Conner Parish started playing golf when he was just six years old. Now, 11 years later, he is swinging his way into college on a free ride to Texas Wesleyan University.

Parish, 17, is the 2015 recipient of the Ben Hogan Foundation Mentor Scholarship. The award covers four years of tuition, fees and books at Texas Wesleyan, and also pairs the recipient with an accomplished business leader in Fort Worth.

The First Tee of Fort Worth, which teaches life skills through golf, nominates students who meet the criteria and have excelled in The First Tee program. The Ben Hogan Foundation then interviews the applicants and selects the winner. Selections are based on academics, community service and character.

“Conner is a well-rounded young man,” Kevin Long, executive director of The First Tee, said. “He has been part of our program as a participant and volunteer for many years, and is currently president of our Junior Advisory Committee.”

While playing golf is not a requirement for the award, Parish is a decorated golfer from North Crowley High School who Rams’ head coach, Bobby Cornett, is excited to welcome to the men’s golf team.

“Conner is a sharp kid with a big heart and big drive,” Cornett said. “We think he will be an asset to our team.” 

Parish was a three-time All-District selection and two-time regional qualifier at North Crowley High School. He won the 2015 District Championship and finished as the district runner-up in 2013. A member of the National Honor Society, Parish also posted two top-10 finishes at the Fort Worth City Tournament in 2013 and 2014.

The Fort Worth resident plans to major in business.

Foundation’s largest scholarship

The scholarship is a partnership between the Ben Hogan Foundation and Texas Wesleyan. This is the foundation’s largest scholarship and represents the University’s largest, privately-funded scholarship program.

“We’re honored to partner with the Ben Hogan Foundation to offer these deserving students a full scholarship,” President Frederick G. Slabach said. “Together, we are honoring Mr. Hogan’s legacy in Fort Worth.”

The four-year partnership, now in its second year, is valued at approximately $500,000. The program, which began last year, will award five scholarships, valued at $100,000 a piece, over four years. Parish is the third recipient.

Robert Stennett, executive director of the Ben Hogan Foundation, will serve as Parish’s mentor – a unique component of this award.

“I’ve been thinking about being a mentor – it is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” Stennett said. “Mr. Hogan believed in education and this gives me the opportunity to personally help fulfill his legacy by helping a student succeed.”