Croudis (19) will follow in the footsteps of fellow Otago Boys' High School old boy Thomas Campbell, who finished his degree at Minnesota in 2009 and has since joined the professional ranks.
"I am really looking forward to going and I owe a lot for the support of my mother Linda and father Kallum, as well as Golf Otago and New Zealand Golf," Croudis said. "They have all helped me a lot with my golf and getting this scholarship."
Croudis has the credentials to perform well at Iowa.
He won the New Zealand under-19 title at North Shore in 2009 and then represented New Zealand in China, finishing second in his age-group.
He was selected in a senior national squad earlier this year and competed in two prestigious tournaments in Melbourne.
Croudis competed in three national interprovincial tournaments from 2008 to 2010 and is unbeaten in 14 games.
He attended the University of Otago last year, studying commerce, and intends to enrol in the finance faculty at Iowa.
Croudis' Dunedin coach, Alan Rose, will keep an eye on him via a video link.
Croudis intends to return home for Christmas and New Year and will have an extended visit home from May to August next year.
"I hope to play in some of the Charles Tour national tournaments when I get back and will also play in the Otago Club's pennant team if selected," he said.
Croudis and Campbell may have even more southern company in the United States - Balmacewen's apprentice greenkeeper Cameron Beel is also plying his trade on a course in the US.
