Applications increase virtually every year making for increased competition among applicants. In addition Evans Scholars have begun attending such schools as the University of Oregon, Penn State University, and others in the last 10 years. The Western Golf Association funds the program largely through private donations from across the country. Some of the top golfing personalities in the United States, including Tiger Woods, are also contributors. Some of the funds are also raised by profits from the Western Open PGA event, held each year in the Chicago area, and by chapter and alumni fundraisers throughout the year.
Applicants generally come from the states where chapter schools are located.
For example, a high school senior who caddied in Michigan would be eligible to attend either the University of Michigan or Michigan State University. There are four schools in Illinois, including Northwestern University and two more in a handful of other states. Most schools also have chapter houses where scholars will live during most or all of their eight-semester tenure. In essence, most Evans Scholar chapter houses serve as fraternities with both men and women. The more Par Club donors are at a club the greater a chance one or more caddies from that club will be awarded the scholarship any given year.