VERO BEACH — A group of young students from Indian River County wrapped up their training last week as part of a new youth caddie program aimed at opening doors for them to earn full college scholarships through caddying.
The event, held at Quail Valley Golf Club on Pinnacle Drive from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., marked the final session for the inaugural class of youth caddies. Participants posed for photos and completed hands-on instruction, preparing them to start caddying on weekends at local courses including Quail Valley, RedStick Golf Club, John’s Island Club and The Moorings at Hawk’s Nest.
The program, which began in December, is a collaboration between the Western Golf Association (WGA) and the Indian River Golf Foundation. It targets students across the county, offering structured training similar to First Tee initiatives nationwide.
Eight youths are set to hit the links this season, gaining experience that could qualify them for the Evans Scholarship — a full $125,000 tuition and housing scholarship for high-achieving youth caddies with financial need.
“This program is about more than golf. It is about opportunity,” said Noel Thompson of the Indian River Golf Foundation. “We are proud to partner with the WGA and Evans Scholars Foundation to help young people build confidence, develop life skills and earn access to meaningful educational pathways.”
The Vero Beach effort is part of a broader push by the Western Golf Association to expand caddie opportunities statewide and across the country. The organization, which oversees the Evans Scholars Foundation, is teaming up with public and private clubs to introduce more students to the game and the chance to earn the life-changing scholarship.
Florida currently has seven Evans Scholars enrolled at universities nationwide, with leaders aiming to grow that number.
“These programs are about more than golf. They are about opening doors,” said Jack Druga, vice president of development for the Evans Scholars Foundation and the association’s point person in Florida. “Florida is a key growth region for us, and we are excited to work alongside clubs and community partners who believe in giving young people meaningful opportunities through caddying.”
The initiative builds on recent successes, including youth caddies from Seminole Golf Club, Old Marsh Golf Club and The Bear’s Club earning scholarships. Since 1999, 11 Florida caddies have received the Evans Scholarship.