Portland Parks Seeks Ninth-Graders for Caddie Program

No experience needed; scholarships available

Mar. 19, 2026 at 1:51am

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Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) is now accepting applications for the three-year Early Adventures in Golf for a Lifetime of Enjoyment (EAGLE) Caddie Program. This unique program gives current ninth-grade students the chance to gain valuable work experience, earn money over the coming summer, and potentially qualify for a full Evans Scholarship to the University of Oregon.

Why it matters

The EAGLE Caddie Program is a collaboration between PP&R's golf program, the Western Golf Association Evans Scholars Foundation, and high schools across Portland. The program provides hands-on job experience and encourages applications from students who are Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, non-binary, immigrants, or refugees, aiming to make the sport of golf more accessible and inclusive.

The details

Successful candidates will be paid an hourly wage, receive work credit hours, and have a mentor who monitors their progress. In addition, scholarship opportunities are available from their involvement in the program. The EAGLE Caddie Program is competitive, and not all applicants will be chosen. Through the program, students can apply for the highly regarded Evans Scholarship, which covers full college tuition and housing at the University of Oregon.

  • Applications are open through Friday, May 1, 2026.
  • The PP&R EAGLE caddies from the 2025 season posed at Waverly Country Club on a sunny day in early 2026.

The players

Sonia Schmanski

PP&R Interim Director

Ella Monette

A recent EAGLE caddie awarded a full Evans Scholarship to the University of Oregon

Dereon Peters

A recent EAGLE caddie awarded a full Evans Scholarship to the University of Oregon

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What they’re saying

“Successful candidates are ready to work hard and excited to learn. Our EAGLE caddies show a commitment to personal growth, and we're proud to help them go further. We look forward to a great summer with our new caddies.”

— Sonia Schmanski, PP&R Interim Director

What’s next

Students who attend high schools that are not located within the city of Portland may contact the following golf courses about their area's respective caddie programs: Oswego Lake Country Club, Portland Golf Club, Riverside Golf and Country Club, Royal Oak Country Club in Vancouver, Tualatin Country Club, Waverley Country Club, and Willamette Valley Country Club.

The takeaway

The EAGLE Caddie Program provides a valuable opportunity for Portland-area ninth-graders to gain work experience, earn money, and potentially earn a full college scholarship through the prestigious Evans Scholarship. By encouraging applications from underrepresented groups, the program aims to make the sport of golf more accessible and inclusive.