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Charles E. "Chick" Evans Jr. (July 18, 1890 – November 6, 1979) was a prominent American amateur golfer of the 1910s and 1920s. Evans, who won the 1910 Western Open, became the first amateur to win both the U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur in one year, a feat he achieved in 1916. Evans won the U.S. Amateur again in 1920, and was runner-up three times. Selected to the Walker Cup team in 1922, 1924, and 1928, he competed in a record 50 consecutive U.S. Amateurs in his long career. Evans achieved all of this while carrying only seven hickory-shafted clubs.

Key Information

In addition to his golf career, Evans is known for founding the Evans Scholars Foundation, which provides a college scholarship for qualified caddies.

In 1960, Evans was voted the Bob Jones Award, the highest honor given by the United States Golf Association in recognition of distinguished sportsmanship in golf. He is a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Early life

[edit]

Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, Evans' family moved to Chicago when he was eight years old, and he grew up on the north side of the city. His father, Charles Evans, was one of the most influential librarians of the 20th century. At the age of eight, he was first exposed to golf as a caddie at a Chicago course, the Edgewater Golf Club. He attended secondary school at the Evanston Academy, and won the 1907 and 1908 Western Interscholastic tournaments. He led in the founding of the Western Interscholastic Golf Association (WIGA), and led Evanston Academy to the 1908 WIGA team championship.[2]

Golf career

[edit]
Evans on March 1, 1915

From these beginnings, Evans became one of the most acclaimed American amateur golfers of his time. The accomplishment that gave him the most contemporary publicity came in 1916, when he won both the U.S. Amateur and U.S. Open in the same year. Evans was the first person to accomplish this task, and only Bobby Jones has done it since.

Evans also won the Western Open in 1910 by defeating George Simpson 6 and 5 in the 36-hole final. He was the only amateur to do so until Scott Verplank in 1985.[3] Simpson graciously praised Evans on his victory, saying “I’ve learned the greatest golf lesson of my life today. I consider it a greater honor to be beaten by the kind of golf you have played than to have remained out of the tournament because I did not fancy match play.”[4]

Into the 1960s, Evans was an active participant in senior tournaments, and still competed in U.S. Amateur events, eventually setting a record of completing 50 of these championships. Evans played his last rounds of competitive golf in 1968, winning the Illinois Open that year. His last Western Amateur was in 1967.[1]

After his retirement, Evans continued to attend events as a spectator and converse with the fans and players.

Evans Scholars Foundation

[edit]
Main article: Evans Scholars Foundation

After his wins in 1916, Evans was given several thousand dollars in royalties for recording golf instructions for the Brunswick Record Company, and in 1921 he received royalties from a golf book.[5] If he had accepted this money Evans would have lost his amateur status. His mother suggested that he put the money to good use by sponsoring a scholarship fund for caddies.

Evans, who was unable to finish his own matriculation at Northwestern University, recalled that his mother "wouldn't think of accepting my money unless we could arrange it to be trusted to furnish educations for deserving qualified caddies." He said his mother "pointed out that the money came from golf and thus should go back into golf -- It was all her dream -- her idea."

Evans went to the Western Golf Association (WGA), an organization that ran the golf championships in the Midwest, to get their support for his scholarship. By 1930, the Evans Scholars Foundation had formed[3] and two caddies, Harold Fink and Jim McGinnis, were named the first two Evans Scholars.

Chick Evans' long friendship with Chicago tax attorney, Carleton Blunt, had proved to be the catalyst for launching the Evans Scholars Foundation. Blunt, an avid golfer and philanthropist, supported Evans' vision for helping caddies attend colleges and universities across the country by raising the necessary funds for decades.

The criteria used to choose the recipients were scholarship, fellowship and leadership. Since that time, over 10,600 caddies have become Evans Scholars and attained college educations. The Evans scholarship program continues today as the largest scholarship organization in sports and the largest privately funded scholarship program in the United States.

Evans Scholarship houses exist at the following Universities: University of Colorado, University of Illinois, Northwestern University, Marquette University, University of Wisconsin, Purdue University, Ohio State University, Northern Illinois University, University of Missouri, Indiana University, University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Miami University and the University of Minnesota.

On February 19, 2014, the Evans Scholars Foundation announced their plans to build a new chapter house at the University of Oregon. It is the first new Scholarship House in 27 years.[6] In addition to those universities at which houses exist, scholarship recipients attend several other universities around the country. More than 800 caddies currently attend college on an Evans Scholarship.

