The Kentucky Golf Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 player grants. These grants recognize young golfers across the state of Kentucky who have demonstrated dedication, talent, character and passion for the game of golf. Through the Gay Brewer Jr., Dorothy Waters, and Justin Thomas Grants, these players are provided with financial assistance to compete at higher levels, further develop their skills, and pursue their goals both on and off the golf course. This year’s recipients represent the future of Kentucky golf, and showcase the achievements, perseverance, and commitment to excellence. 

Gay Brewer Grant Recipients: 

Mary Douglas Childers:

Mary Douglas Childers, a passionate golfer from Bowling Green High School is proud to be a 2026 recipient of the Gay Brewer, Jr. Grant. Over the last six years, she has dedicated herself to golf working closely with her swing coach and playing on the KPGA Junior Tour, AJGA Tour, GolfWeek Junior Tour, and the Bluegrass Tour. Her mental toughness, perseverance, and positive attitude has led her to success on the golf course.

With impressive performances in the KHSAA Regional and State tournaments, three first place victories and eight top-ten finishes in events, Mary Douglas continues to strive for excellence both on and off the golf course. She aspires to continue her golf career at the collegiate level and the Gay Brewer, Jr. grant will provide her access to play in higher level tournaments and gain exposure to college coaches. She shares, “Beyond the financial assistance, being chosen for this grant is a tremendous honor and a strong vote of confidence in my potential. It motivates me to continue working hard and striving to reach my goal of playing college golf. I am truly appreciative of this opportunity and look forward to making the most of it as I continue my development in the game.” Mary Douglas’ dedication, perseverance, and potential makes her a deserving recipient of the Gay Brewer, Jr. Grant. 

Cody Young:

Cody Young, a talented golfer from Shelby County High School, is honored to be a 2026 recipient of the Gay Brewer, Jr. Grant. Inspired by watching his sister compete at the collegiate level, Cody has developed a passion for the game and has dedicated himself to earning a scholarship to play in college. Cody’s strong work ethic, response to adversity, respect for the game has allowed him to steadily improve over his high school career. Cody has posted consistent top ten finishes and an impressive 2025 high school golf season; he has already qualified for the Hurricane National Championship in December 2026.

Grateful to his parents for the support they have provided, he recognizes the financial reality of playing competitively. This grant will allow him to play in multi-day tournaments and continue to pursue his goal of playing collegiately. “Being chosen to represent the Kentucky Golf Foundation as a Gay Brewer, Jr. Grant recipient is an honor I don’t take lightly. Golf has been such a meaningful part of my life, and this support gives me the chance to chase opportunities that would have been out of reach.” he says, “I’m deeply grateful for your belief in me and for helping me continue pursuing the game I love.” Cody’s respect and integrity makes him an excellent recipient for the Gay Brewer, Jr. Grant.

Jack Burrice:

Jackson Burrice, a standout freshman from Trinity High School, is a 2026 Gay Brewer, Jr. Grant recipient. Jack started playing golf at the age of 4 and it has become a lifelong passion for him. He is inspired by Gay Brewer, Jr.’s story of success and as a Kentucky native he hopes to follow in his footsteps. He strives to earn a college scholarship and hopes to play on the PGA Tour in the future. Jack has posted several impressive finishes in competitive tournaments, including a 1st place finish in the Justin Thomas Junior Championship Qualifier with a 69, 2nd place finish at the KYPGA Junior Championship, and T3 finish at the AJGA Mahoning Valley Junior All Star, to name a few. He is proud to be the 20th ranked golfer in the class of 2029 in the country. 

Reflecting on his journey so far, he says “Golf has already taught me valuable lessons in discipline, patience, and representing my school with pride.”

Noting the sacrifices that his parents make for him to chase his dreams, he says the Gay Brewer, Jr. Grant will allow him to contribute to the financial burden that comes with competing at such a high level. “I am honored and grateful to have been selected as the recipient of the Gay Brewer Jr. grant. As a freshman golfer, this support means so much to me—not only financially, but also as encouragement to keep working hard and improving both on and off the course.” Jack is an exceptional ambassador for the Kentucky Golf Foundation and the Gay Brewer, Jr. fund. 

Dorothy Waters Grant Recipients: 

Scarlett Kamuf: 

Scarlett Kamuf is a 2026 Dorothy Waters Grant Recipient. Scarlett is from Owensboro. She loves the game and enjoys practicing and trying to improve her game. She also enjoys competition. She has participated in the Go Junior Golf Series events and the Drive, Chip and Putt competitions. This award will help her to develop her skill as a golfer by making it possible for her to participate in tournaments that are available in Kentucky. Scarlett shares “I am so grateful to receive the Dorothy Waters Grant! Receiving this grant means so much to me and I’m so thankful for this opportunity. It will help me play in more tournaments, which gives me more chances to improve my game, gain experience, and challenge myself against other players. I love golf and everything that comes with it, like practicing, competing, and always trying to get better. This support helps me keep working toward my goals and believing in myself as I continue growing in the game. Thank you so much for believing in me and helping me follow my dream.”

