GCSAA announces 2026 Par Aide Garske Grant winners

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) has awarded its 2026 Par Aide Garske Grants to Kathryn Honaker, Elizabeth Hopkins, Ethan Keilen, Cadell Moulton, Emilee Puhl, Danielle Robertson, Ashlyn Sexton, Kaitlyn Skirkanich, Alayna Stawovy, Reese Wenker and Ines Yanez.

“GCSAA is grateful for Par Aide’s ongoing commitment to supporting the children of GCSAA members in their pursuit for academic success,” said GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans. “Thank you to Par Aide for your steadfast generosity and support of the GCSAA Foundation that allows GCSAA to aid our members and their families seeking higher education. It truly makes a difference.”

Established in honor of Par Aide company founder Joseph S. Garske, the Par Aide Garske Grant competition is funded by the golf course accessory company and administered by the GCSAA Foundation, the philanthropic organization of GCSAA. For more than 20 years, the program has helped children and stepchildren of GCSAA members fund their education at an accredited college or trade school with one-time, one-year grants. There are eleven grants awarded for a total of $14,000. Grants are based on community service, leadership, academic performance, and a written essay.

“At Par Aide, we have always believed in investing in the future of our industry, and that starts with supporting the families who make golf possible every day,” said Dan Brown, Par Aide director of sales and marketing. “We are proud to continue honoring our founder, Joe Garske, through these grants, and we congratulate this year’s recipients as they take the next step in their educational journey. We wish them continued success in the years ahead.”

• Wenker has earned a $2,500 scholarship and is planning to attend United States Naval Academy Preparatory School to major in oceanography and become a United States Navy Pilot. Her father, Nolan Wenker, CGCS, is the superintendent at Oswego Lake Country Club in Lake Oswego, Ore.

• Yanez has earned a $2,500 scholarship and is planning to attend Stanford University to major in environmental engineering. Her father, David Yanez, is superintendent at The Country Club of Rancho Bernardo in San Diego, Calif.

• Honaker has earned a $1,000 scholarship and is planning to attend West Virginia University to major in criminology/pre-law. Her father, Brian Honaker, is the director of agronomy at Stonehaven Course at The Resort at Glade Springs in Daniels, W.Va.

• Hopkins has earned a $1,000 scholarship and is planning to attend the University of Georgia to major in marketing. Her father, Tad Hopkins, is the superintendent at Fenmoor Golf Club At Reynolds Lake Oconee in Greensboro, Ga.

• Keilen has earned a $1,000 scholarship and is planning to attend Oakland Community College to major in industrial design. His father, Andrew Keilen, is the superintendent at Knollwood Country Club in West Bloomfield, Mich.

• Moulton has earned a $1,000 scholarship and is planning to attend Menlo College to major in sports management and business. His father, Jonathan Moulton, is the superintendent at Martis Camp Club in Truckee, Calif.

• Puhl has earned a $1,000 scholarship and is planning to attend Southern Oregon University and major in educational studies. Her stepfather, Craig Hilty, is the superintendent at Rogue Valley Country Club in Medford, Ore.

• Robertson has earned a $1,000 scholarship and is planning to attend Samford University to major in nursing. Her father, David Robertson, is the superintendent at River Oaks Country Club in Houston, Texas.

• Sexton has earned a $1,000 scholarship and is planning to attend Murray State University to major in speech language pathology. Her father, Jeff Sexton, CGCS, is the superintendent at Evansville (Ind.) Country Club in Evansville.

• Skirkanich has earned a $1,000 scholarship and is planning to attend Saint Anselm College to major in nursing. Her father, Mike Skirkanich, is the assistant superintendent at Granite Links Golf Club at Quarry Hills in Quincy, Mass.

• Stawovy has earned a $1,000 scholarship and is planning to attend Pennsylvania Western University – Edinboro to major in exercise science and minor in psychology. Her father, John Stawovy, is the superintendent at Cedarbrook Golf Club in Belle Vernon, Va.

About GCSAA

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization in the United States. Its focus is on golf course management, and since 1926 GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to 21,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and improve communities through enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit our industry-leading magazine at GCMonline.com.

The GCSAA Foundation is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to secure funding and support to strengthen advocacy, education, and research that advances the work of golf course management professionals. Visit the Foundation at www.gcsaa.org/foundation