New South Carolina club provides local youth jobs as golf caddies

WGA/ESF partners with golf club Old Barnwell as youth caddie programs expand in the Southeast

GLENVIEW, IL — The Western Golf Association (WGA) and Evans Scholars Foundation (ESF) have partnered with newly opened golf club Old Barnwell in Aiken, South Carolina, to provide local youth job opportunities as golf caddies, WGA and club leaders have announced.

More than 20 teenagers have just completed caddie training and are now carrying the bags of golfers, an opportunity that could eventually lead to them earning a full college scholarship through the Evans Scholars Foundation. The creation of a caddie program to provide work opportunities for students is a new and unique element, both for the mission-based club, as well as more broadly in the Southeast.

Old Barnwell, founded by Charleston resident Nick Schreiber, opened its doors in mid-September, with a goal of bringing together people from all backgrounds. The club is focused on creating programs that empower, invite, and celebrate people and communities historically underrepresented in the game of golf — and to build new traditions and a legacy for everyone, according to its website.

In addition to the Western Golf Association and Evans Scholars Foundation, Old Barnwell is partnering with groups including the ANNIKA Development Program, regional historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and local organizations. The course, designed by Brian Schneider and Blake Conant, is the first of three total, and built on 575 acres of rolling, sandy land.

“We believe caddying is the best summer job a young person can have,” said the WGA’s Ed Brockner, VP of East Region Development. “Students can work outside, earn money, learn the game of golf, and network with and be mentored by successful and influential community leaders. Caddying also provides life-changing opportunities, like the chance to earn an Evans Scholarship and go to college for free.”

“Our club is rooted in its mission to bring people together through golf, especially in our local community,” Schreiber said. “The members at Old Barnwell are true partners in this endeavor, and they have committed to building and supporting this youth caddie program.”

While youth caddying is more common in the Midwest, WGA leaders are on a mission to build youth caddie programs at top golf clubs nationwide, while providing more opportunities for students to earn full college scholarships. Old Barnwell represents the WGA’s flagship partner in the Southeast, but leaders are looking to replicate and expand this model throughout the state and region, Brockner said.

“The youth caddies are all off to an excellent start, and we have gotten terrific feedback on the experience from members, guests and the students themselves,” said Kitty Nicastro, Head Golf Professional at Old Barnwell. “We look forward to growing this program in the future as an integral part of our club culture.”

The WGA also helps run youth caddie programs at Charleston Municipal Golf Course, Country Club of Charleston and Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Some of the country’s most outstanding clubs, including Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach, Florida, have also built youth caddie programs with the support of the WGA.

“We’re very thankful to Old Barnwell for this collaboration, and we’re excited to see these students learn the game of golf and to watch the special type of mentoring and networking that happens between youth caddies and golfers,” Brockner said. “This partnership will allow us to have a great impact on our local youth and hopefully, one day, provide some of them life-changing opportunities to go to college.”

To qualify for the acclaimed Evans Scholarship, high school students must show outstanding records of caddying, academics and leadership, as well as financial need. Currently, a record 1,130 students are attending 24 top universities nationwide on Evans Scholarships. Organization leaders are continuing to grow the Program, with a goal of sending 1,500 students to top colleges across the country by 2030 and plans to add additional partner universities in the Southeast.