Vegas Student Caddie Earns Full College Scholarship

Las Vegas student Reality Welch has been awarded the Evans Scholarship, a prestigious full housing and tuition college grant offered to golf caddies. Welch’s compelling story reflects the principled of the honor: a strong caddie record; excellent academics; demonstrated financial need; and outstanding character.

Welch plans to attend the University of Oregon this fall. The Evans Scholarship is valued at an estimated $120,000 over four years.

Welch is a participant of the Western Golf Association’s Caddie Academy program, a unique summer program that provides caddie opportunities to young people who come from underprivileged areas across the nation. She has participated in the seven-week program, which is held in the Chicago area, for the past three years. Reality is a student at Faith Lutheran High School and caddied at Exmoor Country Club in the Chicago area.

“Receiving the Evans Scholarship will allow me to chase my dreams and to build a solid foundation for my future,” Welch says. “The next phase of my life will be drastically different than the first part has been. I am taking initiative in my life to maximize my potential. I will work hard, maintain focus and radiate success. The Chick Evans Scholarship is a new beginning for me.”

WGA representatives are thrilled to help Welch with her future.

“Reality epitomizes what our Program has been about since its creation in 1930,” says WGA Chairman Kevin Buggy. “Her dedication, hard work and sacrifice is humbling, and we are honored to be able to help her pursue her dreams.”

An estimated 285 caddies are expected to be awarded the Evans Scholarship throughout the country. 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 1,010 caddies are enrolled in 18 universities across the nation as Evans Scholars, and more than 11,050 caddies have graduated as Evans Scholars since the program was founded by famed Chicago amateur golfer Charles “Chick” Evans Jr.

“Reality has shown excellence in the classroom and in her community, as well as on the golf course,” says John Kaczkowski, WGA President and CEO. “We welcome her 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 $14 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.

To learn more about the WGA and ESF, visit www.wgaesf.org.