A Woodbury caddy has received the biggest tip of her career: a $120,000 scholarship.
Kaia Heltne, a senior at East Ridge High School, received the grant from the Chick Evans Scholarship program, which is open only to golf caddies. Heltne was one of five Minnesota seniors receiving the scholarship, which pays for housing and tuition for four years at the University of Minnesota. Heltne was sponsored by Interlachen Country Club.
The scholarship organization announced the 2021 winners several weeks ago, including William Addler, Chanhassen; Karsten Kimsal, Chanhassen; William Nelson, Hopkins; and Garret Kaiser, Maple Grove.
The non-profit group said the winners are selected on the basis of a “strong caddie record,” academic performance, financial need and personal character.
Evans Scholarships currently support 1,045 caddies enrolled in 19 American universities. The program expects to give the scholarships to 300 caddies this year.
The program, founded by Chicago golfer Charles “Chick” Evans Jr., is the largest privately-funded scholarship program in the country.