Professional golf has always been more than just a game. For decades, the sport has acted as a powerful engine for philanthropy, with tournaments raising millions of dollars for various causes. Yet, few initiatives are as meaningful or impactful as the Evans Scholars Foundation, a program that provides full college scholarships to high-achieving caddies with financial need. The Evans Scholars Program, founded in 1930, has awarded more than 11,000 scholarships to young men and women, empowering them to pursue higher education and changing the trajectory of their lives.
At the 2024 BMW Championship at Castle Pines, the Evans Scholars Foundation was again front and center. As the official charity of the tournament, the foundation was celebrated not just for the critical work it does, but for the lives it has changed, one caddie at a time. Among the excitement of worldclass golf, it’s the story of how the Evans Scholars Program intersects with the sport that makes the BMW Championship truly special. And, with PGA TOUR players like Viktor Hovland directly involved in helping these young people through their achievements on the course, the connection between professional golf and community impact has never been stronger.
A Hole-in-One Moment: Viktor Hovland’s Role
The Evans Scholars Program came into sharp focus during the tournament when Viktor Hovland’s extraordinary hole-in-one not only wowed the crowd but also led to a life-changing moment for one young caddie. As part of a charitable initiative linked to the tournament, Hovland’s ace meant that an additional scholarship would be funded for an Evans Scholar. The gesture was a reminder of the direct impact that the game of golf—and the achievements of its professionals—can have on the lives of young people.
“I didn’t even realize at first what it meant,” Hovland said, reflecting on his hole-in-one. “When I found out that it meant another scholarship for a caddie, it just made the moment even more special. It’s great to know that something like a golf shot can have such a positive effect on someone’s life.”
For the Evans Scholars Foundation, Hovland’s hole-in-one was more than just a highlight of the tournament. It symbolized the powerful connection between the sport and its ability to provide opportunities for those in need. Each year, the BMW Championship raises millions of dollars for the foundation, allowing deserving caddies to attend college and pursue their dreams, free from the burden of tuition.
The Evans Scholars Program: A Legacy of Opportunity
The story of the Evans Scholars Foundation dates back nearly a century, when legendary amateur golfer Charles “Chick” Evans Jr., who caddied to support himself as a young golfer, won the U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur in 1916. Using the earnings from his golf success, Evans wanted to give back by providing educational opportunities to young caddies, allowing them to attend college. In 1930, the Evans Scholars Foundation was officially born, and since then, it has grown into one of the most successful scholarship programs in the United States.
The foundation’s mission is simple: to offer full tuition and housing scholarships to caddies who demonstrate academic excellence, a strong record of service, and financial need. The scholarship recipients—known as Evans Scholars—attend some of the most prestigious universities in the country, including the University of Michigan, Northwestern University, and the University of Illinois. The program has become a beacon of opportunity for young men and women who might otherwise be unable to afford higher education.
At the heart of the program is the belief that hard work and dedication—qualities embodied by caddies—should be rewarded with the opportunity to succeed. Many Evans Scholars come from modest backgrounds, but with the support of the foundation, they are able to pursue their academic dreams, graduate from college, and build successful careers.
The BMW Championship: Driving Change On and Off the Course
Since becoming the official charity of the BMW Championship, the Evans Scholars Foundation has benefited tremendously from the support of the tournament. Each year, proceeds from the championship go directly toward funding scholarships, making the tournament one of the largest contributors to the foundation’s efforts.
In 2024, the BMW Championship at Castle Pines was no different. From the very beginning, the tournament emphasized its commitment to the Evans Scholars Foundation, with numerous players, sponsors, and fans rallying behind the cause. The tournament itself became more than just a sporting event—it became a platform for creating real change, with every shot, every sponsorship, and every ticket sold contributing to a greater purpose.
PGA TOUR players, including Viktor Hovland, Scottie Scheffler, and Rory McIlroy, have spoken passionately about their support for the foundation. For many of these players, the opportunity to give back and help young people achieve their dreams is a driving force behind their involvement in charity work. “The Evans Scholars Program is one of the most amazing things about golf,” said McIlroy. “The fact that caddies, who work so hard, can earn full scholarships to college is incredible. It’s what makes this game so special—the ability to give back.”
For fans attending the BMW Championship, the presence of the Evans Scholars is a constant reminder of the power of community and philanthropy in sports. Throughout the tournament, young Evans Scholars can be seen volunteering, sharing their stories, and thanking those who have supported the program. Their gratitude is palpable, and their stories serve as an inspiration to all who attend.
Changing Lives One Scholarship at a Time
The true impact of the Evans Scholars Foundation can be seen in the stories of the scholars themselves. For many, the opportunity to attend college is life-changing, opening doors to careers and opportunities that might have otherwise been out of reach. These scholars often come from working-class backgrounds, where the dream of a college education can feel distant. But thanks to the foundation, that dream becomes a reality.
Take, for example, the story of Sarah Martinez, an Evans Scholar at Northwestern University. Sarah grew up in a single-parent household, and money was always tight. But through her work as a caddie, she was introduced to the Evans Scholars Program, and her life was forever changed.
“When I found out I received the Evans Scholarship, it was like a weight was lifted off my shoulders,” Sarah said. “I knew that I was going to be able to go to college, and that I wouldn’t have to worry about how I was going to pay for it. It’s given me opportunities I never thought I would have.”
Sarah’s story is just one of thousands. For scholars like her, the program not only provides financial support but also a sense of community. Many Evans Scholars live together in special houses on their college campuses, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared experience. The program creates a network of scholars who support one another throughout their college years and beyond.
The Power of Golf to Give Back
While the Evans Scholars Foundation is perhaps the most prominent example of golf’s philanthropic power, it’s far from the only one. The BMW Championship and other PGA TOUR events have long been at the forefront of charitable giving, raising millions of dollars for causes ranging from health care to education to disaster relief.
What makes the Evans Scholars Program unique, however, is the direct connection between the game of golf and the recipients of the scholarships. Caddies—often young men and women working to help support themselves or their families—are given the chance to transform their lives through education. It’s a full-circle moment for many, as the work they put into their jobs on the golf course is directly rewarded with the opportunity to attend college.
For the players on the PGA TOUR, the ability to support a cause like the Evans Scholars Foundation is both humbling and motivating. “We get to play golf for a living, which is an incredible privilege,” said Viktor Hovland. “But to be able to use our platform to give back and help others, that’s what it’s all about. That’s what makes this job so special.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Evans Scholars Program
As the Evans Scholars Foundation continues to grow, so too does its impact. Each year, more scholarships are awarded, and more young caddies are given the opportunity to pursue their dreams. The support of the BMW Championship ensures that the foundation will continue to thrive, providing life-changing opportunities for generations to come.
For the players, fans, and scholars involved in the program, the Evans Scholars Foundation represents the best of what golf can offer. It’s a reminder that the game is about more than just competition—it’s about community, opportunity, and giving back. As the 2024 BMW Championship draws to a close, the legacy of the Evans Scholars lives on, embodied in the young men and women whose lives have been forever changed by the generosity of the golf world.
In the words of Viktor Hovland, “It’s great to win tournaments, but knowing that what we’re doing out here is making a real difference—that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”
Creative Credits
- Written by
- Sarah Miller
- Image courtesy
- Western Golf Association & Evans Scholars Foundation
