- The WGA Distinguished Service Award was established to recognize individuals who have dedicated extraordinary time and effort to supporting youth caddies, the Evans Scholar Foundation, and the Western Golf Association. Brent first started caddying at Moraine Country Club in 1979 as a 14-year-old and became an Honor Caddie for the next eight years. In 1986, Brent became an Assistant Golf Professional, and one of his responsibilities was overseeing the Caddie Program. Under Brent’s guidance, it has grown into one of the elite programs in our game, providing our Miami Valley youth with a wonderful summer job and the possibility of extending their education through the Evans Scholar or Moraine Scholar Program. Brent then became the Head Golf Professional in 1997. In his nearly 45 years, 79 Evans Scholars have been awarded. To provide some perspective, in the 30 years prior to Brent's stewardship, Moraine had nine Evans Scholars. He was also an integral part of the Moraine Caddy Scholarship Fund, established in 2001 for those Moraine caddies who had not earned an Evans Scholarship but had worked very hard in its pursuit. Since 2001, 134 caddies have received the Moraine Caddy Scholarship, totaling over 1.3 million dollars.

DAYTON, Ohio – Brent Sipe of Dayton, Ohio, was honored with the Western Golf Association’s Distinguished Service Award on Friday, July 26, in recognition of his dedication to youth caddies and the Evans Scholarship. 

Sipe, who has been the head golf professional at Moraine Country Club in Dayton, Ohio, for 27 years, was recognized during an event at the club ahead of the 122nd playing of the Western Amateur. 

The award was established in 2023 in recognition of individuals who have dedicated significant time and effort to supporting youth caddies, Evans Scholars and the WGA, which conducts championships for professional and amateur golfers, promotes the use of caddies and oversees the Evans Scholars Foundation, which awards college scholarships to caddies with limited financial means. 

As a teenager, Sipe began caddying at Moraine Country Club in 1979, and he was an honor caddie for eight years. In 1986, he became the club’s assistant golf professional, and one of his responsibilities was overseeing the youth caddie program. Under his guidance, it has grown into an elite program that has provided young men and women in the area life-changing summer jobs and the opportunity to pursue their college educations. 

“We are honored to recognize Brent Sipe and his dedication to changing the lives of youth caddies,” said WGA Chairman Steve Colnitis. “His incredible commitment to young people through his longtime support of our mission to send caddies to college is gratefully acknowledged.” 

Sipe became the club’s head golf professional in 1997, and during his tenure as assistant and head golf professional, 77 youth caddies have earned full tuition and housing Evans Scholarships.

“As a golf professional, Brent has been a tireless advocate for caddies and has created a culture of opportunity for young men and women in the Dayton area. His leadership and passion for the Evans Scholars Program is contagious and an inspiration for us all,” said Joe Desch, an Evans Scholar Alum, former WGA Chairman and Moraine Country Club member. 

Sipe has also been an integral part of the Moraine Caddie Scholarship Fund which was established in 2001.The Fund helps support caddies who did not earn the Evans Scholarship, and since its inception, 134 caddies have been awarded the Moraine Caddie Scholarship for a total value of more than $1.3 million.

 Sipe said, “I am so proud to be your golf pro and so proud of our caddies. I’m extremely lucky, and I thank all of you for the kindness and love that you share with me and your generosity in supporting these kids. We are changing lives with our caddie program, and it’s just a phenomenal feeling.”