Glenview, Ill. – The Western Golf Association/Evans Scholars Foundation (WGA/ESF) and Liberty National celebrated the launch of this year’s Rick “Goose” Evans Youth Caddie Development Program at Liberty National Golf Club on June 23, bringing together program participants, club leaders, members and supporters.
The day began with caddie training for this year’s class of 15 caddies, followed by a reception to welcome the students and celebrate the continued growth of youth caddying in Jersey City and throughout Northern New Jersey.
“This program creates something very powerful for local students – a way to earn income, a connection to the game and a pathway to earn a full tuition and housing scholarship to college,” said Brian Bianchi, the WGA’s Vice President of Caddie Development. “At the WGA, we believe caddying is one of the best jobs a young person can have. It teaches communication, confidence, accountability and professionalism, while connecting students with mentors and experiences they might not otherwise have.”
The WGA oversees the ESF, which awards full tuition and housing college scholarships to high-achieving golf caddies with financial need. The program has a growing presence in New Jersey, with 10 caddies recently awarded the Evans Scholarship and 42 Evans Scholars attending Rutgers University in New Brunswick last academic year.
Launched in honor of longtime Liberty National caddie Rick “Goose” Evans, the Liberty National caddie program saw 13 participants during its inaugural 2025 golf season, with students completing more than 320 caddie rounds. Participants completed classroom instruction and on-course training before working as apprentice caddies during member and guest rounds.
The primary focus of the program is to develop local students from Jersey City and surrounding communities in Northern New Jersey, positioning them to pursue the Evans Scholarship in the coming years. In addition to gaining valuable work experience and mentorship from the club’s members and staff, apprentice caddies also receive a subsidized loop fee supported by the generosity of the Liberty National community.
“As an Evans Scholar, I know how much caddying can change a young person’s life,” said Jakob Krombholz, a Rutgers Evans Scholar and New Jersey native. “This program gives students the chance to work hard, build relationships and pursue opportunities that can lead to something much bigger than a summer job.”
Made possible with support from the Liberty National Foundation, which brings together the club’s members and partners around a shared philanthropic vision, this youth caddie program reflects Liberty National’s broader commitment to community impact, youth development, educational opportunity, and more.
“Liberty National was built to be an iconic championship level golf course, but its greatest test will be measured by the opportunities it creates for the next generation and the impact we have off the course,” said Dan Fireman, co-founder and Executive Chairman of Liberty National Golf Club and Executive Chairman of the Liberty National Foundation. “This program opens doors for kids right here in our community, giving them real responsibility, mentorship, and a pathway to higher education that can change the course of their lives.”
The Liberty National caddie program is part of the WGA’s continued efforts to grow youth caddying nationwide and aligns with major upcoming ESF milestones. Liberty National will host the BMW Championship in August of 2027, all proceeds of which benefit the Evans Scholarship, and ESF leaders will also dedicate the new Liberty National Evans Scholarship House at Rutgers University during championship week, further highlighting the connection between caddying, education and opportunity.
For more information on the Evans Scholarship and youth caddie programs, visit wgaesf.org. To learn more about the Liberty National Foundation’s philanthropic efforts, visit libertynationalfoundation.org.
About the WGA/ESF
Established in 1930 by the Western Golf Association and celebrated amateur golfer Charles “Chick” Evans Jr., the Evans Scholars Foundation provides full tuition and housing college scholarships to high-achieving caddies with limited financial means. This past academic year, a record 1,260 caddies were enrolled as Evans Scholars at 27 leading universities nationwide. Scholarship funds come mostly from contributions by more than 43,500 supporters across the country who are members of the Evans Scholars Par Club program, including Evans Scholars Alumni, as well as proceeds from the BMW Championship. Since the Program’s inception, more than 12,870 caddies have graduated as Evans Scholars. To learn more about the WGA and ESF, visit wgaesf.org.
About the Liberty National Foundation
Established in 2024 by Liberty National Golf Club co-founders Paul and Dan Fireman, alongside a group of like-minded club members, the Liberty National Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity committed to supporting youth, Veterans, First Responders, and community initiatives. Rooted in Liberty National’s longstanding commitment to philanthropy, the Foundation supports charitable organizations and programs that expand opportunity, improve lives, and strengthen communities on and off the course. At the heart of the Foundation is the Torch Lighters Club, a group of philanthropic leaders helping to advance the Foundation's mission and "shine the light" on organizations making a meaningful difference in the communities they serve. For more information visit libertynationalfoundation.org or connect on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.
Media contacts:
Amy Fuller, WGA/ESF: fuller@wgaesf.org; (630) 901-7550
Ben Owings, WGA/ESF: owings@wgaesf.org; (815) 546-0055