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We believe that fostering a welcoming environment and embracing various perspectives are vital to strengthening our organization. We aim to cultivate a community where everyone feels valued and to expand opportunities to elevate and enrich the WGA and Evans Scholars community.

 

Our Progress

In 2020, WGA/ESF leaders unveiled a long-range plan for organizational growth, announcing a set of goals they called the 2030 Ambitions, with a focus on expanding youth caddie opportunities and increasing representation among staff and volunteer leadership.

The WGA Board of Governors has established an Opportunity and Outreach Committee to help reach its goals. Led by Derek Douglas — who served as a special assistant to President Barack Obama and works on initiatives to bolster economic opportunity and social mobility — this committee is building on the work of the Council, which was formed in 2017.

In addition to adding a dedicated staff member to oversee these efforts, the WGA/ESF partnered with The Kaleidoscope Group to help create the organizational values statement and strategic plan in 2021.

Goals of the committee include efforts with Evans Scholars; WGA/ESF staff; youth caddies; and partnerships, volunteer leadership and championships.

 

Evans Scholars in school

Case for Investment

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To reach our 2030 Ambitions, we need to attract new audiences — including youth caddies, staff, Evans Scholars, WGA Directors and supporters.
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Broadening the reach of our organization and building a more inclusive environment will help us better support and serve our Evans Scholars and Alumni along their journey from caddie to college to career.
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Establishing relationships with new partners — including schools, golf and country clubs and community organizations — strengthens our mission and expands our network.
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Representation will be directly related to the organization’s relevancy and growth, both now and in the future.

Our Journey

We're a work in progress, but we remain committed to transparency and accountability as we drive toward the future.

Milestones Through the Years

2025: WGA/ESF launches Scholar Experience Survey.
2025: WGA/ESF initiates community caddie programs at public golf courses – Evans Course at Canal Shores in Evanston, IL and East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, D.C.
2024: WGA/ESF launches its second workplace inclusion survey and continues staff education sessions.
2024: WGA/ESF initiates community caddie programs at public golf course – Ed Oliver Golf Course in Wilmington, DE.
2023: The WGA Caddie Academy for young men grows with the addition of a Washington, D.C. chapter.
2023: Howard University becomes the ESF's first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) partner university.
2023: The WGA Caddie Academy for young women grows with the addition of a Columbus, OH chapter.
2023: WGA/ESF initiates community caddie programs at public golf course – Papago Golf Course in Phoenix, AZ.
2023: WGA/ESF launches Lunch and Learn series and Service events for staff to enhance education and community engagement.
2023: WGA/ESF forms partnership with Underrated Golf Tour to grant exemptions to Curry Cup Champions to the Western Junior Championships.
2022: WGA/ESF initiates community caddie programs at public golf course – Charleston Muni in Charleston, SC.
2022: WGA/ESF launches first workplace inclusion survey, starts education sessions for staff, and quarterly all-staff meetings.
2022: The WGA Caddie Academy for young women grows with the addition of a Minneapolis, MN chapter.
2021: WGA/ESF partners with The Kaleidoscope Group to form a strategic plan and hires staff to lead efforts.
2021: The Opportunity and Outreach Committee led by Derek Douglas is established.
2021: A Scholar Executive Board position is added with a focus on Chapter culture and community.
2021: University of Illinois at Chicago becomes first Hispanic Serving Institution partner university.
2021: The WGA Caddie Academy for young women grows with the addition of a Seattle, WA Chapter.
2021: WGA/ESF initiates community caddie programs at public golf courses – UMD Golf Course in College Park, MD and Langston Golf Course in Washington, D.C.
2018: The WGA Caddie Academy for young women grows with the addition of a chapter on the East Coast.
2017: WGA/ESF initiates first youth community caddie programs at public golf course – Jackson Park Golf Course in Chicago, IL. This WGA-subsidized program brings youth caddie programs to municipal golfers and inner-city youth.
2017: Council is established with two Evans Scholar Alumni taking leadership roles.
2016: The WGA Caddie Academy for young men is established in Chicago, IL.
2012: The WGA Caddie Academy for young women is established in Chicago, IL to address barriers to caddying.
2012: The WGA & WWGA announce partnership to co-host the Women’s Western Amateur and Women’s Western Junior Championships.

Insights From Our Journey

Caddie Academy

Chance for Change
Golfweek writer looks at the impact of the WGA Caddie Academy Read Here

Women's Invitational

Caddie Academy returns
Groundbreaking WGA program returns for 13th summer Read Here

Selection Meeting at WGA HQ

Record Scholarships awarded
ESF awards scholarships to 340 youth caddies nationwide Read Here

Michigan State Evans Scholar Jon Paul

The story of Jon Paul
Evans Scholar shares how caddying changed his life. Watch Here

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