Two Phoenix student caddies earn Evans Scholarships

New Scholars will begin school this fall

GLENVIEW, Ill. – Two student caddies from Phoenix have been awarded the Evans Scholarship, a prestigious full housing and tuition college grant offered to golf caddies, following selection meeting interviews held on Dec. 18.

Favored Olakonu, a caddie at Desert Forest Golf Club in Carefree, and Ira Goldman, a caddie at The Estancia Club in Scottsdale, will begin college next fall as Evans Scholars. The Evans Scholarship is valued at more than $125,000 over four years.

To qualify for the Evans Scholarship, each student must meet the Program’s four selection criteria and demonstrate a strong caddie record, excellent academics, financial need and outstanding character. Both are expected to attend Arizona State University in Tempe as part of the university’s inaugural class of Evans Scholars, with school decisions to be finalized in the spring.

The Western Golf Association (WGA), headquartered in Glenview, Illinois, oversees the Evans Scholars Foundation. Known as one of golf’s favorite charities, it is the nation’s largest scholarship program for caddies.

Both Olakonu and Goldman are the first caddies from the Arizona Caddie and Leadership Academy (AZCLA) to earn the Evans Scholarship. The program, overseen by the WGA, uses caddying and the game of golf to create life-changing opportunities for young men and women in the Phoenix area, while also serving as a pathway to the Evans Scholarship.

The Academy serves students aged 14 and older and runs from November through May. Participants caddie for golfers at partner clubs during off-school hours and may have the opportunity to caddie at private clubs in the area. In addition to earning income, students gain access to mentorship, leadership meetings, guest speakers and professional development workshops designed to build character, confidence and long-term success.

“Favored and Ira represent the very best of what the Arizona Caddie and Leadership Academy strives to achieve,” said Brandon Rogers, the WGA’s Senior Director, Caddie Development, Southwest, who founded the Arizona Caddie and Leadership Academy. “They committed themselves to the program, developed strong work habits through caddying, and earning the Evans Scholarship is a powerful reflection of their character and dedication.”

Olakonu, of Phoenix, was home schooled and was introduced to caddying after competing in junior golf and completing training through AZCLA. In college, he plans to study computer science or sports medicine while continuing to give back to the game through volunteer work with First Tee.

“Caddying taught me how to stay calm, work hard and adapt to any situation,” Olakonu says. “The opportunities I’ve had through caddying helped shape who I am and motivated me to push myself both on and off the course.”

Goldman, of Phoenix, is a senior at Sunnyslope High School and began caddying after completing training through AZCLA. He currently caddies at The Estancia Club while balancing competitive golf, academics and work as a line cook. In college, he plans to study engineering. “Caddying reinforced the discipline and accountability I try to bring into every part of my life,” Goldman says. “Being trusted to guide players on the course helped prepare me to lead, stay focused and work toward long-term goals.”

Currently, a record 1,260 caddies are enrolled at 27 universities across the country as Evans Scholars. Arizona State University recently announced a partnership with the Evans Scholars Foundation and will become the Program’s 28th partner university beginning in fall 2026. More than 12,575 caddies have graduated as Evans Scholars since the Program was founded by famed Chicago amateur golfer Charles “Chick” Evans Jr. in 1930.

Selection meeting interviews will continue nationwide through spring. By the end of the 2025–26 selection process, an estimated 380 caddies from across the country are expected to be awarded the Evans Scholarship.

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 96 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 43,500 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 2026, the BMW Championship will be held at Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis, Missouri, from Aug. 18–23.