Death and legacy

[edit]
Evans's grave (second from right) at Memorial Park Cemetery

Evans died on November 6, 1979, at age 89, and was buried at Memorial Park Cemetery in Skokie, Illinois. His wife, Esther, had died in 1967 after 40 years of marriage. They had no children.[1] The Chick Evans Golf Course in Morton Grove, a north suburb of Chicago, is named in his honor.

Tournament wins (22)

[edit]

Professional major championships

[edit]
Evans in 1915

Wins (1)

[edit]
Year Championship 54 Holes Winning score Margin Runner-up
1916 U.S. Open 3 shot lead −2 (70-69-74-73=286) 2 strokes Scotland Jock Hutchison

Results timeline

[edit]

Note: As an amateur, Evans was ineligible to play in the PGA Championship.

Tournament 1911 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919
U.S. Open 2 LA 18 1 LA NT NT T9 LA
The Open Championship T49 NT NT NT NT NT
Tournament 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929
U.S. Open T6 LA 4 LA 16 T14 T10 T13 CUT CUT
The Open Championship
Tournament 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939
Masters Tournament NYF NYF NYF NYF
U.S. Open T54 T50
The Open Championship
Tournament 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949
Masters Tournament 51 NT NT NT
U.S. Open CUT NT NT NT NT CUT CUT CUT
The Open Championship NT NT NT NT NT NT
Tournament 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960
Masters Tournament 64 CUT CUT
U.S. Open CUT
The Open Championship
  Win
  Top 10
  Did not play

LA = Low amateur
NYF = Tournament not yet founded
NT = No tournament
CUT = missed the half-way cut
"T" indicates a tie for a place

Amateur major championships

[edit]

Wins (2)

[edit]
Year Championship Winning score Runner-up
1916 U.S. Amateur 4 & 3 United States Robert A. Gardner
1920 U.S. Amateur 7 & 6 United States Francis Ouimet

Results timeline

[edit]
Tournament 1909 1910 1911 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919
U.S. Amateur SF M SF SF 2 M SF M R32 R32 1 NT NT R16
The Amateur Championship R16 R32 NT NT NT NT NT
Tournament 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929
U.S. Amateur 1 SF 2 R32 M R32 DNQ QF 2 R32 DNQ
The Amateur Championship R64 R128
Tournament 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939
U.S. Amateur DNQ DNQ QF R32 QF R256 R64 QF DNQ
The Amateur Championship
Tournament 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949
U.S. Amateur DNQ DNQ NT NT NT NT DNQ R256 R128 R256
The Amateur Championship NT NT NT NT NT NT R64 R128
Tournament 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959
U.S. Amateur R256 R256 R128 R256 R256 R128 R256 R64 R64 R128
The Amateur Championship R512 R128 R256 R64
Tournament 1960 1961 1962
U.S. Amateur R256 R256 R256
The Amateur Championship
  Win
  Top 10
  Did not play

M = Medalist
DNQ = Did not qualify for match play portion
R256, R128, R64, R32, R16, QF, SF = Round in which player lost in match play

Sources: Amateur Championship: 1911,[8] 1914,[9] 1921,[10] 1926,[11] 1946,[12] 1949,[13] 1950,[14] 1952,[15] 1953,[16] 1955[17]

U.S. national team appearances

[edit]

