Q&A with this month’s #PlattProfile, Mairead Plunkett
Mairead Plunkett shares her experiences as a Temple University student, her role at Bala Golf Club, and how the J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship has opened doors for her future. 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: I graduate in December of 2026.
Q: What is your major?
A: Physical Therapy.
Q: How did you decide on that major?
A: I really enjoy the opportunity to work with people and the medical field. Physical therapy allows me to be with patients one-on-one, really get to know them, and help them through difficult and challenging times while pushing them.
Q: Do you participate in any school activities or clubs?
A: Yes! Recently I joined the Temple Rowing Team. I am also a part of the pre-med programs and pre-physical therapy clubs at Temple.
Q: Tell me a little bit about the Temple Rowing team.
A: I recently tried out for the Temple Rowing Team. Right now, we’re working toward our spring season. Rowing is very similar to working at a golf course or another job—it requires a strong work ethic and teamwork. Even though each person is rowing individually, if we don’t work together as a team, the boat won’t move.
Q: Do you have any hobbies?
A: I enjoy hanging out with friends and family, watching sports, and any Phillies events.
Q: What golf club do you work at?
A: Bala Golf Club.
Q: How long have you been working there for?
A: I have been working there for about two and a half years.
Q: How did you start working there?
A: I was recommended by a family friend of ours. They thought I would enjoy being able to work both in a community of people but also outside. It has grown into something I enjoy, especially interacting and helping people.
Q: What is your favorite thing about working at your club?
A: I really enjoy the people and my coworkers, being able to help members, and just working with everyone. It’s also rewarding to help them each day.
Q: How did you hear about the J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship?
A: I heard about the J. Wood Platt Scholarship Trust through a former coworker of mine who was a Platt Scholar. They thought I exemplified what the scholarship meant and thought it’d be a good idea for me to apply. They also told me about the great opportunities the scholarship offers, like meeting other scholars and opening doors to new opportunities.
Q: What are your long-term goals? Think 5 to 10 years
A: Overall, in 5 to 10 years I see myself graduating from Temple University with my doctorate in Physical Therapy, where I will be able to help others return to their pre-injury life and reach their goals. Perhaps even, helping some of the members at Bala have a more powerful swing. In addition, I hope to continue fortifying the relationships that I have built throughout time working at Bala and contribute to the Platt program in some way. Along with being a resource for future Platt scholars.
Q: What is something that happened to you while working at your club that you will never forget?
A: Though I do not have any particular instances that I can recall. I have valued the daily interaction that I am able to have while working at Bala. The relationship that I have built throughout my time at Bala golf course, with my coworkers, professional staff, members and other Platt Scholar In addition, I enjoyed that there is something to do whether it be helping members, assisting in the pro shop or making sure that the course is set. I have learned quickly that golfers do not care about the weather and will play rain or shine, as long as they can get their rounds of golf, it is a good day at Bala Golf Course.
Q: What advice would you give your younger self?
A: You are not going to win every race. Whether it be your school work, sports and applying for future opportunities. However, if you are able Listen more, put in the work and always say thank you. You will be putting yourself into a position for success, which can come in many different forms. The challenges that you face throughout life will bring you greater success because you will be able to learn from your mistakes.
Q: How has J. Wood Platt changed your life?
A: Being a part of the J Wood Platt Program has given me the chance to meet many great people, reducing the stress of paying for college education. This has allowed me to focus on my school work. In addition, it gave me insights of how other platt scholars have been successful. And also challenge myself to take on new challenges and be involved in the Temple community and to take advantage of the many things it has to offer students.
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.
