Golf Scholarships for Caddies: Requirements and Opportunities

Caddying presents a unique opportunity for young individuals, offering not only a chance to earn income but also to develop valuable life skills and potentially secure significant financial aid for college. Several scholarship programs cater specifically to caddies, recognizing their hard work, dedication, and the important role they play in the game of golf. Among the most prominent are the Evans Scholarship and the J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship Trust.

The Chick Evans Scholarship

The Chick Evans Scholarship, supported by the Western Golf Association (WGA), is one of the most prestigious and substantial caddie scholarship programs in the United States. Founded by legendary amateur golfer Charles "Chick" Evans Jr., who channeled his earnings from golf into caddie scholarships, the program's first scholars enrolled at Northwestern University in 1930. Since then, it has grown to support thousands of caddies in their pursuit of higher education.

Eligibility and Benefits

The Evans Scholarship provides full housing and tuition to deserving caddies. Currently, over a thousand caddies are attending 21 schools nationwide as Evans Scholars. The scholarship is valued at more than $100,000 over four years. Most Evans Scholars attend one of the 18 universities across the country where the Evans Scholars Foundation owns and operates a Scholarship House.

Evans Scholars are known for their academic excellence, with chapters boasting cumulative GPAs of 3.4 and a 95 percent graduation rate. They actively participate in campus and community organizations, prioritizing community service and leadership.

Funding

The Evans Scholars program is funded through contributions from over 32,000 supporters nationwide, Evans Scholars alumni, and proceeds from the BMW Championship.

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J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship Trust

The J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship Trust, the official charitable arm of GAP (Golf Association of Philadelphia), focuses on financially aiding and empowering qualified caddies and those working in golf operations in their pursuit of higher education. The Trust reminds golfers of the important historical role of caddies in the game.

Impact and Recognition

The J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship Trust provides significant financial relief to its recipients. Beyond the financial assistance, the scholarship offers a sense of recognition and belonging within the golf community. Recipients often express gratitude for the opportunity to network with other caddies and professionals in the golf industry.

Beneficiary Experiences

Several J. Wood Platt scholarship recipients have shared their experiences:

Caleb Setlock: "J. Wood Platt has been a nice financial relief but there's also this recognition around yourself as a caddie.”
Kevin Finlayson: “It's been incredible to be honest. J. Wood Platt has given me a tremendous amount of money and I am looking forward to being able to give back at some point.”
Lauren Hess: “I've been able to meet so many people, not only within my club, but other caddies as well. The networking through J. Wood Platt is amazing.”
Mark Amadio: “It has really been a blessing for my family to have something like this to help support me through college.”
Matthew Shiffer: “The scholarship has been very good for me especially since I go to an out of state school. It has given me more freedom to not worry about financials but to focus on my studies and future.”

EAGLE Caddie Program

The EAGLE Caddie Program (Early Adventures in Golf for a Lifetime of Enjoyment) is a unique internship program in Portland, Oregon, that partners with Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R), The Western Golf Association Evans Scholars Foundation, and local high schools.

Program Structure and Benefits

The EAGLE Caddie Program offers qualified students an hourly wage, work credit hours, and mentorship. Participants also become eligible to apply for Evans Scholarships upon successful completion of the three-year program.

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Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the EAGLE Caddie Program, applicants must:

Be a freshman currently enrolled in a public or private high school within the City of Portland.
Work up to 200 hours during the summer.
Maintain good attendance in school.
Achieve a 9th-grade cumulative GPA of at least 3.25.
Have a family household income that does not exceed $75,000.
Enroll in the three-year EAGLE Caddie Program with the expectation of completing it.
Have parents/guardians complete the EAGLE Caddie Program Parent/Guardian Acknowledgement Form.

A history of interest in the game of golf is not required. Priority is given to qualified applicants with fewer social/economic opportunities and limited access to other recreational program internships.

Success Stories

Since 1990, over 80 students have received the Evans Scholarship through PP&R’s EAGLE Caddie program.

Other Caddie Scholarship Opportunities

In addition to the Evans Scholarship, J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship Trust and the EAGLE Caddie Program, various other local and regional caddie scholarship opportunities exist. Students attending high schools outside the City of Portland may contact golf courses in their area, such as Oswego Lake Country Club, Portland Golf Club, Riverside Golf & Country Club, Royal Oak Country Club in Vancouver, Tualatin Country Club, Waverley Country Club, and Willamette Valley Country Club, to inquire about their respective caddie programs and potential scholarship opportunities.

General Requirements for Caddie Scholarships

While specific requirements vary among different scholarship programs, some common criteria often include:

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Caddie Experience: A significant history of caddying at a golf course.
Academic Achievement: A strong academic record, typically demonstrated through GPA and standardized test scores.
Financial Need: Demonstrated financial need to help fund college education.
Character and Leadership: Evidence of good citizenship, leadership qualities, and involvement in extracurricular activities.
Recommendations: Letters of recommendation from golf professionals, teachers, or community leaders.

Benefits of Caddying Beyond Scholarships

Even beyond the possibility of earning a scholarship, caddying offers numerous benefits for young people:

Financial Literacy: Earning and managing money teaches valuable financial skills.
Work Ethic: Caddying instills a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility.
Interpersonal Skills: Interacting with golfers develops communication and interpersonal skills.
Knowledge of Golf: Caddies gain a deep understanding of the game of golf, including rules, strategy, and etiquette.
Networking Opportunities: Caddying can provide opportunities to network with professionals in various fields.
Access to Golf: Caddies often have the opportunity to play golf themselves, fostering a lifelong love of the game.

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