On July 3, 2021, Eugene “Gene” Karl Siller, PGA Director of Golf at Pinetree Country Club in Kennesaw, GA, tragically passed. Gene was a truly unique story in the golf industry. He graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. As a Professional Engineer, he helped develop multiple US Patents before following his passion toward a career in golf as a PGA Golf Professional. A natural teacher and mentor, Gene held leadership positions at several of the most esteemed golf clubs around Metro Atlanta. He had an endless pursuit to be the best version of himself and an incredible work ethic, which he used to encourage and mentor aspiring golfers.

In 2007, he met his soulmate, Ashley, and later had two sons, Beau and Banks. The loves of his life were his wife and his boys. His love for his family, and the love between Gene and Ashley, was palpable. You never saw a prouder man then when you saw Gene looking at his two boys.

While Gene’s title was a golf pro, it was more than just a job. He absolutely loved the game of golf and instilled that love in his sons. The young Siller boys quickly became just as passionate about playing golf. In fact, every Sunday you could find Gene playing a round of 18 holes with his sons.

Wherever he was, people looked up to and respected Gene. He had the biggest heart for all people and animals and was always willing to help. He was strong, centered, and ethically grounded, never wavering from doing what he believed was the right thing to do. Gene made the people around him better just by knowing and loving him.

Following Gene’s passing, the Gene Siller Memorial Grant was created by the Siller Family in partnership with PGA REACH Georgia and Pinetree Country Club members to honor Gene’s life and passion through support of junior golf initiatives. The Mission of this grant is to provide financial assistance to young golfers throughout the state of Georgia by supporting those looking to learn, play and compete in junior golf initiatives.

ELIGIBILITY & GUIDELINES

Applicants Must:

• Be at least 10 years of age and no older than 19
• Be a resident of the State of Georgia
• Have not yet received dollars for a college golf scholarship or played in a collegiate event
• Complete all parts of the application form
• Be able to demonstrate how these funds will support their pursuit of junior golf initiatives
• Be available to complete a virtual or in-person interview in February
• Attend the 2024 Gene Siller Red Pants Memorial Golf Tournament on a TBD date at a TBD location around metro Atlanta

Important Information:

• Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. (ET) on January 31st, 2024
• Applicants will be evaluated by the Gene Siller Memorial Grant Council based on application forms submitted, demonstrated need towards junior golf initiatives and recommendation from a PGA Professional
• The total number of grants awarded will be determined by the total number of qualified candidates and available funds
• Qualified candidates (and their PGA Professional) will be asked to interview (in-person or virtually) with the GSMG Council once all applications have been reviewed
• Selection of Grant Recipients will be announced by March 31st, 2024
• Each grant recipient will be eligible to receive up to $3,000 in reimbursement for expenses toward junior golf initiatives. According to the revision in the 2022 USGA Rules of Amateur Status, there are no restrictions on acceptable expenses for amateurs. However, the Gene Siller Memorial Grant Council has specified that eligible expenses are limited as specified below in the Eligible Expenses and Ineligible Expense section

ELIGIBLE VS. INELIGIBLE EXPENSES

Examples of Eligible Expenses:

• Costs incurred when traveling to/from a junior golf initiative. This may include gas, airfare (junior golfer/PGA Professional only), airport transportation, rental cars, ride-share services (Uber, Lyft, etc.) and taxis
• Reasonable food & beverage costs (junior golfer/PGA Professional only) incurred while attending a junior golf initiative
• Hotel costs incurred while attending a junior golf initiative (junior only, unless sharing room with parent, guardian or PGA Professional)
• Junior golf initiative entry fees
• Cart or caddie fees
• Practice round fees
• PGA Professional instructional fees

Examples of Ineligible Expenses:

• Airfare for parent/guardian that is not a PGA Professional
• Food & beverage costs for parent/guardian that is not a PGA Professional
• Golf equipment (golf clubs, golf balls, clothes, gloves, etc.)

The 2024 Application Is NOW OPEN
Through January 31st.

Your contribution will help impact the
next generation of golfers!

2024 Red Pants Tournament

Monday, August 12, 2024
St. Ives Country Club, Johns Creek