Q&A with this month’s #PlattProfile, Matt Reifer.
Reifer speaks about his experience with the golf community.
(This interview has been edited for clarity and length.)
Q: How old are you?
A: I am 21 years old.
Q: What school are you currently attending?
A: Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Q: When do you graduate?
A: I graduate in 2024.
Q: What is your major?
A: I am in a 4 + 1 Master’s Program in Elementary Education and Psychology. I will graduate with my bachelor’s degree in 2024 and my masters in 2025.
Q: How did you decide on that major?
A: I’ve always had a passion for helping and working with kids. When I was younger I suffered from selective mutism which is an anxiety disorder that controls the way you can speak in certain social settings. I wanted to give back and help kids so I decided that would be the best path.
Q: Do you participate in activities in school? Clubs?
A: I am a goalie on the men’s lacrosse team and I am also the co-social chair of the Kappa Sigma fraternity.
Q: Do you have any hobbies?
A: Honestly, working out, playing golf, and trying to get better at lacrosse.
Q: What golf club do you caddie for?
A: Lookaway Golf Club.
Q: How long have you been caddying?
A: I’ve been caddying for 6 years and I am the assistant to the caddy manager so I will close at night and help him with many different tasks.
Q: How did you start caddying?
A: My little brother always worked at Lookaway and he told me to go there and the rest is history.
Q: What is your favorite thing about caddying?
A: It is probably being able to build relationships with the members and being able to communicate with them. Also, getting outside and helping the game of golf is what I love.
Q: How did you hear about J. Wood Platt?
A: My brother was a Platt Scholar and the scholarship helped him out a lot so I knew it was something I wanted to apply for.
Q: What are your long-term goals? Think 5 to 10 years
A: I aspire to achieve my long-term objectives, which include obtaining a master’s degree in Elementary Education while simultaneously pursuing my other areas of interest. My dedication extends to nurturing children’s development and delving into the realm of real estate. I am committed to pursuing both of these ambitions in the long run.
Q: What is something that happened to you while caddying that you will never forget?
A: An unforgettable memory from my time as a caddy involves a member experiencing a medical emergency while out on the course. Witnessing the entire golf community, including fellow caddies and myself, come together to prioritize the member’s safety was truly remarkable. This incident underscored the close-knit nature of the golf community.
Q: What advice would you give your younger self as a caddie or a new caddie just starting?
A: Here’s some advice I’d offer to a new caddie: Embrace confidence and don’t let nerves hold you back. While starting out, caddying might seem intimidating, but step onto the course with self-assurance and apply your acquired skills. Effective communication with the members and enjoying the experience are key components to keep in mind.
Q: How has J. Wood Platt changed your life?
A: J. Wood Platt’s impact has extended beyond just my life; it has touched the lives of my entire family. This scholarship has granted me the opportunity to pursue my college aspirations while alleviating some financial burdens. The assistance provided by J. Wood Platt has been immensely valuable for both my brother and me. We hold deep and lasting gratitude for the J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship.
J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship Trust
The J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship Trust was created in 1958 and is the charitable arm of GAP (Golf Association of Philadelphia). The J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship Trust’s mission is to financially aid and empower qualified caddies and those working in golf operations in the pursuit of higher education. Along with aiding caddies financially, J. Wood Platt’s EMPOWER program strengthens scholarship investment dollars by providing caddies with exceptional benefits and leadership training through access to the wide network of J. Wood Platt donors and alumni. To date, more than 3,700 young men and women have received $25 million in aid from the Trust.
