Written By: Greg Johnson
FARMINGTON HILLS – Cathy Kalahar, president of the GAM Foundation, says the foundation is opening doors and providing opportunities through golf — a mission that continues to grow in both scope and impact.
The first two Course to Success Awards and Educational Scholarships were recently awarded to students enrolled in Ferris State University’s Professional Golf Management (PGM) program.
The GAM Foundation formed a partnership in 2023 with the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan to establish this scholarship fund, part of its expanding effort to create meaningful educational pathways and support the next generation of leaders in the golf industry.
Kalahar, who announced scholarship recipients Logan Locatis of Howell and Tyler Simpson of Holt at the GAM’s Annual Meeting in May, said the scholarship initiative reflects the foundation’s long-term vision.
“These awards represent our growing commitment to support not only junior golfers, but also the future leaders of the golf industry here in Michigan,” Kalahar said. “This was our pilot program, and we plan to expand on it, helping more young people who aspire to build meaningful careers in golf.”
Laura Bavaird, director of the GAM Foundation, noted that this effort reflects a key priority identified in the Foundation’s new five-year strategy. “Supporting students in Ferris’s PGM program aligns directly with our new Pathways in Golf initiative,” Bavaird said. “It’s part of a broader vision to invest in young talent, expand educational access, and elevate golf as a platform for professional growth. The GAM Foundation is proud to lead that work.”
The Foundation is makes contributions from its general fund to the scholarship endowment, which is managed by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan. Those wishing to contribute directly can make checks payable to Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan (CFSEM), with GAM Foundation written in the memo line.
The PGA Golf Management program at Ferris was the first of its kind sanctioned by the PGA of America in 1975. It has the largest network of successful alumni in the golf industry and prepares students for careers as golf professionals, directors of golf, instructors, or other industry roles. The program boasts a 100 percent employment rate upon graduation, with more than 2,000 graduates and over 1,100 active PGA members.
Learn more about the GAM Foundation at GAM.org.
