03/27/2026
Opening Doors Beyond the Game: How the INDIAN RIVER GOLF FOUNDATION (IRGF) Is Creating Opportunity Through a Youth Caddie Program
In Indian River County, something meaningful is happening on the golf course.
It is not just about swings or scores.
It is about opportunity.
A group of local students recently completed training in a youth caddie program led by the Indian River Golf Foundation, in conjunction with the Western Golf Association and the Evans Scholars Foundation, marking an important step in expanding access, mentorship, and real-world pathways through the game.
A Pathway, Not a Promise:
The program introduces students to caddying as a structured opportunity to learn, earn, and grow.
Caddies were trained at:
• Quail Valley Golf Club
• The Moorings at Hawks Nest
• Mangrove Sands
Participants are now positioned to begin caddie opportunities at:
• Quail Valley Golf Club
• John’s Island Golf Club
• The Moorings at Hawks Nest
• RedStick Golf Club
Through this experience, students gain exposure to the Evans Scholars Program, which provides full college scholarships to qualified caddies.
These scholarships are not automatic.
They are earned through commitment, academics, character, and consistent performance over time.
The IRGF’s role is to open the door, provide the training, and create access to these opportunities.
More Than Golf:
For more than 17 years, the IRGF has used golf as a platform for youth development.
This program extends that mission into real-world experience, where students learn:
• Responsibility and accountability
• Communication and professionalism
• Confidence in new environments
• The value of consistency and effort
It is not just about carrying a bag.
It is about building character.
A Community Effort:
The program is made possible through collaboration with leading local clubs, creating a network of opportunity for youth across the county.
This is not a one-site initiative.
It is a growing system supported by multiple facilities and partners.
Expanding the Opportunity:
This initial group represents the beginning.
The IRGF is working to expand the program across additional courses throughout the county, creating access for boys and girls ages 14 and up.
The goal is to build a consistent pipeline of opportunity, connecting more youth to experiences that extend far beyond the game.
The Bigger Picture:
The youth caddie program is part of a broader vision.
A system that connects:
• Access to the game
• Skill development
• Mentorship
• Educational opportunity
Golf becomes the environment.
Development becomes the outcome.
A Future Worth Building:
As these students step onto the course, they are stepping into something bigger.
A chance to grow.
A chance to lead.
A chance to earn opportunities that can shape their future.
And this is just the beginning.
