The AZ Caddie and Leadership Academy (AZCLA) is a 501(c)(3) community youth golf and character development program where young men and women aged 13 and older benefit by learning the art of caddying. It provides local youths with the leadership training needed to become the elite versions of themselves, serve their communities, and grow the number of Evans Scholars from Arizona.

Headquartered at Papago Golf Course, the annual academy runs November-May, with students caddying for golfers at no cost (optional gratuity) during off-school hours at partner clubs. In addition to the skills and lessons learned while caddying, throughout the year participants attend valuable training sessions, which include guest speakers, bi-weekly leadership meetings, workshops, and other personal growth and character development activities.

The academy exists to provide local Arizona youths with the requisite training and leadership skills to serve their communities as caddies while becoming the elite versions of themselves and growing the number of Evans Scholars from Arizona. In fact, over the past few years three Arizona students became Evans Scholars through a similar caddie program run by current AZCLA Director, Brandon Rogers.

“It’s been life-changing for them,” said Rogers. “The program is open to everyone, and the benefits are numerous. The pursuit of an Evans Scholarship is a net positive, even for those who fall short. Oftentimes, caddying is their first job. They learn how to be on time and hustle; how to talk to adult golfers; learn about golf, hospitality, leadership, and gain great new relationships.”

Broad Benefits

AZCLA capitalizes on the unique way caddying develops broad skills that are just as beneficial for fostering leadership, teamwork, communication, problem-solving and adaptability in everyday life as they are on the golf course.

Four-Year Program

The ideal time to join the academy is 13-15 years old. Over the course of four years, caddies receive hands-on training while learning the art of caddying on the golf course.

Fostering Leadership

In addition to caddying, students attend bi-weekly leadership meetings that provide a platform for personal growth, character development, and learning essential leadership principles. Through engaging activities, workshops, and guest speakers, the leadership programs equip students with the skills they need to succeed in all aspects of life.

There are certain requirements that must be met by all caddie prospects who are interested in the program and wish to complete the caddie training. Carrying a bag requires physical stamina and good overall health. This is not a come-when-you-feel-like-it training program. Caddie program students need to commit the time and effort necessary to learn the skill and graduate from the program. For many of our caddie prospects, it’s aspirational and satisfying to learn the game of golf “inside the ropes” and to earn discretionary income that can be beneficial for future educational opportunities.

Program requirements include outstanding character, both on and off the golf course; commitment to caddying 25-30, 18-hole rounds or “loops” per season on weekends, holiday breaks and weekdays after school; commitment to academic excellence by striving for a 3.5+ GPA; attending bi-weekly leadership training classes; volunteering 1-2 hours per month, and journaling about their personal growth and development. Academy students earn $50-per-bag, and scholarship opportunities may be possible through the Evans Scholars Foundation, based upon academic excellence, caddie record and personal character.

Private Club Caddying
After two seasons, qualified caddies may have an opportunity to advance to caddie at private golf clubs in the Metro-Phoenix area.

SERVE

Young people in the academy serve their community of golfers with complimentary caddie services at local courses.

CONNECT

The transformative power of golf and the relationships that naturally develop and deepen drive the academy.

BECOME

Through the academy’s customized leadership curriculum, young people become the best version of themselves.

Golfers may request caddies online through the CaddieNow network. The mobile app can be found on Apple’s App Store and for Android phones on Google Play.

“It’s really an awesome opportunity for our students.

My stepson, is a freshman at Central H.S., is currently a member of the Caddie Academy. It was through playing golf at Central earlier in the year that he became connected with the Caddie Academy.

They offer a simple and straightforward format, with meetings and caddie work on the weekends, and leadership workshops during the week. The program is also parent-friendly, with Brandon always making himself available to parents with questions or concerns. And the opportunity to earn a full scholarship is pretty amazing.

But, what I like most about the program is its leadership component and the effort to develop each participant’s leadership skills that, I know, will, ultimately, lead to a well-rounded individual who’s going to be as ready for life as he/she can. I like the fact that he’s interacting with adults in a professional and positive way. I mean, what young person doesn’t need that?

I know it’s something that other students and parents can take advantage of…especially those who would like to pursue a higher education, but have limited financial means.”

– Tommy Navarro, Counselor, Cesar Chavez High School

Are you passionate about golf, leadership, serving your community, and youth development? We are looking for as many hands, hearts, and minds to assist us in our purpose and mission to nurture more youth caddie opportunities across the great state of Arizona.

Please share your contact information with us so we can reach out. Any support you can provide will be appreciated. We’ll not share your information with anyone outside of AZ Caddie and Leadership Academy.