Students to begin college this fall as Evans Scholars

GLENVIEW, Ill. – Two students from the state of Washington have been awarded the Evans Scholarship, a prestigious full housing and tuition college grant offered to golf caddies, following an online selection interview held Feb. 17.

Evans Scholars are chosen based on showing a strong caddie record, excellent academics, financial need and outstanding character. The Evans Scholarship is valued at an estimated $120,000 over four years.

Matthew Miller of Federal Way caddied at Seattle Golf Club and is a senior at Decatur High School. He will begin college this fall as an Evans Scholar at the University of Washington where he plans to study clinical psychology.

Matthew is involved in multiple extra-curricular activities where he holds leadership positions. He said of being a school club leader, “This experience has taught me how to lead a group of peers towards a common goal, as well as create a safe space for individuals of all backgrounds.”

Luke Sellers of Seattle caddied at Seattle Golf Club and is currently a freshman at Washington State University. He will begin college this fall as an Evans Scholar at the University of Washington where he plans to study finance.

Luke explains how the determination he learned by working his way up the honor caddie ladder, transferred over into life success. “I was a little nervous going into college, but realize that when I push myself, I can achieve great things,” he said. “I know I have big dreams, but goals are made to work towards.”

“Both of these deserving young students epitomizes what our Program has been about since its creation in 1930,” said WGA Chairman Kevin Buggy. “Their dedication, hard work and sacrifice is humbling, and we are honored to be able to help them pursue their dreams.”

The selection meeting held via Zoom was one of more than 20 such meetings the Evans Scholars Foundation is holding virtually across the country through the spring. When the 2020-21 selection meeting process is completed by April, 300 caddies nationwide are expected to be awarded the Evans Scholarship.

The Western Golf Association, headquartered in Glenview, Illinois, has supported the Chick Evans Scholarship Program through the Evans Scholars Foundation since 1930. One of golf’s favorite charities, it is the nation’s largest scholarship program for caddies.

Currently, a record 1,045 caddies are enrolled in 19 universities across the nation as Evans Scholars, and more than 11,320 caddies have graduated as Evans Scholars since the program was founded by famed Chicago amateur golfer Charles “Chick” Evans Jr.

“These young students all have shown excellence in the classroom and in their communities, as well as on the golf course,” said John Kaczkowski, WGA President and CEO. “We welcome them to the Evans Scholars family.”

Scholarship funds come mostly from contributions by 32,500 golfers 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 third of four PGA TOUR Playoff events in the PGA TOUR’s FedExCup competition, are donated to the Evans Scholars Foundation. In 2021, the BMW Championship will be held at Caves Valley Golf Club from Aug. 23-29.