Q&A with this month’s #PlattProfile, Jack Ebert
Jack Ebert, a Finance major at Temple University and caddie at Llanerch Country Club, shares how he chose his major and minors, what he enjoys most about caddying, and the unforgettable moment he ran into Charles Barkley on the course. He also reflects on how J. Wood Platt has shaped his college journey and future goals. Read More!
(This interview has been edited for clarity and length.)
Q: How old are you?
A: I am 21.
Q: What school are you currently attending?
A: Temple University.
Q: When do you graduate?
A: May 2026.
Q: What is your major?
A: Finance, with minors in Economics and MIS.
Q: How did you decide on that major and those minors?
A: I originally started in Accounting, but I wanted a career that involved more interaction with people, so I switched to Finance with the goal of moving into consulting. Economics fascinates me because of the science and conceptual framework it provides for business. MIS felt like a smart addition because most companies value tech knowledge, and I wanted to build skills with software and programs to set myself apart.
Q: Do you participate in any school activities or clubs?
A: I was part of the Business Management Club during my sophomore and junior years, and I’m now a member of the Finance Society. I’m also involved in Beta Gamma Sigma, the international business honor society. Outside of school, I regularly volunteer with the Middle Atlantic Blind Golf Association, which has been an incredibly rewarding experience and an important part of my life.
Q: Do you have any hobbies?
A: I love golfing. In the winter, I snowboard a lot. I also enjoy traveling. Those are my three main hobbies.
Q: What golf club do you caddie at?
A: Llanerch Country Club.
Q: How long have you been caddying there?
A: Six years. I started during my junior year of high school.
Q: How did you get into caddying at the club?
A: A lot of my friends were caddying, and my mom kept encouraging me to give it a try after talking with their parents. Eventually, I got started and stuck with it.
Q: What is your favorite thing about caddying at your club?
A: The friendships. I really enjoy working alongside my friends, it makes the experience fun and something I look forward to.
Q: How did you hear about the J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship?
A: My caddie master was the one who introduced me to it. I didn’t know about it beforehand, but he really encouraged me to apply and helped me through the process.
Q: What are your long-term goals (5–10 years)?
A: I want to be in a role where the work I do truly makes a difference. Helping others in meaningful ways is really important to me. Right now, I am considering a career in consulting or law, both would allow me to support people and contribute to something larger than myself.
Q: What is something that happened to you while caddying that you will never forget?
A: One time I was searching for a stray ball in the left rough, and when I looked up, Charles Barkley was standing right in front of me. I had no idea he was even out there. Caught off guard, I just blurted out, “Whoa,” and he laughed. It was such a surreal and unforgettable moment.
Q: What advice would you give your younger self?
A: Be more open and outgoing. Don’t hold back because of doubts or assumptions. Give new experiences and people a real chance, you never know what might change your life for the better. Sometimes what you fear the most could end up leading you to your greatest opportunities.
Q: How has J. Wood Platt changed your life?
A: J. Wood Platt has done more than just ease the financial burden of college for me and my family, which is already an incredible gift. It has also given me the chance to form meaningful friendships and connections. It is more than a scholarship, it is a community that supports your growth personally and professionally. Thanks to the generosity of J. Wood Platt and its donors, I have been able to pursue multiple minors and even study abroad in Rome. These experiences have enriched my education and shaped who I am today.
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 4,200 young men and women have received $29 million in aid from the Trust.
