JPGA Caddie Program
PAST EVENT/S
The JPGA CaddIE Program is an initiative led by the Jackson Park Golf Association (JPGA) designed to introduce underrepresented youth, particularly African American teens, to the game of golf and the professional role of caddying. Caddies train and start working at the 9-Hole South Shore Golf Course and eventually matriculating to 18-hole courses.
This program focuses on empowering young people through skills development, mentorship, and exposure to a sport and industry where they have been historically underrepresented.
IN 2025, THE GOAL IS TO incorporate cpr certification so caddies are prepared for lifesaving emergencies on and off golf courses.
ALL ABOUT THE CADDIE PROGRAM
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The JPGA Caddie Program provides resources and opportunities to inspire future generations through golf education and community engagement. Participants serve as caddies AND FORECADDIES interacting with golfers, managing equipment, and offering gameplay advice, or as forecaddies, tracking balls, maintaining pace, and ensuring game efficiency. Daily responsibilities include preparing tools, receiving assignments from managers, and assisting golfers with a positive attitude AND professionalism.
DEVELOPMENTAL GOALS
The JPGA Caddie Program fosters life skills and valuable habits, including financial literacy through earning and saving, strong work ethics emphasizing punctuality and responsibility, and enhanced communication and networking skills through face-to-face golfer interactions. Participants benefit from physical activity on the course and access to educational opportunities, such as the Evans Scholarship, which offers tuition and housing support for higher education.
IMPACT
CADDie INSTRUCTOR AND ILLINOIS PGA PROFEESIONAL, JUAN ESPEJO, ALONG WITH JPGA CHAIRWOMAN, TRACY RAOUL, TRAIN TEENS ANNUALLY FOR THE UPCOMING GOLF SEASON. THE 6-WEEK TRAINING CLASSES ARE CONDUCTED AT THE KROC CENTER BEGINING THE FIRST SATURDAY AFTER VALENTINE'S DAY. MANY THANKS TO WESTERN GOLF ASSOCIATION DIRECTOR, MR. EDMUND "EQ" SYLVESTER, FOR HIS ENDEARING SUPPORT!
HIRE A CADDie, IMPACT A LIFE!
COURSES NOT CORNERS!
JPGA CADDIES 2024
CADDIE TRAINING PROGRAM
The Jackson Park Golf Association (JPGA), in partnership with Maryville Golf Academy and its esteemed instructor Juan Espejo, hosted its most successful CaddIE Training Program to date! From February 18 to April 1, 2023, 26 youth aged 13 to 17 (with 14 additional waitlisted) participated in the six-week program designed to teach the skills necessary for caddying success. On April 1, 20 participants proudly received their caddIE completion certificates, qualifying them to work at prestigious private courses in the Chicagoland area, including Olympia Fields Country Club, Butler National, and Beverly Country Club.
JPGA is also collaborating with the Western Golf Association to provide additional opportunities for caddies who weren’t placed in private facilities, enabling them to earn loop credits toward the Evans Scholars Foundation scholarship while working at municipal courses.
JPGA is honored to partner with Juan Espejo, a recognized leader in youth golf development and the 2020 Illinois PGA Distinguished Service Award winner, a title he also earned in 2015. With over 26 years of dedication at the Maryville Golf Academy, Espejo has inspired countless young people through his passion for the game and commitment to teaching essential skills such as caddying, club repair, and sportsmanship.
Espejo’s accomplishments extend far beyond his instructional excellence. As a mentor for the WGA Caddie Program and a driving force behind initiatives like PGA HOPE and the IPGA/Maryville Gleason Cup Invitational, his leadership exemplifies the values inherent in golf: respect, integrity, perseverance, and community. JPGA is proud to collaborate with Espejo in creating life-changing opportunities for youth in the golf industry.
