Background
Clarence Voigt began caddying at age nine at Westborough and then Westwood Country Clubs. Those experiences built the foundation of his character – hard work and service to others – and ignited his passion for golf. After Naval service in World War II, Clarence quickly found his way back to golf by joining St. Clair Country Club in Belleville, Illinois, as the Assistant Golf Professional in 1946. He later became Head Pro and then Director of Golf before he retired in 1990.
Clarence loved working with junior golfers, was a talented teacher and an expert club maker. He was a proud Life Member of the Professional Golfers’ Association of America and surpassed the half century mark. Clarence modeled traits of loyalty, courage, dedication, good sportsmanship and determination in the way he lived his life. To honor his contributions to golf and to perpetuate his legacy, Clarence’s family and friends created a scholarship fund in his name for those young people who embody the same character traits.
Scholarship Information
PGA REACH Gateway grants a limited number of college scholarships to high school graduates each year through the Clarence Voigt Memorial Scholarship Fund. The Clarence Voigt Memorial Scholarship places a collective emphasis on commitments to golf, academics, community involvement and character. Over the past twelve years, PGA REACH Gateway has awarded over $45,000 in scholarships.
The PGA REACH Gateway Clarence Voigt Memorial Scholarship is awarded by the recommendation of the Scholarship Committee. Individual scholarship amounts range from $1,000 ‐ $3,000. The number of scholarships awarded each year varies.
Those already receiving full collegiate scholarships are not eligible. The value of the award alone or in combination with other aid may not exceed total tuition and fees. Disbursement of the scholarship will be made to the college or university for the recipient’s educational expenses when he or she attends that institution. PGA REACH Gateway shall not restrict the choice of institution.
Applicant Eligibility
- High School Senior in the graduating class of 2025 with plans to continue education at a college or university in the fall of 2025
- Reside in the Gateway PGA Section (Greater St. Louis / Metropolitan Area, Eastern Missouri, Central Missouri and Southern Illinois)
- Participation on the Gateway PGA Junior Tour (not required, but a plus)
- Involvement in PGA REACH Youth initiatives sometime during high school years (not required, but a plus)
Application Requirements
- Complete the application, including essay responses
- Submit a letter of recommendation from one high school teacher, coach or golf professional
- Provide a copy of high school transcript including ACT and SAT scores, if available
- If selected as a finalist, participate in an interview with Scholarship Committee in late May
Application Submission
Applications must be submitted online only through this form. If you are experiencing issues with submitting, please email Mackenzie Myers (mmyers@pgahq.com).
Deadline: May 2nd, 2025
Scholarship recipient(s) will be announced in June 2025.
Scholarship will be formally presented at the 2025 PGA REACH Gateway Ozzie & Friends Gala at the Ritz Carlton in St. Louis, Missouri on Sunday, October 5, 2025.