The Arizona Caddie and Leadership Academy (AZCLA) is a nonprofit youth character and community development program powered by the Western Golf Association (WGA). The AZCLA uses caddying and the game of golf to bring life-changing opportunities to young men and women in the Phoenix metro area. Participants can also become eligible to earn the Evans Scholarship, a full tuition and housing college scholarship for caddies.

Headquartered at Papago Golf Course in Phoenix, the Academy for students 14 and older runs from November to May. Participants caddie for golfers at partner clubs at no cost (optional gratuity) during off-school hours. Qualified caddies may have the opportunity to caddie at private golf clubs in the area.

Our carefully structured program enables students to earn money, meet role models and learn invaluable life lessons. While participants learn a lot on the golf course, we develop leaders by providing experiences that go well beyond classroom learning, including guest speakers, leadership meetings and professional workshops.

The mission of the AZCLA is to provide caddie opportunities and leadership development to at-promise students who excel in the classroom and in their communities. The Academy provides young men and women with the requisite training to become elite versions of themselves on and off the golf course, readying them to apply for the Evans Scholarship or take the next step into the professional world.

Well-Rounded
The 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
By dedicating four years to learning the art of caddying and participating the AZCLA’s off-course development programs, students are able grow into confident, successful young adults. Thus, the ideal time to join the AZCLA is 14-15 years old.

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.

Earn While You Learn
AZCLA students earn $75 per bag after completing each 18-hole round, plus any optional gratuity provided by the player. Students can participate in the Academy for no cost thanks to our generous donors and the support of the WGA.

Outstanding AZCLA graduates will be recommended to apply for the Evans Scholarship, a full tuition and housing grant provided to caddies exhibiting a strong caddie record, academic excellence, exceptional personal character and demonstrated financial need.

AZCLA Director Brandon Rogers has experience preparing Evans Scholars, with three of his students earning the award over the past several years.

For more information, visit wgaesf.org.

All caddie prospects must be at least 14 years of age, have the health and stamina to carry a bag for 18 holes and exhibit outstanding character in the classroom and community. AZCLA students must commit the time and effort necessary to learn and eventually graduate from the program.

To participate in the AZCLA and improve the prospects of earning an Evans Scholarship, participants must commit to:

• Caddying 25-30 rounds per season on weekends, holiday breaks, or after school
• Striving for academic excellence and maintaining a 3.5+ GPA
• Attending bi-weekly leadership training classes
• Volunteering 1-2 hours per month
• Journaling about their personal growth and development

After completing Caddie Training and participating in the AZCLA for several years, experienced caddies may have the opportunity to caddie at private golf clubs in the Phoenix metro 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.

Click on the button below to fill out your information to be added to our Member Roster. Once we add your information, we will send you a link with instructions on downloading the ClubUp app to use to schedule loops with our caddies.

For Papago Golf Course Caddie requests, you can request a complimentary caddie directly through the Papago website or app booking process.

“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.