Maryland Women’s Golf, Evans Scholars Shine at College-Am

Few things bring people together better than great weather and great golf and that was certainly the case in early April in College Park. Maryland Women’s Golf hosted its second annual Terps Invitational April 5-6 at the University of Maryland Golf Course and for the first time, Maryland Athletics paired the event with a College-Am featuring Maryland Women’s Golf student-athletes and coaches, Maryland Athletics supporters and Evans Scholars.

The College-Am, hosted April 3, paired local golfers and Maryland Athletics fans with a student-athlete from the Terps’ women’s golf program, giving the young women the opportunity and platform to showcase their preparation, drive and skill ahead of their only home tournament of the season.

“This College-Am model, played in advance of a home tournament, is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and we couldn’t have asked for a better first-time event,” Maryland Women’s Golf Head Coach Kelly Hovland said. “Rather than just another pre-tournament practice round, our team got to know some great people and were pushed out of their comfort zone a bit, too, as they hosted foursomes on the course. It was great for both professional and personal development.”

Those who played in College-Am, which for $250 included 18 holes with a Maryland Women’s Golf student-athlete and a post-round dinner in the Maryland Club, were afforded a front-row seat to see how some of the top collegiate golfers in the world practice and play and helped raise money for the golf program and athletics department. 

“The changing landscape of collegiate athletics has been a constant theme over the past few years, but our College-Am reinforced a few themes that haven't and won’t change,” said Kirby Mills, Senior Associate Athletics Director and Chief Development Officer. “Talented young people consistently doing great things, a dedicated community of supporters committed to being a part of the journey, and sport bringing together people from all walks of life.”

Walking alongside the groups were Evans Scholars — University of Maryland students whose journeys to College Park were shaped by the game itself. Each forecaddie was able to assist each group as Maryland Athletics, the University of Maryland, and the Western Golf Association Evans Scholars Foundation partnered up for a unique Friday afternoon and evening.

The WGAESF works with caddie programs nationwide to create opportunities that teach young people life lessons and introduce them to golf. Its mission statement includes sending caddies to college on full tuition and housing scholarships, providing a program that addresses the barriers to college success.

This wasn’t the first time WGAESF has made an impact at the University of Maryland. The group dedicated the new Caves Valley Evans Scholars Scholarship House in College Park last August. The house can hold 38 Scholars, giving dozens of students opportunities to pursue a degree at the University of Maryland. 

This year’s inaugural event is one Maryland Athletics plans to turn into an annual, can’t-miss tradition for the golf community in College Park. And if this year was any indication, the Maryland Women’s Golf College-Am will become more than just a spring event — it will grow into a cornerstone of connection between Maryland Women’s Golf, its supporters, the golf community and the next generation shaped by the game.