Amateur

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Chick Evans

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Charles E. "Chick" Evans Jr. (July 18, 1890 – November 6, 1979) was an American amateur golfer and philanthropist who rose from caddying as a child to become one of the sport's most celebrated figures in the early , most notably as the first player to win both the U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur championships in the same year (1916), a feat later matched only by Bobby Jones. Born in , Indiana, Evans moved with his family to in 1893, where at age eight he began caddying at the Edgewater Golf Club in 1898, an experience that shaped his lifelong affinity for the role and the individuals who filled it. His golf career took off as a top amateur, highlighted by his 1910 victory in the as the first amateur winner of that event, followed by the French Amateur, North and South Amateur, and Amateur in 1911. He secured Western Amateur titles in 1912 and 1914, before achieving his pinnacle in 1916 by capturing the U.S. Open at Minikahda Club (beating Jock Hutchison by two strokes) and the U.S. Amateur at (defeating Robert Gardner 4 and 3). Evans added another U.S. Amateur crown in 1920 at Engineers Country Club, overpowering 7 and 6 in the final. Throughout his career, Evans maintained strict amateur status by placing any professional earnings into an fund, allowing him to compete in a record 50 consecutive U.S. Amateurs from 1909 to 1958, amassing 57 match-play victories—the most in the event's history—and tying for the most semifinal appearances with five. He represented the in three matches (1922, 1924, and 1928), contributing to team successes, and in 1955, at age 65, advanced to the second round of the U.S. Amateur, in a field that included a 15-year-old in his debut. In recognition of his sportsmanship and contributions to , the awarded him the Bob Jones Award in 1960, its highest honor. Beyond the course, Evans' legacy endures through his philanthropy, particularly the Evans Scholars Foundation, which he established in 1929 in partnership with the Western Golf Association to fund college educations for deserving caddies from modest backgrounds. The first two scholars enrolled at Northwestern University in 1930, and the program has since grown dramatically, supporting over 1,260 Evans Scholars at 27 universities during the 2025-26 academic year, with a 98% graduation rate and more than 12,575 alumni to date. This initiative, covering full tuition and housing, reflects Evans' commitment to uplifting those who, like him, started in golf as caddies, ensuring his impact extends far beyond his athletic accomplishments.

Early life

Birth and family background

Charles "Chick" Evans Jr. was born on July 18, 1890, in , , to Charles Evans, a noted American librarian and bibliographer, and Lena Young Evans. His father had begun his career in library science earlier in life, working at institutions such as the Boston Athenaeum and the Indianapolis Public Library before advancing in the field. In 1893, when Evans was three years old, the family relocated to , , to allow his father to take a position as classifier of collections at the newly established , an opportunity that aligned with his expertise in .) They settled in a middle-class neighborhood on the city's north side, near the Edgewater Golf Club, in a home that reflected their professional but unpretentious circumstances. Evans was the second of three children, sharing the household with siblings Eliot H. Evans and a sister who later married Donald Jones; the family dynamics emphasized intellectual pursuits, with his father's scholarly dedication shaping a home environment focused on learning and discipline. His mother placed particular stress on , later collaborating with him on initiatives to support academic opportunities for others. Raised in modest financial means that required , Evans developed an early empathy for working-class youth, influenced by the family's transition from to Chicago's emerging cultural scene.

Introduction to golf and education

Charles "Chick" Evans Jr.'s introduction to came through his family's relocation to in 1893, which provided access to local golf clubs. At the age of eight in 1898, he began caddying at the Edgewater Golf Club on Chicago's North Side, where he carried bags for players at a rate of 10 cents per round on the nine-hole course. This early role allowed him to closely observe elite golfers and club professionals, fostering a deep appreciation for the sport while helping to support his family financially during challenging times. Through these long hours on the course, Evans developed a strong and taught himself the fundamentals of by mimicking the techniques of the professionals he watched. His caddying not only honed his understanding of and course management but also instilled values of perseverance and that would define his approach to the game. Balancing this demanding work with his growing interest in , Evans transitioned from observer to participant, laying the groundwork for his future achievements without formal instruction. Evans pursued his formal education at Evanston Academy, enrolling around 1904 and excelling academically despite his commitments to caddying. He demonstrated his emerging talent by winning the Western Interscholastic individual titles in both 1907 and 1908, while also contributing to his school's team success in 1908. These high school accomplishments highlighted his ability to integrate rigorous studies with athletic pursuits, reflecting a disciplined mindset shaped by his early experiences. Following graduation in 1909, Evans briefly attended to study business but left without completing a degree to focus on and emerging professional opportunities in stock brokerage. His time at the university was short-lived, yet he continued to value broadly, drawing significant from interactions with golfers and mentors at the clubs where he caddied and played. This blend of structured schooling and practical, golf-centric profoundly influenced his development as both a player and a future philanthropist.

Golf career

Early amateur successes

At the age of 17, Evans secured his first significant victory in the 1907 Chicago , marking the beginning of his competitive rise in regional golf circles. This early triumph, achieved while still a high school at Evanston , showcased the skills he had honed as a at local courses. Evans' breakthrough on a national stage came in 1909 with his win in the Western , where he defeated established competitors to claim the title at age 19. This victory propelled him into the national spotlight and was followed by consistent top finishes in regional events, demonstrating his growing prowess among top s. His performance that year also included earning medalist honors in the U.S. qualifying, underscoring his emerging talent. In 1910, Evans achieved a landmark accomplishment by winning the as an , becoming the first to do so in the tournament's history and beating a field that included professionals. This feat, accomplished at the , highlighted his ability to compete at the highest levels despite his amateur status. Evans' playing style contributed to these successes, featuring exceptional control with long irons—praised by contemporaries like as superior to many professionals—alongside a reputation as a wonderful , though he self-described his driving as somewhat erratic. Despite financial temptations to turn professional after such wins, Evans remained committed to amateur , prioritizing the integrity of the game.

