Baldwin Teen Has Real-Life 'Caddyshack' Moment, Wins College Ride

BALDWIN, PA — A key plot point of the classic comedy film "Caddyshack" is that caddies at the exclusive Bushwood Country Club are competing for a college scholarship.

Baldwin High School senior Zachary Auel did the same thing last fall. Auel, a caddy at the South Hills Country Club, submitted an application for the the Western Golf Association's Chick Evans Scholarship awarded to caddies across the nation.

Auel said he had a selection meeting interview for the scholarship in January at the Kahkwa Club in Erie and then waited anxiously for a decision to be made. When the selection process was completed, he was thrilled when he received notification from the Evans Scholars Foundation that he won.

“Receiving the Evans Scholarship has truly been a blessing to my family and me," Auel said. "It represents the dedication that I have put into school and caddying. I am so thankful that I am able to call myself an Evans Scholar.”

Being an Evans Scholar means Auel, who plans to attend Penn State, will receive full tuition and housing expenses for four years - a value at an estimated $125,000.

According to its website, the foundation was created in 1930 by the Western Golf Association and celebrated amateur golfer Charles “Chick” Evans Jr. Its mission is to provide full tuition and college scholarships to caddies with limited financial means.

The scholarships are awarded to candidates who meet its four selection criteria: a strong caddie record, excellent academics, demonstrated financial need and outstanding character.