Golf caddies are trading the green turf of a golf course for the green grounds of the University of South Carolina this fall.

USC has officially joined the Evans Scholars Program, welcoming its first caddies as scholarship recipients.

The program, run by the Western Golf Association’s Evans Scholars Foundation, awards full housing and tuition to high-achieving golf caddies with financial need. It is one of the largest privately funded scholarship programs in the nation.

Three South Carolina students earned the scholarship this year, creating the state’s first cohort to attend USC through the program. The scholarship value is estimated at more than $125,000 per student.

“Being a part of the inaugural class here is something special,” said DJ Bookard. “I feel like we get to set the standards for what is to come of future Evans Scholars here at USC.”

Bookard is from North Augusta. He caddies at the Old Barnwell Golf Club in Aiken, not far from the PGA’s Holy Grail: the Masters course in Augusta, Georgia, just across the river.

The sophomore started college in North Carolina. But when he found out USC was going to offer the scholarship, he changed schools to be closer to home. 

“This new partnership marks a significant moment for South Carolina,” according to an Evans Scholars Foundation press release. “We are proud to welcome these scholars to the Evans family.”

To qualify, applicants must have a strong caddying record, excellent grades, demonstrated character and financial need. Scholars also commit to leadership and community involvement throughout college.

Bookard said caddying, which he continues to do while he’s in school, has prepared him for both academics and life. 

“Lots of early days on the golf course translate to school with having the ability and discipline to wake up early and be somewhere on time,” he said. “In caddying, you must be social. And in four hours, you learn a lot about a person through golf. I find that the same applies to school. And the social skills I’ve learned on the course have taken me far and allowed me many friendships.”

At USC, the Evans Scholars live together in Thornwell Residence Hall, just off the Horseshoe, where they share study spaces and organize group activities that strengthen their connection on campus.

“The Evans scholarship has given me a great group of friends and a feeling of community,” he said. “… Evans has provided me the opportunity to be closer to home and to feel a sense of belonging here.”

He added the group of scholars has quickly bonded with the group members. 

“We all come from different places but share many of the same experiences,” Bookard said. “Although it’s a scholarship program, it somewhat embodies a fraternity or sorority in a way. Being an Evans Scholar is a lifelong title and means that we’re part of a community of many other scholars and alumni across the U.S. who want to support us in our future endeavors.”

USC is providing mentoring and academic support for the new scholars, who join thousands of program alumni across the country. The Evans Scholars Foundation says the goal is to expand college access for students who may not otherwise be able to afford a four-year degree.

“My hopes for the future of the Evans Scholar Program are to continue to grow a close-knit community and immerse ourselves as a part of this institution,” Bookard said. “We have a great group of scholars here now who are excited and eager to lead the program and pass on the torch for years to come.”

Program leaders hope more young caddies in South Carolina will pursue the opportunity. The program has supported more than 12,000 students nationwide since its founding, and officials say they expect USC’s participation to grow in the coming years.