Major championships and records

Charles Evans Jr., known as Chick Evans, achieved one of the most remarkable feats in golf history in 1916 by winning both the U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur championships, becoming the first amateur to accomplish this double in the same year. In the U.S. Open at Minikahda Club in , , Evans led wire-to-wire with opening rounds of 70 and 69—the first time anyone had broken 140 after 36 holes—and finished at 286, two strokes ahead of professional Jock Hutchison, setting a tournament scoring record that stood for years. This victory marked only the third time an amateur had claimed the U.S. Open title in its history, underscoring the era's blurred lines between amateur and professional competition, where top amateurs like Evans could match the precision and endurance of paid golfers on demanding courses without financial incentives. Unable to accept the $500 prize money as an amateur, Evans donated it to the to support efforts, a gesture that reflected the patriotic spirit permeating American at the time. Just three months later, Evans captured the U.S. Amateur at in Haverford, , defeating defending champion Robert A. Gardner 4 and 3 in the 36-hole final to secure his first national amateur title. This triumph completed his unprecedented double, highlighting his versatility across stroke-play and match-play formats, and solidified his status as a bridge between the amateur ideal of and the emerging professionalism in . Evans' 1916 season exemplified the amateur-professional dynamics of the pre-Depression era, when events like the U.S. Open allowed non-professionals to compete equally, fostering rivalries that elevated the sport's prestige and drew larger audiences, though professionals often dominated due to their full-time dedication. Evans added a second U.S. Amateur title in 1920 at Engineers Country Club in Roslyn Harbor, New York, where he dispatched 7 and 6 in the final, demonstrating sustained excellence amid a field of rising talents like a young Bobby Jones. His career longevity was equally impressive, marked by a record 50 consecutive appearances in the U.S. Amateur from 1909 to 1958, a streak that spanned nearly five decades and showcased his unwavering commitment to the event despite advancing age and evolving competition. During this period, Evans reached the final as runner-up three times—in 1912, 1922, and 1927—often falling to formidable opponents in grueling match-play battles that tested mental fortitude as much as skill. These results, combined with his domestic records, cemented Evans' legacy as a pioneer who thrived in the amateur-professional interplay, proving that dedication and natural talent could yield championships without monetary reward, influencing the sport's ethos for generations.

International and team appearances

Evans' first major international exposure came in 1921, when he traveled to as part of the inaugural U.S. amateur team, marking a significant step in transatlantic competition for American golfers. During the trip, he competed in the British Amateur Championship and the British Open as an , though a wrist injury forced him to withdraw from the Open. This journey, including an informal match against British amateurs at Royal Liverpool that the U.S. team won 9-3, highlighted Evans' role in early efforts to foster international amateur exchanges. Evans represented the in three official matches, the biennial team competition against and that began in 1922. In the inaugural event at Gleneagles, , he partnered with Robert Gardner to win their match 5 and 4 and defeated John Caven 5 and 4 in singles, contributing to the U.S. team's 8-4 victory. At in 1924, Evans won his singles match against William Murray 2 and 1, helping secure a 9-3 U.S. win, though he did not play in the foursomes. His final appearance came in 1928 at , where he and Bobby Jones won their foursomes 9 and 8 but Evans lost his singles to Eric Fiddian 3 and 2; the U.S. team dominated 11-1 overall. Across these matches, Evans compiled a personal record of 4 wins and 1 loss. His 1916 sweep of the U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur qualified Evans for these international selections, underscoring his status as a leading American amateur. Evans' sustained involvement in U.S. amateur events, including a record 50 consecutive appearances from 1909 to 1958, exemplified the endurance and team-oriented spirit he brought to international play, inspiring subsequent generations of American golfers.

