Willowbrook brothers receive Evans Scholarship, continue family’s love of golf

Pictured are twin brothers and Willowbrook seniors Tyler (left) and Taylor Sarovich, who have been named as Evans Scholars. The Evans Scholarship is a full tuition and housing college scholarship for high-achieving golf caddies with limited financial means. Golf runs in the family, as their father, Michael, played golf at the collegiate level, and their older brother, Maximillan (a Willowbrook alumnus, class of 2016), and cousin also received the Evans Scholarship.

For Willowbrook seniors Taylor and Tyler Sarovich, being on the golf course is a way of life and runs in the family.

Their father, Michael, played golf at the collegiate level, and their older brother, Maximillan (a Willowbrook alumnus, class of 2016), and cousin received the Evans Scholarship. The twin brothers have followed in those footsteps, as Taylor and Tyler also were recently named as Evans Scholars.

According to the Evans Scholarship website, “The Evans Scholarship is a full tuition and housing college scholarship for high-achieving caddies with limited financial means. To qualify, caddies must meet the requirements of having a strong caddie record, excellent academics, demonstrated financial need and outstanding character.” Read more at https://wgaesf.org/a-life-changing-opportunity.

Taylor and Tyler have been caddies at Butterfield Country Club in Oak Brook for nearly six years, and they’re thrilled their hard work and dedication have paid off. They said the journey wasn’t easy and involved a lot of sacrifice, including leaving the Willowbrook Football Team to pursue the scholarship and their love of golf.

“When I received the letter, it all became real,” Taylor said. “It’s a very competitive scholarship, so you can’t help but second-guess yourself and whether you’re good enough to get this honor. It was a huge relief, and it made all the sacrifices worth it.”

The brothers will live in the Evans Scholarship House at The University of Kansas. Taylor plans to earn a degree in communications and then attend graduate and law school. Tyler plans to major in accounting and psychology.

Taylor is a two-year member of the Willowbrook Boys Golf Team and is considering trying out for The University of Kansas Men’s Golf Team. Tyler plays golf recreationally, as well as several other sports, and he looks forward to participating in intramural sports at the university.

“Golf really is different than any other sport,” Taylor said. “You’re out there by yourself, so there’s a lot of opportunity for individual improvement. You also learn a lot of life lessons and skills through the sport.”

Tyler said he enjoys playing golf, but his passion really lies in being a caddie.

“There are so many minute details when it comes to caddying that a lot of people don’t realize,” Tyler said. “Your goal and focus is to say and do the right things to help your golfer be successful. I hope more students – boys and girls – consider caddying. While it might seem intimidating, you don’t have to be an expert at golf, and training is provided.”

The brothers said they’re humbled by this opportunity, and they know they couldn’t have achieved this level of success without the support of their family, friends and staff at Willowbrook.

“Willowbrook is special, because the teachers and staff take the time to get to know you,” Taylor and Tyler said. “They always ask how we’re doing and really connect with us as more than just students.”