SD golfers to be recognized with Denny Sanford scholarship
Sept. 11, 2026
Contact:
Paul Heinert
Sanford Health Media Relations
605-366-2432 / paul.heinert@sanfordhealth.org
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Sanford International announced today a new scholarship program to honor the legacy of Denny Sanford and recognize high school golfers who are making a positive impact on the course and in their communities.
Applications for the Sanford International | Denny Sanford Scholarship will open this fall. This initiative is designed to recognize and invest in graduating high school seniors whose journey through golf reflects more than just a scorecard, celebrating students who demonstrate a commitment to golf, strong academics, leadership, volunteerism, community involvement and character. The scholarship aims to support young individuals ready to carry these valuable lessons into college, their careers and their communities.
The program will award two annual $5,000 scholarships. One scholarship is designated for a Sioux Falls area resident, and the other for a South Dakota resident.
“This scholarship opportunity is about so much more than financial support—it’s about opening a door and giving a young person the opportunity to see what is possible,” said Julie Jansa, Executive Director, First Tee – South Dakota. “At First Tee – South Dakota, we believe golf can be a powerful vehicle for teaching young people the skills they need to navigate life, but we also know that education can change the trajectory of a young person’s future. We are incredibly grateful to the Sanford International and Denny Sanford for believing in young people and for making this opportunity possible. This investment will help create pathways for students to pursue their education, build confidence, and achieve their goals. We are proud to partner with the Sanford International and honored to carry Denny Sanford’s legacy forward through this scholarship. We are excited to see the lasting impact this opportunity will have on these young people and, ultimately, our communities that we serve.”
Eligible applicants must be graduating high school seniors and residents of South Dakota, planning to attend a two- or four-year college, university or accredited post-high school institution in the fall after graduation. Candidates should demonstrate a strong connection to and participation in junior golf and/or competitive golf, alongside a commitment to academics, leadership, volunteerism and community involvement. The scholarship emphasizes that “Golf Is the Connection—Character Is the Story,” recognizing commitment, growth, sportsmanship and the ways golf has helped shape the person they have become.
Application materials will be available on the First Tee – South Dakota and SDGA websites starting Oct. 15. And are due by May 15, 2027. The application requires a cover letter, golf resume, community & leadership resume, high school transcript, a 300-word essay, and two letters of recommendation.
About the Sanford International
The Sanford International, a PGA TOUR Champions event contested in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, will be played at Minnehaha Country Club the week of September 7-13, featuring a $2.2 million purse. In its ninth year, the Sanford International will continue to focus on charitable giving and making a lasting impact in Sioux Falls. For more information about the tournament, please visit sanfordinternational.com. You can also follow the tournament on social media via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
###
