Record number of student caddies awarded full college scholarships

(Glenview, IL) – In 2020, a record 285 students from across the country have been awarded the Evans Scholarship, a full housing and tuition college grant offered to golf caddies.

Each caddie has a unique story, which reflects the scholarship’s four selection criteria: a strong caddie record; excellent academics; demonstrated financial need; and outstanding character. Winners are listed in the accompanying document.

Recipients were interviewed at one of more than 20 selection meetings held at golf and country clubs across the country, from this past November through March. They’ll begin college as Evans Scholars this fall, attending one of 18 leading universities nationwide with an Evans Scholars chapter.

“These deserving young students epitomize what our Program has been about since its creation in 1930,” said WGA Chairman Kevin Buggy. “Their dedication, hard work and sacrifice is humbling, and we are honored to be able to help them pursue their dreams.”

The Western Golf Association, headquartered in Glenview, Illinois, has supported the Chick Evans Scholarship Program through the Evans Scholars Foundation since 1930. One of golf’s favorite charities, it is the nation’s largest scholarship program for caddies.

Currently, a record 1,010 students are enrolled in 18 universities across the nation as Evans Scholars, and more than 11,050 caddies have graduated as Evans Scholars since the program was founded by famed Chicago amateur golfer Charles “Chick” Evans Jr.

“These young men and women have shown excellence in the classroom and in their communities, as well as on the golf course,” said John Kaczkowski, WGA President and CEO. “We welcome them to the Evans Scholars family.”

The support of local golf and country clubs and partnering golf associations has been an integral part of the success of the Evans Scholars Program.

Scholarship funds come mostly from contributions by 32,500 golfers across the country, who are members of the Evans Scholars Par Club program. Evans Scholars Alumni donate more than $14 million annually, and all proceeds from the BMW Championship, the third of four PGA TOUR Playoff events in the PGA TOUR’s FedExCup competition, are donated to the Evans Scholars Foundation.

To learn more about the WGA and ESF, visit www.wgaesf.org.