Two caddies from Massachusetts earn full college scholarships

Student caddies awarded the Ouimet Evans Scholarship

GLENVIEW, Ill. & Norton, Mass. – Two students from the state of Massachusetts have been awarded the Ouimet Evans Scholarship, a full tuition and housing college scholarship for deserving caddies, following a selection interview held virtually on Dec. 19.

Cameron Levesque, of Marstons Mills, and Aidan McMinn, of Monson, will begin college in the fall of 2025 as Ouimet Evans Scholars, with their awarded universities to be announced this spring.

The Western Golf Association (WGA), headquartered in Glenview, Illinois, oversees the Evans Scholars Program. Recently recognized as the Scholarship Provider of the Year by the National Scholarship Providers Association, the Evans Scholars Foundation (ESF) is one of golf’s favorite charities and the nation’s largest scholarship program for caddies.

The Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund and the ESF annually co-sponsor the scholarships for caddies from the state of Massachusetts. They are awarded to applicants who meet the criteria of both organizations and demonstrate a strong caddie record, excellent academics, financial need and outstanding character. The scholarship is valued at more than $125,000 over four years.

Levesque, who caddied at Hyannisport Club in Barnstable, is a senior at Barnstable High School. Inspired by his older brothers, he began caddying at age 12. On the course, he realized his desire to study business after conversations with a member. “I have gained insight on how to succeed and prosper because of his advice,” he says. “While caddying, I see and appreciate many different points of view on a variety of career paths, but the common denominator is hard work. I would not be where I am today without the help, mentorship and camaraderie of people I have met on the course.”

McMinn, who caddied at Longmeadow Country Club in Longmeadow, is a senior at Minnechaug Regional High School. He also plans to study business. “Caddying has undoubtedly improved my conversation skills, introduced me to interesting people and enabled me to become a quiet observer,” he says. “The golf course is a place to make connections – and the ones I have made throughout my caddie experience have been the most significant reward.”

Currently, a record 1,190 caddies are enrolled at 24 universities across the country as Evans Scholars – including eight Ouimet Evans Scholars and 11 from the state of Massachusetts. More than 12,285 caddies have graduated as Evans Scholars since the Program was founded by famed Chicago amateur golfer Charles “Chick” Evans Jr. in 1930.

“We are proud to congratulate Cameron and Aidan as Ouimet Evans Scholars for their work ethic and dedication as both caddies and students,” said Duncan Gratton, President of the Ouimet Fund. “The Ouimet Fund is proud to partner with the Evans Scholars Foundation to support young people who embrace caddying as an avenue to a life-changing opportunity.”

Evans Scholar selection meeting interviews will continue nationwide through the winter. When the 2024-25 selection meeting process is complete, an estimated 360 caddies from across the country are expected to be awarded the Evans Scholarship.

“Since our founding, our Program has changed the lives of caddies who have proven their dedication in the classroom, on the golf course and in their communities,” said WGA Chairman Steve Colnitis. “We are proud to welcome Cameron and Aidan to the Evans Scholars family.”

Evans Scholars have a cumulative GPA of 3.3 and a 98 percent graduation rate. An estimated 40 percent are first-generation college students, and 95 percent are employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduating.

Funds for the Evans Scholarship come mostly from contributions by more than 36,000 supporters across the country, who are members of the Evans Scholars Par Club program. Evans Scholars Alumni donate more than $15 million annually, and all proceeds from the BMW Championship, the penultimate PGA TOUR Playoff event in the PGA TOUR’s FedExCup competition, benefit the Evans Scholars Foundation. In 2025, the BMW Championship will be held at Caves Valley Golf Club near Baltimore, Maryland, from Aug. 12-17.