Arlington teen earns Chick Evans scholarship for caddies

Dan McCarthy, 18, of Arlington Heights joined a rare group earlier this year: He is the third local teen to win a Chick Evans scholarship from the Western Golf Association.

The full-tuition scholarship, renewable for up to four years, comes as a result of McCarthy's exceptional record as an honor caddie at Wynstone Golf Club in North Barrington, where he has worked the last four summers.

He also met the award's qualifications of demonstrating an outstanding academic record, leadership, and financial need.

Word of his college scholarship came at a good time. The letter arrived just as the Rolling Meadows High School basketball team -- where McCarthy had played a key role on defense all season -- made its run in the state playoff series.

However the power forward played in his final game last week, as the Mustangs narrowly lost to Buffalo Grove High School, 53-51, in the Palatine regional semifinal. Starting this week, McCarthy switched gears and rejoined the varsity water polo team, on which he has played on the last three years.

Admittedly it is a hectic pace, but McCarthy can handle a heavy load.

For the last two summers he has drawn the most loops at Wynstone, typically more than 80, and compiled 340 since he started caddying the summer after eighth grade.

"Dan is one of Wynstone's hardest working caddies," says Ken Mattini, caddie master.

McCarthy admits that a display on the bulletin board in the caddie house, which describes the Evans Scholarship was a powerful motivator.

"This has been a goal of mine since going into my sophomore year of high school," McCarthy says. "I always kept it in my mind when I had to get up at 5 a.m. to get to Wynstone."

However, Mattini thinks that not enough caddies take advantage of the scholarship, and he hopes McCarthy's success will influence his peers.

"It's been a real privilege to work with Dan, and this year I expect him to be one of the role models other caddies can look up to," Mattini adds. "He worked very hard for this and we're thrilled for him."

McCarthy plans to attend Indiana University to study finance. In Bloomington, he will live in the Scholarship House with other Evans Scholars, meaning his award will pick up not only his tuition, but room and board as well.

Since Wynstone Golf Club opened in 1989, McCarthy is the sixth caddie to be named an Evans Scholar.