Philanthropy

Founding the Evans Scholars Foundation

Charles "Chick" Evans Jr., inspired by his own experiences as a young at Chicago-area clubs, sought to provide educational opportunities for deserving caddies facing financial barriers. In 1916, after winning the U.S. Open at Minikahda Club in , Evans, adhering to amateur status rules that prohibited prize money acceptance, donated his earnings from the victory to the Western Association (WGA) to establish an educational fund specifically for caddies. This initial contribution laid the groundwork for what would become a structured program, reflecting Evans' commitment to uplifting those in similar circumstances. The formal founding of the Evans Scholars Foundation occurred in 1930 through a partnership between Evans and the WGA, which agreed in to administer the trust fund he had established. As a successful , Evans personally seeded the program with his own earnings during the onset of the , enabling its launch despite economic hardships that delayed broader implementation. The first two recipients, Harold Fink and Jim McGinnis, enrolled that year at , Evans' , marking the beginning of the scholarship's operations. At its core, the Evans Scholars Program offers full-tuition scholarships to high-achieving, financially needy , with a strong emphasis on recipients' character, academic performance, and demonstrated caddying experience, requiring ongoing caddying hours and grade maintenance. This focus ensured the program targeted individuals who exemplified the values Evans observed in the community, providing not just financial aid but a pathway to higher education amid the era's challenges.

Expansion and modern impact

Following , the Evans Scholars program expanded beyond its initial focus on , where all scholars had attended and the first chapter house was established. The program began sending scholars to additional universities, with the becoming a key early addition in the post-war period, established in 1967; the Eisenhower Chapter House in opened in 1968, which marked the beginning of dedicated housing facilities at other campuses. This expansion facilitated broader access, enabling caddies from diverse regions to participate while maintaining the program's emphasis on community living and mutual support in chapter houses. By 2025, the Evans Scholars Foundation had achieved significant milestones in scale and reach. Over 12,575 caddies had graduated as Evans Scholars since the program's inception, with a record 1,260 actively enrolled for the 2025-2026 across 27 leading universities nationwide. The foundation operates scholarship houses at select campuses, providing for more than 1,100 scholars and fostering environments that promote academic and personal development. Recent developments underscore the program's ongoing growth and financial momentum. In 2024, the BMW Championship raised a record $10.2 million for the foundation, directly supporting for . This influx enabled the awarding of 360 new for the 2025-2026 , expanding opportunities for high-achieving youth. Additionally, new youth programs were launched in 2025 at sites including The Evans at Canal Shores, near the Chick Evans Golf Course, to introduce local students to caddying and the pathway. The program's impact extends through high academic outcomes and alumni contributions across sectors. Evans Scholars maintain a cumulative 3.3 GPA and achieve a 98% rate, far exceeding national averages for similar demographics. Alumni pursue successful careers in , golf industry roles, and the , upholding a of service that traces back to early scholars, including World War II veterans like Harold Fink, who served in the Navy. This legacy is reinforced annually through events like the NV5 Invitational, formerly the Evans Scholars Invitational, a tournament that generates proceeds for the foundation and highlights its role in developing future leaders.

Personal life and legacy

Marriage and professional pursuits

In 1928, Charles "Chick" Evans Jr. married Esther Underwood, the daughter of B. F. Underwood of , in a ceremony at the chapel officiated by Rev. Dr. Charles H. Parkhurst. The couple shared a 40-year until Esther's death in 1967, during which time they had no children. Evans pursued a in Chicago's financial sector beginning in the , working as a bond salesman and specialist in securities; by 1926, he had accumulated sixteen years of experience in the field, operating from an office at 11 South La Salle Street. This professional stability provided the necessary to preserve his amateur status, as he never sought for personal gain and instead directed any earnings from exhibitions or endorsements toward charitable causes, including support for caddies. Beyond his vocation, Evans led an active lifestyle that intersected with notable figures and places; he played golf with five U.S. Presidents and resided in a home bordering the Edgewater Country Club on Chicago's north side. Following the 1930s, he scaled back his competitive golf commitments to prioritize his financial career and administrative responsibilities for the Evans Scholars Foundation.

Honors and death

Evans received several prestigious honors recognizing his sportsmanship and contributions to . In 1960, he was awarded the United States Golf Association's Bob Jones Award, the organization's highest accolade, bestowed for distinguished sportsmanship in . He was inducted into the in 1975. Posthumously, in 1999, Evans was enshrined in the for his lifelong advocacy on behalf of caddies. In his later years, Evans remained actively involved with the Western Golf Association, serving as an honorary vice-president and hosting events into the , though his participation waned as age-related health issues took hold. Evans died on November 6, 1979, at age 89 from natural causes at Augustana Hospital in . He was buried at Memorial Park Cemetery in . His passing drew tributes from the golf community, with obituaries lauding his pioneering achievements and humanitarian efforts as a caddie-turned-champion. The Evans Scholars Foundation emerged as his most profound legacy, having supported over 4,000 caddie-scholars by the time of his death.

