WGA expands youth caddie opportunities at public course in Wilmington

Ed Oliver Golf Club introduces new caddie program to students

GLENVIEW, Ill. – The Western Golf Association (WGA) and Evans Scholars Foundation (ESF) are expanding youth caddie opportunities throughout the state of Delaware through a growing community youth caddie program at Ed Oliver Golf Club in Wilmington, Delaware.

In June, 12 local students participated in three days of caddie training at the public Wilmington course. The training introduced participants to the fundamentals of the job, including course etiquette, proper positioning, caring for golf equipment, reading greens and communicating with golfers.

The program is designed to provide young people with meaningful summer employment while helping them develop confidence, responsibility, communication skills and a strong work ethic. Through their interactions with golfers, caddies also have the opportunity to build relationships with mentors and community leaders. The WGA covers the base fee for a golfer to take a caddie, though players are encouraged to tip for a job well done.

“Caddying opens doors for young people in meaningful ways that extend far beyond the golf course,” said Brian Bianchi, Vice President, Caddie Development at the WGA/ESF. “Through this partnership with Ed Oliver Golf Club, we’re opening more doors for Delaware students to get involved in the game, earn income and pursue the Evans Scholarship. We’re excited to expand access to caddying and the opportunities it can create for students across Delaware.”

Following the training, each participant was paired with a golfer for their first on-course caddie experience as part of the program’s 2026 kickoff event. The golfers provided guidance and encouragement as the students put their new skills into practice.

The growth of caddying in Delaware complements the Evans Scholars Program’s expanding presence in the East and its recent partnership with the University of Delaware. This past academic year, the inaugural class of Evans Scholars attended the university, living together in community on campus. In addition, the WGA has been working with a growing number of golf courses nationwide that are open to the public, offering work and mentoring opportunities to new groups of people who fall outside the traditional private golf club sector.

Applicants for the Evans Scholarship are evaluated based on a strong caddie record, excellent academics, demonstrated financial need and outstanding character. The WGA has administered the Evans Scholars Program since it was established in 1930.

Many of this year’s new caddies at Ed Oliver Golf Club attend Odyssey Charter School in Wilmington. Founded in 2006, Odyssey was Delaware’s first mathematics-focused elementary charter school and has since grown to serve more than 2,300 students in grades K-12.

The new caddies will gain experience at one of Delaware’s most historic golf properties. Located in the heart of Wilmington, Ed Oliver Golf Club was originally the site of Wilmington Country Club and remains closely connected to the area’s golf history.

The course is named in honor of Wilmington native Ed “Porky” Oliver, who began caddying at age 11 before becoming one of Delaware’s most accomplished professional golfers. His journey from young caddie to one of the game’s leading professionals reflects the opportunities the program hopes to create for a new generation of Wilmington students.