About the David Turner Scholarship
On behalf of David Turner, First Tee – Greater Seattle will offer six (6) scholarships per year providing each winner with $300 in credit for instruction, equipment, and tournaments, and a complimentary year of enrollment in First Tee – Greater Seattle programming. This scholarship is intended to give 6 golfers per year a boost in their efforts to further improve their game and engage in additional competition, which can be an expensive endeavor for any family.
About David Turner
Thanks to the generosity of the David Turner Estate and Marilyn Turner, First Tee – Greater Seattle is pleased to offer the David Turner Memorial Scholarship. David’s love of golf began at an early age, waiting until dark as a young boy and “sneaking” on to the local city golf course. His passion for the game eventually led to a two handicap and three-time Men’s Club Champion at a Tucson, AZ Golf Club.
Living a full life, David was a Vietnam Veteran (Purple Heart awardee), flight instructor and police officer. David played golf “rain or shine” and often encouraged his playing partners with the saying: “C’mon, let’s play while we still can!” David Turner passed away in September of 2015 after complications from “Agent Orange”, a condition resulting from toxic chemical exposure during the Vietnam War.
Scroll down for David’s full biography.
Applications are now open for the 2024 year!
Eligibility
Preferred (at least three of the four):
1) Desire to compete in tournament golf at a high level.
2) Active member of First Tee – Greater Seattle at the PAR level or above (age 9+)
3) Volunteer experience as a junior coach at First Tee.
4) Top 3 overall score in boys/girls division in a Chapter Championship.
Required:
5) Player exemplifies the Nine Core Values on and off the course.
6) Financial need: Scholarship provides an opportunity that would otherwise not be possible.
7) Not younger than 9 years old, or beyond senior year in high school.
If selected, applicant agrees to provide a written thank you letter and a photo to the David Turner Estate following activation of their scholarship.
Full Biography – David Turner
David Turner’s favorite hobby was golf. He would be very glad to learn that golf scholarships are being offered in his memory.
David grew up in Poughkeepsie, NY and was active with a paper route, fishing, hunting and learning bowling and boxing.
One summer he and a buddy discovered a hole in a fence for a City Golf Course. They secretly spent hours watching the golfers. As it grew dark, they went on the course and played. David had a new hobby.
At 18, David enlisted in the Marine Corps. He was in Vietnam for 11 months, wounded and awarded the Purple Heart.
David enrolled in Aeronautical School in Oklahoma. He earned his certification as a Flight Instructor and gave lessons in Connecticut.
Later David changed careers and became a Police Officer. As an office, he joined the Department’s golf team, was a member of SWAT and was a Union Representative. David was injured on duty and retired.
From there, he opened a Billiard Hall, gave lessons and held billiard tournaments!
David retired to Tucson, AZ and joined a golf club. Soon he achieved a two handicap and won the club title three times. His love for the game ran deep, volunteering to set pins, manage handicaps, give free lessons and even building a misting system for the course.
David became ill due to Agent Orange, a condition caused by toxic chemical exposure during the Vietnam War.
Now in Houston TX, David joined another golf club, learned to play the harmonica and was invited to join a Country Western Band. Between treatments and hospitalizations, David played golf rain or shine. He encouraged his pals with the saying, “c’mon, let’s play while we still can!”
David Turner passed away in September 2015.