Reggie Fletcher honored to be Evans Scholar
Like many Evans Scholars, Reggie Fletcher started as a caddie to earn money. Then he learned about the scholarship program and was all in.
Fletcher, who graduated from Southfield’s University High School Academy, was named one of 31 Evans Scholars in the state of Michigan.
“It meant everything, really I was very surprised. I’ve been working as a caddie for about four years since high school, it was a relief for my moms and me, it was exciting you know.”
The Evans Scholarship’s four selection criteria include: a strong caddie record; excellent academics; demonstrated financial need; and outstanding character. The full tuition and housing college scholarship is valued at an estimated $120,000 over four years.
Fletcher will study mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan starting in the fall.
He started as a caddie at Plum Hollow when his cousin recommended him.
Like many beginning caddies he didn’t know much about golf.
“Originally I had to watch caddie videos and golf videos to learn about golf,” Fletcher said. “The hardest part I would say is just learning the game. To be an effective caddie you have to know the game of golf and how it’s a very calming sport, but you have to be aware and alert of everything — where everyone’s balls are. I think that was the hardest part.”
He said the members at Plum Hollow are very supportive of the caddies and the Evans Scholar program.
“They always encourage everyone to go for it, they talk to you, they take you out — they mentor you — all of them do,” Fletcher said.
He graduated a year ago from the University High School Academy which he says is similar to a college prep school. Since then he’s taken classes at UM-Dearborn. Now those credits will transfer to Michigan at Ann Arbor.
He’s confident that classes will start on campus in the fall.
“The country is slowly but surely opening up. I’m pretty sure it’s going to start up in the fall with precautions,” Fletcher said.
He can’t wait.