Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (April 26, 2024) — PGA REACH Philadelphia, the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of the Philadelphia PGA Section,  is proud to announce six recipients of the Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour Diversity Scholarship: Sophia DeSantis, Glen Mills, Pa.; Addison Murphy,  Phoenixville, Pa.; Andi Jones, Glenside, Pa.; Tobias Elliott, Garnet Valley, Pa.; Brian Nishimura, Collegeville, Pa.; Jayden Rounbehler, Philadelphia, Pa.
The scholarship program was established in 2019 to promote greater diversity in golf and awards opportunities to junior golfers of different races, genders and socioeconomic statuses. Specifically, golfers receive a free membership to the Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour,  7 free tournament entries annually, until the age of 18, and are assigned a PGA of America Golf Professional as a mentor to coach them through challenges they are facing on and off the course.

This year’s class is supported by our partners Women Golfers Give Back and Valley Forge Tourism and Convention. The golf equipment is sponsored by the 1854 Foundation and purchased through Bill Lee, PGA at Cobra Puma Golf.

In addition to the six individuals that will receive the scholarship, PGA REACH Philadelphia has partnered with The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia to provide 16 additional members of The First Tee with two tournament entries and a Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour membership for the 2024 season.

“We are thrilled to announce the selection of six exceptional scholars from our largest pool of applicants. Each recipient embodies not only a passion for the game of golf but also a dedication to academic excellence and community involvement. We believe they will represent our program with distinction and contribute positively to the future of the sport,” said Courtney Curcio, PGA REACH Philadelphia Director.

This year’s scholarship recipients include:

	Sophia DeSantis, 18, has been an avid golfer from an early age. Her hard work and passion for the game of golf has earned her several honors including captain of her high school golf team and a scholarship to play golf at a D1 college.
	Tobias Elliott, 9, is a bright and kind individual who is very close with his family, particularly his twin brother. He is hungry to learn as much as he can and excited to get into the game of golf.
	Addison Murphy, 13, has always loved watching golf with her grandfather. By being on the Philly Junior Tour, she is most excited to make new friends, see new courses and challenge herself.
	Andi Jones, 16, was introduced to golf at a young age and has since advocated to bring a golf team back to her high school. She is eager to use the lessons she will learn by competing in tournaments to better herself and the world.
	Brian Nishimura, 14, is a member of the First Tee of Philadelphia and enjoys the peace golf brings him. He is looking forward to absorbing as much knowledge as possible and growing in confidence as he competes.
	Jayden Rounbehler, 18, is driven to achieve greater heights in his life, especially through his love of learning. He is new to the game of golf and excited for the opportunities ahead of him.

About PGA REACH Philadelphia 
PGA of America REACH Foundation Philadelphia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2018 as the charitable arm of the Philadelphia PGA Section, one of the 41 Sections within the PGA of America. PGA REACH Philadelphia is committed to serving our communities and growing the game of golf through our three pillars: Youth, Military, and Diversity.

For more information on PGA REACH Philadelphia and its mission to positively impact lives through golf, visit pgareachphiladelphia.com To donate to PGA REACH Philadelphia, please click here.

About the Philadelphia PGA Section
The Philadelphia PGA Section, covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, is one of 41 geographical managing entities of the PGA of America. This Section manages nearly 900 PGA of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

Contact: Courtney Curcio, Director, ccurcio@pgahq.com