Our program is open to participants aged 14 – 16 years of age who are either participants in our First Tee or Girls Golf programs, or are assessed as potential prospects for the Evans Caddie Scholarship by the Western Golf Association. The best time to start caddying is between the ages of 14-15 years old.

To be eligible to apply for a Chick Evans Scholarship for caddies, candidates must meet the following requirements:

1. Strong caddie record: Applicants must have caddied, regularly and successfully, for a minimum of two years and are expected to caddie at their sponsoring club the year they apply for the Scholarship.
2. Excellent academics: Applicants must have completed their junior year of high school with above a B average in college preparatory courses. The ACT and SAT will be optional for 2023 applicants.
3. Demonstrated financial need: Applicants must clearly have a need for financial assistance.
4. Outstanding character: Applicants must be outstanding in character, integrity and leadership.

Enjoy Flexible Hours and Great Money

Caddying provides flexibility so that you can earn a part-time income while continuing to be involved in school, sports and other summer activities. The typical fees for caddying in the Portland area include a base fee ranging from $45-65 per round (“loop”) plus tip. 

Exposure to Positive Role Models

Many of the people you will caddie for are successful professionals and community leaders. By spending time with them you will have the opportunity to learn about a wide variety of career paths and personalities.

Work Outside, Exercise and Have Fun

Aside from allowing you to work outdoors, caddying provides an excellent opportunity to improve your overall health and fitness. You will also be able to make friends with the other youth caddies.

Gain Valuable Life Skills

Learn the importance of teamwork, communication and perseverance while developing valuable leadership and people skills that you will carry with you all of your life.

Opportunity to pursue a Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship

Currently, over 1,000 caddies are enrolled at 22 leading universities on an Evans Scholarship. The scholarship covers full tuition and housing costs for up to four years of college and is an estimated value of $125,000.

Each program comprises three (3) separate sessions including: (1) a day of foundational training delivered in our classroom and on our golf course, (2) a first on-course practice loop/session, and (3) a second on-course practice loop/session. The program is offered once or twice each Spring (March and May), with each program typically scheduled over three weekend days. The program is delivered by experienced First Tee coaches and guest instructors at The Children’s Course located in Gladstone, OR.The 2026 Caddie Academy training dates will be determined in early 2026. 

A number of local Portland area golf and country clubs offer seasonal youth caddie programs. Qualified caddies who have successfully completed the program will receive information about how to apply for caddie opportunities and support during the process. First Tee – Oregon does not guarantee placement or referrals to any country club caddie programs. Our focus is on helping train and prepare participants to be competent caddies and understand how to apply if they decide it’s something they would like to pursue.