The search is on again for young golfers with driving ambition to enter the Mayor’s Junior Golf Development Scholarship for 2016.

Three young Gold Coast golfers will be offered a unique opportunity to win Emirates flights to watch the 2016 Open Championship in Scotland, experience the airline’s global hub of Dubai, play a round at the famous Royal Troon and receive three months mentoring from the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) of Australia.

The prizes are part of the Mayor’s Junior Golf Development Scholarship, open to applicants between 16 and 19 years, with a handicap of 10 or less.

Mayor Tom Tate today announced details of the scholarship, designed to inspire promising young golfers to pursue a professional career.      

"This scholarship is about nurturing sporting excellence in our city which helps grow participation in sport and builds on our status as a sporting events capital," he said.

"I know our three winners from last year are all pursuing professional careers in golf. They remain proud ambassadors for our city."      

Barry Brown, Emirates’ Divisional Vice President for Australasia, said Emirates was thrilled to offer the chance to visit Dubai and take a tour of the Emirates Training Facility as part of the prize.

"Emirates takes pride in connecting people to their passions and supporting tomorrow’s champions. This scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for aspiring young golfers to further develop their skills and understand what it takes to become a professional golfer," said Mr Brown.

Chief Executive Officer of the PGA, Brian Thorburn, said "the PGA is thrilled to once again be part of the Mayor’s Junior Golf Development Scholarship. The program is a fantastic initiative and crucial to nurture local sporting excellence and create positive ambassadors for golf on the Gold Coast."

Scholarship applications will be assessed against golfing ability including current handicap, improvements in handicap and results in competitions, as well as their contribution to, and involvement in, the community.

Applicants will be narrowed to six finalists by a panel of judges represented by members of the PGA, Emirates and the City.

The winners will undergo private coaching clinics with Mark Gibson, student mentor at the PGA International Golf Institute.

The scholarship is proudly supported by Emirates and PGA of Australia.

Applications close 18 April 2016 – visit www.cityofgoldcoast.com.au/golfscholarship.