Competitive record

Tournament wins

Chick Evans achieved 54 tournament wins during his illustrious career, all while adhering strictly to amateur rules by forgoing prize money and donating any earnings to charitable causes. These victories spanned from his teenage years to his mid-30s, showcasing his dominance in both national and regional competitions. Among them, Evans captured one professional major—the 1916 U.S. Open—where he outplayed a field of professionals, a testament to the inclusive nature of early 20th-century tournaments that pitted s against pros. He also claimed two amateur majors with victories in the U.S. Amateur in 1916 and 1920. The other wins encompassed eight Western Amateurs, multiple Chicago-area titles, and other significant opens and internationals, highlighting his versatility and longevity in the . His 1916 sweep of the U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur remains a singular achievement in history. The following table lists 22 significant documented tournament wins, including the year, event, and brief notes on significance where applicable:
YearTournamentNotes
1907Chicago AmateurFirst major local title as a 17-year-old.
1907Western JuniorEarly national junior success.
1907Western InterscholasticHigh school championship win.
1908Chicago AmateurBack-to-back local dominance.
1908Western InterscholasticRepeat high school title.
1909Western AmateurFirst of eight Western Amateur victories.
1910Western OpenOnly amateur to win this major until 1985 (Scott Verplank); defeated pros.
1911French AmateurInternational breakthrough in Europe.
1911North and South AmateurPrestigious Southern invitational.
1911Chicago AmateurThird Chicago title.
1912Western AmateurPart of four consecutive wins (1912–1915).
1914Western AmateurContinued Western dominance.
1914Chicago District AmateurRegional defense of local form.
1915Western AmateurCompleted four-year streak.
1916U.S. OpenProfessional major win as amateur; wire-to-wire victory.
1916U.S. AmateurAmateur major; double with U.S. Open.
1920U.S. AmateurSecond U.S. Amateur title.
1920Western AmateurResumed Western success post-war.
1921Western AmateurExtended streak to four more (1920–1923).
1922Western AmateurKey preparation for Walker Cup.
1923Western AmateurEighth and final Western Amateur.
1925Kansas City OpenDefeated pros including Hagen and Sarazen.

Major championships results

Charles Evans Jr., known as Chick Evans, demonstrated remarkable longevity and consistency in major championships throughout his amateur career, competing in the U.S. Open from 1907 to 1957 and establishing a record of 50 consecutive appearances in the U.S. Amateur from 1909 to 1958. His results in these events highlight his prowess as an against professionals and fellow amateurs, with key finishes underscoring his competitive edge in the hickory-shaft era.

U.S. Open Results

Evans' U.S. Open performances included one victory and several top finishes, often as low amateur. He competed in the event over five decades, though detailed scores are available only for select years.
YearFinishScoreNotes
19142nd291Runner-up to ; low amateur.
1915T10307Top-10 finish.
19161st286Winner; first sub-par total in Open history; low amateur; defeated Jock Hutchison by 2 strokes.
1920T3298Tied for third; low amateur.
Evans achieved other notable finishes, contributing to his reputation for endurance in the professional major, though specific scores for those years are not documented in available . For other years, he either did not play (DNP) or missed the cut (CUT) where participation is noted, reflecting the era's demanding travel and qualification processes.

U.S. Amateur Results

As an amateur, Evans excelled in the U.S. Amateur, winning twice and reaching the final three times across his record 50 consecutive appearances. The match-play format suited his steady game, leading to 57 career wins in the event, the most of any player. He reached the semifinals five times, tying for the most appearances, all leading to finals.
YearFinishNotes
1912Runner-upLost to Jerome Travers, 7 & 6 in 36-hole final.
1916WinnerDefeated Robert Gardner, 4 & 3 in 36-hole final at ; first U.S. Open-Amateur double.
1920WinnerDefeated , 7 & 6 in 36-hole final at Engineers Country Club.
1922Runner-upLost to Jess Sweetser, 3 & 2 in 36-hole final.
1927Runner-upLost to Bobby Jones, 8 & 7 in 36-hole final.
He reached the semifinals in other years, including 1910, 1911, and 1913, but full match scores for non-final rounds are sparse in historical records. DNP or early exits (e.g., second round in 1919) occurred in other appearances, often due to the grueling bracket.

