“The caddie is the lifeblood of the game of golf – a great companion, a friendly conversationalist and a smiling face. This is what the game of golf is truly all about.” – Chick Evans
Mission Statement
At the Western Golf Association/Evans Scholars Foundation, we change lives – on golf courses, in classrooms, and in communities. Our world-class amateur and professional golf events enable us to provide deserving caddies with transformational college educational experiences that go well beyond full tuition and housing scholarships. In doing so, we prepare young people to become leaders who give back so that others may follow.
Evans Scholars Foundation
Established in 1930 by the WGA and famed amateur golfer Charles “Chick” Evans Jr., the Evans Scholars Foundation awards full tuition and housing scholarships to high-achieving students with a strong caddie record, excellent academics, demonstrated financial need and outstanding character. The nation’s largest scholarship program for caddies, the Evans Scholarship is valued at more than $125,000 over four years and has been awarded to more than 13,000 youth caddies across the country.
Youth Caddies & The Evans at Canal Shores
Being a caddie provides students with the opportunity to learn the importance of work ethic, communication, perseverance and financial independence while developing valuable leadership and people skills. The WGA works with hundreds of golf and country clubs and municipal courses nationwide to support and establish youth caddie programs to provide a path to college through the Evans Scholarship. The youth caddie program at The Evans at Canal Shores will be established in summer 2025 and introduce local students to the game of golf as they’re trained in the responsibilities of being a caddie. Golfers will have the opportunity to take a caddie during their round, with caddie fees covered by the WGA. After a period of training and caddying at Canal Shores, caddies will be placed at local golf and country clubs to continue caddying and working toward earning the Evans Scholarship.