Since 1954 the CSGA has awarded over $3.0 million in scholarships to caddies and other employees of CSGA member clubs.  Contributions benefit as many as 50 young men and women receiving four-year awards while attending colleges and universities throughout the United States.

The CSGA Scholarship Fund in honor of Widdy Neale is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible.

About the CSGA Scholarship Fund

The William (Widdy) Neale Scholarship Fund, Inc. is administered by the Connecticut State Golf Association and since inception has awarded $3.0 million in scholarship aid to 561 high school seniors. Although the program was originally organized to benefit caddies, the applicant pool has been expanded to include graduating seniors employed at CSGA member clubs in various capacities (golf shop, caddies, clubhouse workers, grounds staff) who have worked for at least one golf season and who continue to be employed in the current year.  Depending on a recipient’s academic good standing and continuing financial need, the scholarships may be renewed for three additional years.

The CSGA began awarding college scholarships in 1954 deriving funds from a one dollar charge included in the then handicap fee.  Today, the CSGA member service fee continues to be the primary source of scholarship funds. Then CSGA Executive Director William (Widdy) Neale and scholarship committee chairman and later (1962-63) CSGA President James Killington are credited with convincing the CSGA Executive Committee to establish this Scholarship Fund.  Through the efforts of Attorney Herbert Emanuelson, Jr. (CSGA President 1973-74) the Fund was incorporated as a not-for-profit, charitable organization in 1985-86 and named for Widdy Neale.  Yale graduate Widdy Neale was a career Yale University sports administrator and CSGA Executive Director from 1946-86. 

Contact Dick Zanini, Managing Director of the Widdy Neale Scholarship Fund: E-Mail (rlzanini@cox.net)