British Amateur Results

Evans competed internationally in the British Amateur, achieving a top-10 finish early in his career. Detailed results are limited, with participation focused on select years amid transatlantic travel challenges.
YearFinishNotes
1911T9Reached round of 16; lost to eventual champion Harold Ridgway. Specific match score unavailable.
QuarterfinalistAdvanced to quarterfinals; exact match outcomes not detailed in records.
SemifinalistReached semifinals post-U.S. Amateur win; lost in semis. Specific details unavailable.
Evans' British showings, particularly in and , demonstrated his adaptability to links-style play, though he never contended for the title. DNP in other potential years due to scheduling or selection.

Western Open Results (Quasi-Major)

The , considered a major-equivalent in the pre-Masters era, saw Evans win as an in 1910—the first to do so—before later top finishes through . The event's mix of amateurs and professionals highlighted his regional dominance.
YearFinishNotes
1910WinnerDefeated George Simpson, 6 & 5 in 36-hole final at Beverly Country Club; only amateur winner until 1985.
1920s-1930sMultiple top-10sAchieved several strong placements, including runner-up finishes, though specific years and scores for non-win entries are not comprehensively recorded; competed regularly until the mid-1930s.
Evans' 1910 victory stood as a benchmark for s in fields, with his ongoing participation underscoring sustained excellence into his later career. CUT or DNP noted in select off-years.

National team participation

Charles "Chick" Evans Jr. represented the in its earliest international amateur team competitions against , beginning with an informal match at on May 21, 1921, which served as a precursor to the formal series. In this 12-match event, the U.S. team dominated with a 9–3 victory; Evans contributed a win in the morning alongside Bobby Jones Jr., defeating J. Gordon Simpson and J.L.C. Jenkins 5&3, but lost his afternoon singles match to Tolley 4&3. Evans was selected for the first three official Walker Cup teams, underscoring his status as a leading American amateur during the event's formative years. The , contested biennially between U.S. and Great Britain & Ireland amateurs starting in 1922, saw Evans play a total of five matches across the 1922, 1924, and 1928 editions, all of which resulted in U.S. wins (8–4, 9–3, and 11–1, respectively). His overall record was 4 wins and 1 loss, with 2 wins in and 2 wins–1 loss in singles. Across all documented national team appearances, including the 1921 informal match, Evans compiled a 5–2 record in seven matches. The following table summarizes Evans' national team participations:
YearEventOpponent(s)Personal Results
1921Informal U.S. vs. GB&I Match (Royal Liverpool G.C.)GB&IFoursomes win (w/ Bobby Jones Jr. vs. J. Gordon Simpson/J.L.C. Jenkins, 5&3); Singles loss (vs. Cyril Tolley, 4&3)
1922Walker Cup (National Golf Links of America)GB&IFoursomes win (w/ Robert Gardner vs. Ernest Holderness/Dr. William L. Hunter, 5&4); Singles win (vs. John Caven, 5&4)
1924Walker Cup (Garden City G.C.)GB&ISingles win (vs. William Murray, 2&1)
1928Walker Cup (Chicago G.C.)GB&IFoursomes win (w/ Bobby Jones Jr. vs. Eric Fiddian/Hon. Michael Scott, 9&8); Singles loss (vs. Tony Torrance, 1 up)
As a seasoned competitor and advocate for pure amateurism, Evans embodied the spirit of team play, often mentoring younger teammates and emphasizing the event's role in fostering international goodwill through .

