HHS grad Grauer gains top caddie honor

HUNTLEY — Henry Grauer was pleased when his mom Michelle contacted him one day this spring while he was attending class at Huntley High School.

“My mom texted me and said the envelope came,” Grauer said.

The contents of the envelope was confirmation that Grauer was chosen as one of Western Golf Association’s (WGA) Chick Evans Scholarship winners for caddies, which is a full ride college scholarship. Grauer works as a caddie at Crystal Lake Country Club (CLCC).

“I opened the envelope and I was at a loss for words. It was something I have worked for since I was 13-years-old,” Grauer said.

Grauer is spending these days preparing to begin at the University of Iowa’s Iowa City campus. He will major in chemistry and pre-pharmacy. He was a member of the HHS Medical Academy.

Grauer works as a caddie at Crystal Lake Country Club (CLCC). His dad Mike suggested the caddie role a few years ago as he is a caddie master at a Northbrook country club.

“The most important thing to do as a caddie is to be open with whom you are caddying for, because you never know how they can influence your life with future career opportunities. In the beginning it was hard to get on the course but you work your way up,” Grauer said.

CLCC Head Golf Professional David Thompson congratulated Grauer and discussed the benefits of an Evans scholarship.

“It gives kids a chance to create opportunities in life with a college education. Some may not have been able to afford college, or might have had to start out at a junior college, but *with an Evans Scholarship) they can graduate debt free,” Thompson said.

Previous club scholarship recipients have attended Big Ten universities such as Illinois, Northwestern, Michigan and Michigan State as well as Marquette. “We have had a good track record,” Thompson stated.

In the past, CLCC would line up and wait for members to choose them before their “loops” or rounds. Now there is an app for that to assist the scheduling. About 15 caddies still are called if needed.

Grauer likes the atmosphere at the 100-year old historic club.

“At first I used to think of it as just a job but I like the calm atmosphere and being outside,” he said. “It also helps teach you how to be a professional. I also worked at Target (store) in Algonquin and that job taught me about the corporate world.”

The WGA is a well-known supporter of amateur golf in Illinois.

“The WGA conducts championships for professional and amateur golfers, promotes the use of caddies and supports the Evans Scholars Foundation efforts to award full tuition and housing college scholarships to hardworking caddies with limited financial means,” according to the WGA web site. “We’re a driving force in the game of golf, a respected charitable cause for tens of thousands of supporters and a distinguished leader in the nation’s golf community. WGA has been in existence since 1899, when 11 Chicago-area golf clubs formed an organization to promote their interests in golf.”