‘Dedication really pays off.’ Stratford teen earns full ride to college through caddying
Kane learned the game of golf at a young age from his two older brothers, then followed in their footsteps and became a caddie at Country Club of Fairfield.
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Caddying is more than just carrying a bag of clubs.
“You're with the members. You're helping them out doing anything they need—reading the greens, giving them advice on their next shot, just making sure they're on their game,” explained 18-year-old Charlie Kane, of Stratford.
Kane learned the game of golf at a young age from his two older brothers, then followed in their footsteps and became a caddie at Country Club of Fairfield.
“Charlie began working here four years ago. He was a freshman in high school when he came to us. We first met his elder brothers, Jack and George, who were also part of our youth caddy development program here at the club,” explained Eric Steindel, a golf professional at Country Club of Fairfield “So, they were ambassadors for the caddy program and introduced Charlie to me and to the club.”
But the job has turned into so much more than just a summer gig for the recent Fairfield Prep graduate.
It's earned Kane a life-changing opportunity—a full ride to college through the Evans Scholarship, a four-year tuition and housing grant for high school caddies from the Western Golf Association. The average total value of the scholarship is about $125,000.
“They've given out about 12,500 scholarships over the course of the last 100 years,” said WGA director Dawn Kreitler, who’s on the Evans Scholarship Board. “The young men and women in the program are given an incredible opportunity in this scholarship.”
The program began in the Midwest in 1930 with two caddies. This year there are 1,190 Evans Scholars attending 27 universities across the country. Most of the schools are in the Midwest, but Kreitler said the foundation is moving to add more colleges in the East.
Evans Scholars need to have a financial need, top grades, a strong caddie record and outstanding character. The application also includes an interview and essay.
“Charlie embodies the virtues of the game of golf—commitment, integrity, hard work. He does anything and everything that we've ever asked of him with a smile. He’s just been terrific to have on board here as a part of our team,” Steindel told News 12. “We're all very proud of him. It's much deserved and earned, and we couldn't be happier and prouder for him and his family.”
“He's just a very personable guy, easy to be around, accommodating, which is what you need in a caddy. You want somebody who gets it, and Charlie definitely gets it,” added Kreitler.
You could say it's in his blood. Both of his older brothers also received the prestigious scholarship.
“Which is pretty amazing. Three boys in this one family? So, somebody's doing something really right,” Kreitler said.
That would be mom Jennifer Kane.
“Did I encourage them to get up in the morning at 5:30 or 6 a.m.? Did I get them when they hit the snooze button too many times? Maybe,” she told News 12. “But the credit shouldn't be mine. It should be theirs.”
“They're super proud of me and everything I've worked through,” Charlie said.
Golf, like life, has its trials and tribulations—something Charlie knows all about. He lost his father about a year ago, so it's been challenging. Yet, he's played on.
“Nothing can really stop you if you put your mind to it and really keep taking one step forward,” he says. “And I literally do that every day—just keep taking one step forward, keep showing up and that dedication really pays off.”
“I’m immensely proud,” Jennifer said. “His brother said to him, ‘This will mean more to you than anything else.’ And that's the truth. It's life changing.”
Charlie is headed to the University of Delaware later this month where he plans to study engineering. He’s one of eight caddies from Western Connecticut who received the Evans Scholarship this year.
To learn more about the Evans Scholars Foundation, click here.
