The Scholars’ Cup at the Quail Lodge & Golf Club experienced another record-breaking year in 2023.  Thanks to your generosity and the support of sponsors from the community, the Cup’s Community Impact Fund grew by at least $115,000.  The final total will be reported once year-end giving is tabulated.

The Scholars’ Cup originated in 2006 when a long time Quail member, Wayne Sargent, wanted to leave a modest educational legacy. He pledged $1,000 per year for five years to award two annual scholarships. He encouraged his fellow members to compete in an annual golf tournament to raise additional scholarship funds. The first scholarships were awarded in 2009. Since its inception, the Scholars’ Cup has awarded $261,500 in scholarships to 28 men and 21 women.

The 2024 Scholars’ Cup tournament is scheduled for November 9-10 so please mark your calendars now.

The qualification criteria for students are financial need, academic performance, leadership and community service and an interest in golf. As envisioned 14 years ago, the scholarship funds are donated by members of Quail and community sponsors who participate in a two-day golf tournament every November. The 2023 event raised over $150,000.

Originally the Scholars’ Cup recipients came from Carmel, Monterey and Pacific Grove high schools. In recent years the Scholars’ Cup expanded and strengthened to reach more deserving high school graduates students in Monterey Country. Today students from Alisal, Alvarez, Carmel, Gonzales, Monterey, North County, North Salinas, Pacific Grove, Salinas, and Seaside high schools may apply. Students participating in the First Tee of Monterey County program continue to be eligible. Quail employees and their children can also apply. Support of technical education was added in 2022 with a grant to Rancho Cielo in Salinas.

Another significant enhancement enables existing scholarship recipients to renew a scholarship award each year during their college career. As with high school seniors, the college students must meet the financial need, academic performance, community service and leadership and interest in golf criteria.

Donations to the Scholars’ Cup are tax deductible and can be made anytime during the year through the Community Foundation for Monterey County Quail MGA Community Impact Fund.

Dave Barrett and David Hall co-chair the Scholars’ Cup with many Quail members offering support. David, Kent Farnsworth, Alton McEwen, Greg Northcraft and Rick Thau serve on the student selection committee. Neg Norton and Donn Wilkerson work on communications. Jim Giancola, Dennis Riley and Jeff Saper are responsible for long term fund raising. The tournament captains are David Hall, TJ Protsman, Ric Handler and Greg Northcraft. Thanks to Mike and Nic Canning for their support and community outreach.