Addison Carr: 

Addison Carr is a 2026 Dorothy Waters Grant Recipient. She will receive funds to help her participate in competitive golf tournaments. Addison is from Danville and is a member of the Boyle County High School girl’s golf team. She loves the game with her family and since her Dad and her two brothers also play she sees this award will make it financially possible for everyone to enjoy the game. Addison shares “Thank you for giving golfers this opportunity. I am so grateful to receive this scholarship! This opportunity reinforces my commitment to excellence, both on the course and beyond.”

Mary Douglas Childers:

Mary Douglas Childers is a 2026 Dorothy Waters Grant recipient. She will be receiving funds to help her enter competitive golf events. Mary Douglas is from Bowling Green and is a member of the Bowling Green High School girl’s golf team. She sees the benefit that competitive golf provides to the growth of her game and the development of friendships. She shares “I am beyond grateful to have received the Dorothy Water Grant. This will help improve my game to hopeful play at the next level. I can’t wait to see what my future holds!”

Justin Thomas Grant Recipients: 

Cody Young: 

Cody Young, is a 2026 Justin Thomas Grant recipient. A passionate golfer from Shelby County High School, he follows in the footsteps of his sister who was the first recipient of the grant in 2016. Following his sister around the country, cheering her on in numerous tournaments, Cody developed a passion for the game and was inspired to chase after the same goal: earning a scholarship to play golf in college. His strong composure and positive attitude has shown to be an important asset to his golf game, allowing him to focus and stay the course. His love and respect for the game has earned him consistent top ten finishes and an impressive 2025 high school golf season; he has already qualified for the Hurricane National Championship in December 2026.

Understanding how crucial competing in high level events are to his competitive development, this grant will allow him to play in multi-day tournaments and continue to pursue his goal of playing collegiately. With the next season being his senior year, gaining exposure to college coaches is a top priority. Cody shares, “I would like to thank the committee for the time and care devoted to reviewing each application. I am certain every golfer who applied is deserving of this opportunity, which makes being selected even more meaningful,” he says, “This grant will make a real difference in my journey—helping me play in more tournaments, grow through new competitive experiences, and gain the exposure I need as I work toward my dream of playing collegiate golf. I will do my very best to represent the principles and values of the Justin Thomas Foundation both on and off the course. Thank you for believing in me, supporting my goals, and giving me the confidence to keep pushing forward.” 

Heidi Mitchell:

Heidi Mitchell, a Junior from Louisville Collegiate High School, is a 2026 Justin Thomas Grant Recipient. A lifelong golfer, she began playing at the age of 5 through participation in programs like the First Tee, LPGA-USGA Girls Golf, and PGA Junior League. As a member of her high school golf team, she developed an even deeper passion for the game, dedicating hours on the range and playing numerous rounds to lower her scores and dominate in tournaments. She has earned countless accolades including 2024 Player of the Year on the Bluegrass and KY PGA Junior Tours, MVP for Louisville High School Girls Golf Team 2023-2025, and Region 6 1st Team All-Region selection. She boasts 13 first place finishes and 33 top 10 finishes with an average score of 77.

Beyond her technical skill, Heidi demonstrates the grit and determination essential for elite play by successfully managing Type 1 Diabetes while competing. Her resilience and dedication for the game makes her an excellent recipient for this award. As she pursues her ambition of playing at the collegiate level, this grant will provide vital support by reducing the financial costs associated with tournament entries and travel. Heidi shares, “I’m honored to receive the Justin Thomas grant. I’m thankful for the opportunities that this grant will allow me to have as I continue my junior golf journey.  The ability to travel and play in tournaments that I wouldn’t normally be able to mean so much to me. Thank you to the Justin Thomas Grant Committee and the Kentucky Golf Foundation for this opportunity!"

The Kentucky Golf Foundation congratulates all of the 2026 grant recipients and looks forward to their continued success in the upcoming years. Through the generosity and legacies of Gay Brewer Jr., Dorothy Waters, and Justin Thomas, these grants continue to create opportunities for the next generation of Kentucky golfers. The Kentucky Golf Foundation is committed to growing the game of golf and supporting junior golfers as they pursue their dreams and represent the future of golf in Kentucky!