An excerpt from the 2026 Summer issue of the GAP Magazine
By Martin D. Emeno, Jr.
The Hyndman surname is already synonymous with Philadelphia golf royalty. Thanks to the Friends of William Hyndman V, that legacy now extends to the J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship Trust.
The Platt recently announced the creation of the William Hyndman V Endowed Scholarship, which will be awarded to a Platt Scholar who works as a caddie or in golf operations and was an active participant in First Tee – Greater Philadelphia.
The endowment mirrors Hyndman’s personal journey.
“I’m just honored to be involved with a way to give back to golf and caddying. I spent seven years caddying before I went into the military. To have this endowment be for a student of the First Tee is really meaningful,” said Hyndman, who is in his 11th year as CEO of First Tee – Greater Philadelphia.
“Caddying (from age 13 to 20 at Huntingdon Valley Country Club and Stone Harbor Golf Club) opened doors for me. It helped me with my interpersonal skills. It helped me with my confidence. It helped me with decision-making. It helped me develop a strong work ethic.”
Since taking the helm at First Tee – Greater Philadelphia, the chapter has grown fivefold in both revenue and student participation. Eight years ago, Hyndman launched the Caddie Academy, a training program for aspiring caddies that also places students at area caddie clubs. What began with eight students has grown to 58 participants this year. Of that number, 12 are girls, providing an important opportunity to forge their way into a traditionally male-dominated caddie yard.
“I think it benefits our female students in so many great ways,” said Hyndman. “Learning the game of golf. Going to college. And then joining the workforce. It’s so important for business.
“Caddying is the perfect job for any First Tee student. It really takes what First Tee teaches and accelerates it to an exponential level. It’s a challenging work environment, but it teaches great life skills.”
Since its inception, more than 125 students have caddied at GAP clubs.
Hyndman graduated from the University of Richmond’s E. Claiborne Robins School of Business in 1992. He was a Distinguished Military Graduate in the ROTC program and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army where he flew UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and graduated from the U.S. Army Airborne School and Air Assault School.
For those unfamiliar with the Hyndman family’s tree, Hyndman, V’s grandfather, William Hyndman, III, is one of the most decorated players in GAP history. Hyndman, III was recognized as a member of the inaugural GAP Hall of Fame class in 2008. He won 15 GAP Majors and two USGA championships, was a five-time Walker Cup participant and competed in seven Masters Tournaments.
Hyndman, V’s father, Bucky Hyndman, IV, and uncle Tommy were also accomplished golfers. Both contributed to Huntingdon Valley’s domination of Team Matches competition in the 1960s-70s when the club claimed nine titles in 15 years. In 1971, Hyndman III and both of his sons registered an unprecedented feat when all three qualified for the U.S. Amateur.
That feat was historic. The William Hyndman V Endowed Scholarship is enduring.
