GLENVIEW, Ill. – First Midwest Bank has entered a four-year partnership with the Western Golf Association to be Presenting Sponsor of the Evans Scholars Invitational, tournament officials announced today.

The Evans Scholars Invitational is an annual event on the Korn Ferry Tour, featuring the rising stars of golf competing for a spot on the PGA TOUR. The 2021 tournament is set for May 27-30 at The Glen Club in Glenview, Illinois.

Held for the first time on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2019, the Evans Scholars Invitational raises funds to help the Evans Scholars Foundation award full tuition and housing college scholarships to deserving youth caddies. This year, 1,045 Evans Scholars are enrolled in 19 leading universities nationwide.

“We are thrilled to partner with First Midwest Bank to put a spotlight on the incredible golf talent on display at the Evans Scholars Invitational every year,” said Vince Pellegrino, WGA senior vice president of tournaments. “In addition to supporting professional golf in the Chicagoland area, First Midwest Bank’s generosity will have a direct impact on the lives of youth caddies.”

While serving as the Presenting Sponsor and hosting a junior clinic during championship week, First Midwest Bank is also making a deeper commitment to help the Evans Scholars Foundation guide students from caddie, to college, to career.

Through this partnership, First Midwest Bank will support the WGA’s caddie program at Jackson Park Golf Course on Chicago’s south side, which provides caddying opportunities to local teens who hope to apply for the Evans Scholarship. First Midwest Bank will also help develop the Foundation’s career services program, a resource that prepares Evans Scholars to launch successful careers after graduation.

“We know that young people benefit from resources and guidance at every stage of their development, whether they are learning to caddie, heading to college or starting their careers,” said Jim Stadler, First Midwest Bank chief marketing and communications officer. “First Midwest Bank is proud to support the players who are competing to make the PGA TOUR as well as the youth caddies trying to earn a college degree.”

First Midwest Bank is the third largest independent Illinois-headquartered bank, serving clients in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Wisconsin. It focuses on building relationships and helping clients achieve financial success. Learn more at www.firstmidwest.com.

Grounds admission will be free on all four days of competition at the 2021 Evans Scholars Invitational. Fans planning to attend the event can register for their free tickets at www.esinvitational.com/2021-tickets. Upgraded tickets to The Hangar, a premium spectator venue that has access to The Glen Club grillroom and patio with food and drink included, are available for purchase.

Tournament officials are working with the Village of Glenview and the state of Illinois, as well as health authorities, to develop a plan that will enable spectators to attend the event safely, with strict health protocols in place. More information about the on-site experience will be available as details are finalized.

Curtis Thompson won the 2020 Evans Scholars Invitational at Chicago Highlands Club in Westchester, Illinois, making birdie on the final hole to edge Will Zalatoris and Jimmy Stanger. Thompson is hoping to follow the path of 2019 champion Scottie Scheffler, who used his victory at The Glen Club as a springboard to the PGA TOUR. Scheffler was named the 2020 PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year after posting seven top-10 finishes.