Full college scholarships awarded to three student caddies from state of Washington

Students will begin college as Evans Scholars this fall

GLENVIEW, Ill. – Three caddies from the state of Washington have been awarded the Evans Scholarship — a full housing and tuition college grant offered to golf caddies — following selection meeting interviews held at Seattle Golf Club in Shoreline, Washington, on Feb. 10.

The students will begin college this fall as Evans Scholars, with most expected to attend the University of Washington in Seattle. University placements will be finalized this spring. 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 show a strong caddie record, excellent academics, demonstrated financial need and outstanding character.

“These three students represent the very best of Washington’s caddie community,” said Linda Walker, a WGA Director and the state chair of Washington. “They have shown dedication to their clubs, commitment to their education and a willingness to serve others. The Evans Scholarship will open doors for them, and we are excited to see all they accomplish.”

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

Currently, a record 1,260 caddies are enrolled at 27 universities across the country as Evans Scholars, including 30 at the University of Washington. 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.

Included in the group of winners is the first Evans Scholar in recent years from Chambers Bay Golf Course, a renowned municipal course in Tacoma and the only course in the state to host a U.S. Open, back in 2015.

Liam Matelski, from DuPont, caddied at Chambers Bay. Through his caddie experience and leadership in school, he developed confidence, responsibility and strong communication skills. “Caddying taught me the importance of preparation, trust and perseverance,” Matelski said. “The Evans Scholarship gives me the opportunity to pursue my goals while continuing to grow as a leader.”

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 receive 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.

Below is a full list of recent winners with awarded universities to be finalized by spring.