J. WOOD PLATT CADDIE SCHOLARSHIP TRUST EXPANDS “SERVICE TO GOLF” PROGRAM TO 300 GAP MEMBER CLUBS FOLLOWING PILOT YEAR
J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship Trust Service to Golf program is now available GAP wide
[Broomall, PA] — Building on the achievements of its pilot program, the J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship Trust is thrilled to announce the expansion of its “Service to Golf” initiative to all 300 GAP (Golf Association of Philadelphia) Member Clubs. Originally intended as a three-year pilot program, the Platt Board of Trustees has elected to accelerate the expansion of the program. Service to Golf scholarships will make higher education more accessible to young men and women working in golf operations throughout the GAP region.
For over 65 years, the J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship Trust has been a driving force in supporting aspiring students in the golf community, particularly caddies, by facilitating their access to higher education. In an evolution of its mission, the Trust now empowers those working in Service to Golf capacities, which includes roles in the bag room, driving range, cart management, and pro shop, by offering scholarships and mentorship.
The success of the first year of the program led the Board of Trustees to reevaluate the timeline and expand the program to include all GAP Member Clubs. The Trust is dedicated to helping scholars with financial support and professional growth, showing its commitment to a more inclusive and impactful future for those working in golf operations.
Prospective candidates interested in the Service to Golf scholarship program are invited to apply annually through the Trust’s official website, www.plattscholar.org. Application requirements include the submission of financial documents, academic transcripts, and evidence of employment history.
Service to Golf scholarships, awarded based on need, offer recipients financial support of up to $5,000 annually to assist in their pursuit of higher education. Scholarship recipients are expected to continue their employment during breaks, remain enrolled as full-time undergraduates in colleges or universities, and maintain a minimum grade point average. Additionally, recipients are highly encouraged to engage in the Trust’s EMPOWER Program, which equips them with essential mentoring and career preparation services.
GAP
Celebrating Amateur Golf since 1897, GAP, also known as the Golf Association of Philadelphia, is the oldest regional or state golf association in the United States. It serves as the principal ruling body of amateur golf in its region. The Association’s 350 Member Clubs and 105,000 individual members are spread across the Eastern half of Pennsylvania and parts of New Jersey and Delaware. The GAP’s mission is to promote, preserve and protect the game of golf.
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 scholars financially, J. Wood Platt’s EMPOWER program strengthens scholarship investment dollars by providing 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.
