Super-Scratch Foundation invests $200K-plus in future golf course superintendents

The Super-Scratch Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting an often-overlooked segment of the golf industry — turfgrass and agronomy — celebrated the culmination of its 2026 competitive season in October with the National Invitational at Huntingdon Valley Country Club, Huntingdon Valley, Pa., bringing together 43 teams from across the country to compete for more than $125,000 in scholarship funding benefiting the next generation of golf course superintendents. 

The event marked another milestone for the foundation, whose initiatives throughout 2026, including Regional Qualifiers, National Invitational, Advocate Club Program, partnerships and other initiatives, will result in more than $200,000 in student scholarships supporting individuals pursuing careers in golf course management. 

Unlike traditional golf competitions, the Super-Scratch National Invitational offers participating clubs the opportunity to compete on behalf of turfgrass programs of their choosing. Scholarship dollars are directed to schools based on participating clubs’ selections and competitive results, creating a meaningful connection between golf clubs, their superintendents and the educational programs developing the profession’s future leaders. 

Representing Wilmington Country Club, director of golf courses and grounds Jon Urbanski and member Matthew Homer captured the National Invitational Championship with an impressive round of 64 (-6). The duo earned top honors in a field featuring golf course superintendents paired with amateur golfers, competing for scholarship dollars to support the future of the industry. 

In the individual competitions, 2026 U.S. Mid-Am champion Andrew Bailey claimed Low Amateur honors with a round of 69 (-1), while Ryan Moore of Hidden Creek earned Low Superintendent Gross honors with a score of 78 (+8). Urbanski added to his championship performance by capturing Low Superintendent Net honors with an even-par 70. 

The festivities also included the Sponsor Scramble at nearby LuLu Country Club, where the team representing Better Billy Bunker took top honors with an outstanding round of 57, earning $5,000 for the turf program of their choice. 

While the Foundation’s 2026 events showcased exceptional golf at outstanding venues across the country, the season’s greatest achievement extended far beyond the competition. 

For information about upcoming Super-Scratch events, visit the organization’s events page, including its 2027 Regional Qualifier schedule.

These regional events will provide golf clubs and their members with opportunities to compete for scholarship dollars benefiting their preferred turfgrass programs, while directly supporting the education and development of future interns, assistant superintendents and industry leaders.