Grade 12 student at Reynolds aces a scholarship hole-in-one for caddies

A Grade 12 Reynolds Secondary School student, who was a caddy at the Victoria Golf Club, has earned the educational equivalent of a hole-in-one, after being awarded a scholarship valued at more than $125,000 over four years. Patrick Coolican of Victoria was the only Canadian caddy to be awarded a 2023-24 Chick Evans Scholarship, which will pay housing and tuition costs for the next four years while he attends university studying music.

Administered by the Western Golf Association through the Evans Scholars Foundation, it is the largest scholarship program for caddies in North America.

Funding for the program comes mostly from contributions by more than 36,000 golfers who are members of the association.

To qualify for the Evans Scholarship, each applicant must show a strong caddie record, excellent academics, demonstrated financial need and outstanding character.

“Patrick has excelled at Victoria Golf Club. He overcame extreme shyness to become an expert caddie,” said Jenny Dobell, Western Golf Association Director and Victoria Golf Club member.

“He is a gifted pianist and an excellent student. We know he will thrive in university, which he can now attend, thanks to being awarded the Evans Scholarship. The members and staff are very proud of Patrick. It has been a great pleasure to have him in our caddie program.”

More than 12,040 caddies have graduated as Evans Scholars since the program was founded by famed Chicago amateur golfer Charles (Chick) Evans Jr. in 1930.

• For more information, go to wgaesf.org/a-life-changing-opportunity.