The Western Golf Association has been incredibly impactful in my life. It was through the generosity of the Evans Scholars Foundation that I was able to attend college at Michigan State University. That experience gave me the education to pursue my career goals and left me with lifelong friends.
I owe WGA and the Evans Scholarship Foundation a debt I can never repay. I am grateful every day for the opportunities that they gave to me.
In addition, prior to being awarded the Evans Scholarship, I had the opportunity to caddie for Tom Watson in the 1974 Western Open when he recorded his first win on the PGA TOUR. He went on from that first win to become one of the all-time legends of golf.
After being named an Evans Scholar, I thought my caddying days were behind me—until I was given the once-in-a-lifetime chance to caddie for Tiger Woods. Ecstatic doesn’t even begin to cover how I felt in that moment. Even though I was about to caddie for one of the most legendary golfers, I was surprisingly calm… until the night before. With so much nervous energy, I ended up doing jumping jacks and push-ups at 1 a.m. to burn off some of that restless excitement. All I could think was, “I just hope he’s nice. That’s all I really need.”
And nice he was! When Tiger introduced himself with a smile and a handshake, I knew we were going to have a great time. I was pleasantly surprised by how down-to-earth he was. We bonded over our mutual dislike of Los Angeles traffic and playfully teased each other about our universities. We discussed opportunities, support systems, achievements, future goals, and the importance of giving back. It was the round of a lifetime, and Tiger did not disappoint.
Before learning about the WGA Caddie Academy and the Evans Scholarship, I knew nothing about golf or caddying except for the renowned Tiger Woods. So, it felt perfectly fitting that my last loop ever would be with the man himself. This opportunity I was given is proof that being a caddie and an Evans Scholar goes beyond the course and the classroom. It opens doors for unfathomable experiences. I am forever proud and grateful to call myself an Evans Scholar alumna.