1. What’s the difference between the Western Golf Association and the Evans Scholars Foundation?

The Western Golf Association is a national leader in golf, founded in 1899 by representatives from 11 Chicago-area golf clubs. Headquartered in Golf, Illinois, the association hosts three national tournaments, including the BMW Championship, and oversees the Evans Scholars Foundation, which awards full tuition and housing scholarships to deserving caddies.

2. Who was Chick Evans?

One of golf’s all-time greats, Charles “Chick” Evans became famous in 1916 when he won both the U.S. Open and the U.S. Amateur, becoming the first golfer ever to capture both tournaments in the same year. In his amateur career, which spanned six decades, he won 54 titles, including all the major championships of his day.

He remained an amateur his entire life, choosing to dedicate his earnings into a trust fund that would provide scholarships for caddies.

3. How do you get the Scholarship?

Candidates must have the following: a strong caddie record, excellent grades, financial need and outstanding character. If candidates meet those requirements, they may be asked to be interviewed at a selection meeting.

4. Do Evans Scholars have to be good golfers?

Evans Scholars do not need to be golfers; they just need to have caddied for a minimum of two years, successfully and regularly.

5. Which universities do Evans Scholars attend?

Most recipients attend one of the 14 universities across the nation where the Evans Scholars Foundation owns and operates a Scholarship House. In Minnesota, they can attend the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

6. How many Scholars are in school, and how many Alumni are there?

Currently, there are more than 850 Evans Scholars in school, and more than 9,000 Evans Alumni.

7. What’s the graduate rate for Evans Scholars?

The graduation for Scholars is near 90 percent, compared to a national average of around 50 percent. Nearly two thirds of Scholars maintain a “B” average or better.

8. How are the Evans Scholarships funded?

The Western Golf Association Par Club is the primary source of funding for the Scholarship. More than 33,000 golfers from across the country donate $200 or more apiece each year. All proceeds from the BMW Championship, which is run by the Western Golf Association, as well as donations from Alumni, support the Evans Scholars.