By Jarred Gomez Portland Parks Golf | KemperSports
Part of the “Inside Portland Parks Golf” series, sharing the people and programs that grow the game in our city.
More Than Just Carrying Clubs
For more than three decades, Portland Parks Golf has been home to one of the most meaningful youth programs in the Northwest — the EAGLE Caddie Program.
Each summer, a group of Portland high-school students step onto the fairways not just as caddies, but as leaders in training. They learn responsibility, teamwork, and professionalism — and for many, it becomes the start of a journey toward a full college scholarship.
What EAGLE Stands For
EAGLE — Early Adventures in Golf for a Lifetime of Enjoyment — is a partnership between Portland Parks & Recreation and the Evans Scholars Foundation, offering local ninth-grade students the opportunity to work as caddies across the city’s public courses.
The goals are simple but powerful:
- Provide paid employment and mentorship opportunities for students with limited financial means.
- Teach the values of integrity, commitment, and service that define the game of golf.
- Offer a pathway to the Evans Scholarship — a full tuition and housing college award for eligible graduates.
Since its start in 1990, more than 80 Portland students have earned Evans Scholarships through the program — a life-changing accomplishment that began right here on our municipal fairways.
A Day in the Life
Each caddie begins their day by reporting to one of our participating courses — Eastmoreland, Rose City, or Heron Lakes.
They clean clubs, rake bunkers, and carry bags for players, but the experience goes far beyond basic golf tasks. Caddies learn how to communicate with adults, solve problems under pressure, and work as part of a team.
For many, it’s their first real job. For some, it’s their first introduction to golf entirely.
Every loop, every conversation, and every round is a lesson in patience, respect, and confidence.
A Model of Accessibility and Opportunity
Portland’s EAGLE Program embodies what municipal golf is all about: community access and personal growth.
Participants are selected during their freshman year of high school, based on academic performance, character, and financial need. No prior golf experience is required — only curiosity and a willingness to learn.
Over three summers, students build both a resume and a support network. By the time they complete the program, they’ve earned more than just wages — they’ve earned mentors, references, and lifelong friendships.
National Recognition
The EAGLE program has recently drawn attention from across the golf world. Media projects and community storytellers have begun highlighting what Portland Parks Golf is doing differently — showing how public golf can create real pathways for youth development.
A recent Golf in Your State feature briefly showcased the program, capturing the energy and pride of these young caddies on camera. It’s one small glimpse of a story that deserves to be told much more widely.
Looking Ahead
The EAGLE Caddie Program continues to evolve. Each year, new ninth-graders join the ranks, learning not just about golf but about responsibility, service, and opportunity.
And each spring, as scholarship announcements roll in, the city is reminded that the fairways of Portland don’t just grow grass — they grow futures.