What is the Burke Fund:
In 1946, as a tribute to members of the Rhode Island Golf Association who served in World War II, members of the Association established the John P. Burke Memorial Fund. The Fund was originally started to assist caddies pursue a college education. The first scholarships were awarded in 1946. The Burke Fund is one of the oldest scholarship programs for students who work in the service of golf. The Burke Fund has enjoyed a close partnership with the Rhode Island Golf Association and its member clubs since its inception.
Of the many scholarship programs available to college students, few focus on a student’s employment while in secondary school. The Burke Fund’s goal is to do just that, encouraging students to pursue a productive activity as well as involving the golfing community of Rhode Island in remembering those who support them.
Who Was John P. Burke:
John P. Burke was one of the most talented golfers in Rhode Island history. Starting as a caddie, he won the State Junior title twice, the State Amateur Championship four of five years (he missed his tee time in 1937!) and the State Open. While at Georgetown University he won the National Intercollegiate Championship (NCAA) and the Metropolitan Open.
John was one of a handful of golfers who has won the State Junior, Amateur and Open titles. He was killed in battle in World War II.
What We Do:
Burke Fund Mission Statement
The John P. Burke Memorial Fund is dedicated to assisting deserving students who have worked at least two years in the service of golf, to reach their academic goals by providing need-based financial aid. The Burke Fund, through its scholarship program, encourages youngsters to succeed through personal work ethic, academic achievement and contribution to their school and community.
Goals:
- Increase individual need-based scholarship awards to kee pace with the increasing cost of a college education by meeting a greater portion of a student's unmet financial need.
- Broaden the applicant pool to include students, who historically would not have the opportunity to qualify for a scholarship.
- Increase the endowment of the Fund through expanded planned giving and endowed scholarship initiatives.
The Burke Fund offers four year scholarships to college-bound students who have worked as caddies, in golf shop operations (including bag room, practice range, cart storage) or as part of the course maintenance staff for at least two years.
In 2004, three new scholarships were announced. The Burke Fund Button Hole Scholarship recognizes a deserving member of the Button Hole Short Course and Training Center Program headed for college.
Another is the Burke Fund Turfgrass Management Study Scholarship for students intending to study turfgrass and agronomy.
The Burke Fund Professional Golf Management Studies Scholarship will be awarded to students interested in careers in the golf business fields.
The student applicants, both male and female, are sponsored by member clubs of the Rhode Island Golf Association, public, private or semi-private.
Since its inception, over 900 students have been recognized as Burke Scholars, and have attended 166 colleges and universities across the country. Since 1946, the Burke Fund has awarded in nearly $2,000,000 to deserving students.
Eligible students must have an acceptable academic record, demonstrate leadership in extra-curricular, civic or community activities. Each applicant must clearly establish that he/she requires financial assistance in order to attend college.
The Burke Fund is an equal opportunity scholarship program for students, working at golf courses. It does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion or ethnic background.
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