Nazareth Academy senior Gigi Montoro’s return as a golf caddie for Chicago Highlands Club in Westchester will be ending prematurely. As one of 74 Chicago-area 2024 recipients of the annual Evans Scholarship for caddies, Montoro not only will be attending Purdue University but also beginning her freshman year on June 10.
“I can’t imagine a better place for me,” Montoro said. “I’m really excited for the opportunity. I’m going to be caddying for about two months and then I leave.”
There currently are 1,130 caddies as Evans Scholars at 24 universities with full housing and tuition college grants. More than 12,000 have graduated since the program was founded by Chicago amateur golfer Charles “Chick” Evans Jr. in 1930.
The North Riverside resident picked up golf quickly after starting in eighth grade. She became a team captain, helping the Roadrunners to two of their three state team berths the past two seasons.
In October, Nazareth finished a program-best seventh at Class 1A state (716). Montoro tied for 31st (173 for 36 holes) with her best two rounds of 84 and 89 after a one-day 102 in 2022 at state.
The Evans Scholar news arrived just before Christmas. Montoro recently learned she was accepted at Purdue, her first choice.
“I got the email. I just started crying,” Montoro said. “I was in school and ran down to the guidance office. I was over the moon.”
Montoro had been a club volleyball player. She was encouraged by her mother to try golf as an outdoor activity during COVID-19 restrictions.
“After about a month, I was obsessed with it,” Montoro said.
As a freshman, her mother encouraged Montoro to become a caddie. Nazareth guidance counselor Melissa Byram helped make contact with Chicago Highlands. Montoro said at first she was intimidated, especially as a golf newcomer. She also was among the few female caddies when she started.
“[Chicago Highlands] made me feel comfortable. After I went the first few times, I kind of got over my nerves and then I started to love it and be there all of the time,” Montoro said.
“Being outgoing and willing to talk to people [helps as a caddie]. That really pushed me out of my comfort zone. Talking to adults is definitely something I learned. You have to know the game and what shots to take, what advice to give, their clubs, what approach they’re going to take. Caddies adjust to the golfers and how they play.”
Montoro has become a fixture the past three years, first working as a caddie on weekends during the school year. Last summer, Montoro was absent for one big tournament. She attended Purdue’s one-week Business Opportunity Program (BOP) Future Scholars Camp through the Daniels School of Business.
“It was probably one of the best weeks of my life, which is weird to say because it was at a school,” she said.
Montoro plans to major in finance and business analytics and information management. She’s considering becoming a financial advisor or planner.
“I probably couldn’t have done any of it without the way Nazareth supported me,” said Montoro, again thanking Byram. “I’m super grateful for my Nazareth family.”
