he could drive to the course, he spent as many hours as he could practicing and playing. That passion for the game propelled him to a successful high school and collegiate career. Upon graduating college, he began his professional playing career. Though he was not the most successful during his time as a playing professional, he had the opportunity to play alongside and learn from some incredible players and coaches. During his time playing professionally he also worked in the game. He taught lessons independently for a couple years, spent a semester as the Assistant Men’s Golf Coach at Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and has been an Instructor at Blue Top Ridge at Riverside for the last two summers. All these experiences have made him the person and instructor he is today.
This scholarship will help him in pursuing his career goals as a PGA member. He strives to always be the best he can be at whatever he is doing. His long-term goal is to be a Top 100 Teacher in America. This goal is only possible with countless hours of teaching, training, and continuous education. Being awarded this scholarship would fast track his education timeline and allow him to gain the certifications and experience needed to truly begin his path towards being a Top 100 Teacher. He is excited for the opportunities that being a PGA member brings, and he looks forward to teaching in the Iowa Section for a long time!
PGA Life Member Retired Terry Anderson responded with, “Sterling has developed a passion for teaching and club fitting. I have taught several GIVE (Golf for Injured Veterans Everywhere) sessions with Sterling, and he is an excellent representative of The PGA of America. Sterling has a wife and two young boys now. He knows that his career as a teaching professional is important for caring for his young family. He is in the PGA of America Associate’s program and is dedicated to becoming a PGA professional as his career. Sterling is a qualified and deserving candidate for this scholarship to continue and complete his membership requirement as a member of The PGA of America. Thank you for your consideration.”
This is Sterling’s first Iowa PGA Section Award.
The Iowa PGA Congratulates Sterling McIlravy as our 2025 Iowa PGA Career Advancement Scholarship winner.
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