WGA CADDIE ACADEMY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
Applications are now being accepted for the second year of the Western Golf Association’s Caddie Academy, an initiative that provides caddie opportunities for high school girls from around the country.
From June 17-Aug. 3, the girls, who come from economically disadvantaged families or who don’t live close to a country club, will stay at the Northwestern Evans Scholarship House in Evanston, Ill., and caddie at various golf or country clubs on Chicago’s North Shore.
By establishing a strong caddie record and getting a chance to experience the Evans Scholars chapter living concept firsthand, they are striving to become Evans Scholars and earn a full tuition and housing college scholarship in a few years.
“These girls already have shown strong academic and leadership records in high school, and now they have an opportunity to caddie and learn life lessons on the golf course,” says WGA/ESF President John Kaczkowski. “Our goal is for them to eventually become strong applicants for an Evans Scholarship.”
This year, the Academy will accept 10 new participants for a total of 20 girls, and leaders hope to grow the program each year. “The Caddie Academy has been a huge success, and we’ve heard overwhelmingly positive feedback from the girls, their families and the participating clubs,” says WGA’s Mike Maher, associate director, education. “There is a very bright and long future for the Caddie Academy.”
Evans Alumni and staff help oversee the Academy, including female counselors who live in the House and drive the group to their clubs. On Mondays, the girls have outings, field trips or go home.
Tiara Davis, a student at St. Francis de Sales and a member of the Academy’s inaugural class, says she hopes to become a pediatric nurse someday. She had a great time staying at the Northwestern House last summer and looks forward to returning. “It feels like home,” she says. “You may be tired after a round but caddying wakes you up. It’s a success if you get to the 18th hole. You feel like you accomplished something.”
More information and the application can be found at www.wgaesf.org/caddieacademy
About Western Golf Association
Founded in 1899 to serve golfing interests in the growing Midwest, the WGA now has more than 400 member clubs. The WGA conducts championships for professional and amateur golfers, promotes the use of caddies and oversees the Evans Scholars Foundation, which awards college scholarships to caddies with limited financial means.
The WGA is a driving force in the game, a respected charitable cause for thousands of supporters and a distinguished leader in the nation’s golf community. Its premier golf event is the BMW Championship, the second-oldest tournament on the PGA TOUR. For more information on the WGA and ESF, visit www.wgaesf.org.
About the Evans Scholars Foundation
The WGA champions education through golf in sponsoring the Evans Scholars Program. Established by famed amateur golfer Charles “Chick” Evans, Jr., it provides full housing and tuition scholarships to deserving caddies across the country. Currently, 835 caddies are attending college on scholarship; there are more than 9,600 Evans Alumni across the country. Most Scholars attend one of the 14 universities where the Foundation owns and operates a Scholarship House.
The Evans Program is funded by contributions from more than 100,000 golfers across the country, as well as Evans Alumni and proceeds from the BMW Championship.
CONTACT: Amy Fuller
Western Golf Association/Evans Scholars Foundation
(847) 724-4600 ext. 3704