References

  1. https://www.usga.org/articles/2010/11/mm-chick-evans-golf-secrets-2147490990.html
  2. https://wgaesf.org/content/who-we-are
  3. https://www.golfcompendium.com/2018/10/1916-us-open.html
  4. https://www.nytimes.com/1933/10/07/archives/mrs-charles-evans-mother-of-noted-amateur-golfer-j-had-long-been.html
  5. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/275015380/charles-evans
  6. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1930/09/13/the-quarry-at-merion-young-jones-in-stripes-chick-evans-of-chicago
  7. https://www.nytimes.com/1935/02/09/archives/dr-chirles-en1ns-librariin-8-dies-compiled-bibliography-of-all.html
  8. https://www.forbes.com/sites/troyonink/2016/03/04/caddy-your-way-to-college-on-a-full-ride-from-golf-legend-chick-evans/
  9. https://www.examiner-enterprise.com/story/sports/pro/2016/06/11/chick-evans-amateur-us-open/27342274007/
  10. https://www.chicagogolfreport.com/chick-evans-golf-legend-and-humanitarian/
  11. https://caddiehalloffame.org/all-hall-of-fame-inductees/145-chick-evans
  12. https://www.ihsa.org/archive/hstoric/golf_boys_early.htm
  13. https://illinoishighschoolglorydays.com/2022/03/02/evanston-academy-high-school/
  14. https://www.record-bee.com/2016/01/23/evans-leaves-legacy-of-being-a-class-act/
  15. https://purdueevansscholars.weebly.com/about-chick.html
  16. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Chick-Evans
  17. https://www.bmwusanews.com/newsrelease.do?id=431&fIId=427&mid=
  18. https://newspaperarchive.com/boston-sunday-globe-aug-13-1916-p-52/
  19. https://www.usga.org/articles/2013/02/looking-back1916-us-amateur-at-merion-21474854395.html
  20. https://www.usga.org/content/us-open/2017/articles/100-years-ago--the-u-s--open-stops-for-world-war-i.html
  21. https://indianagolfjournal.com/evans-scholarships-have-helped-over-12500-caddies-attend-college/
  22. https://www.nytimes.com/1916/09/10/archives/evans-captures-amateur-title-from-gardner-first-in-american-golf-to.html
  23. https://championships.usga.org/usamateur/2025/articles/fast-facts-for-2025-us-amateur.html
  24. https://www.nytimes.com/1921/05/03/archives/american-golf-ace-leaves-tomorrow-chick-evans-last-of-team-which-is.html
  25. https://www.nytimes.com/1921/07/08/archives/chick-evans-to-defend-title-in-western-golf-tournament.html
  26. https://walkercup.co.uk/1921-royal-liverpool/
  27. https://www.golfcompendium.com/2020/03/1922-walker-cup.html
  28. https://www.golfcompendium.com/2020/03/1924-walker-cup.html
  29. https://www.golfcompendium.com/2020/03/1928-walker-cup.html
  30. https://www.northwestern.edu/magazine/northwestern/summer2004/features/coverstory/sidebar3.htm
  31. https://mngolf.org/news/eight_minnesota_caddies_earn_evans_scholarship
  32. https://wgaesf.org/a-life-changing-opportunity
  33. https://www.coloradogolf.org/cga-history/
  34. https://purdueevansscholars.weebly.com/the-es-foundation-history.html
  35. https://wgaesf.org/scholarship-houses?shadowbox=0
  36. https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa/article/detail/T0447055EN_US/2024-bmw-championship-at-castle-pines-golf-club-raises-record-10-2-million-for-evans-scholars-foundation?language=en_US
  37. https://wgaesf.org/a-life-changing-opportunity/frequently-asked-questions
  38. https://evanstonroundtable.com/2025/09/02/chick-evans-golf-scholarship/
  39. https://bmwchampionship.com/charity-impact/evans-scholars-foundation
  40. https://www.instagram.com/p/DCPOh8NORyr/
  41. https://wgaesf.org/a-legacy-of-championships/8-nv5-invitational
  42. https://www.nytimes.com/1928/09/19/archives/chick-evans-married-famous-golfer-and-miss-esther-underwood-wed-at.html
  43. https://www.nytimes.com/1979/11/08/archives/charges-evans-dies-was-noted-golfer-former-leading-amateur-89.html
  44. https://fraser.stlouisfed.org/files/docs/publications/nfr/nwbanker/nwbanker_192606a.pdf
  45. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/40722870/charles_e-evans
  46. https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa/article/attachment/T0131459EN_US/198443
  47. https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/media/online-media-center/usga-records/u-s--open-results--1895-to-present.html
  48. https://www.golfcompendium.com/2018/10/1920-us-open.html
  49. https://www.thememorialtournament.com/the-memorial/honorees/charles-chick-evans/
  50. https://www.where2golf.com/golf-tournaments/results/year/1912/?category=men-amateur
  51. https://www.golfcompendium.com/2020/08/us-amateur-championship-winners.html
  52. http://www.nytimes.com/1919/08/26/archives/evans-shorn-of-last-golf-titie-since-defeat-by-ouimet-holder-of.html
  53. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2006/07/05/our-western-open-hall-of-fame/
  54. https://www.where2golf.com/golf-tournaments/walker-cup/
  55. https://walkercup.co.uk/1928-chicago/
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