Q&A with this month’s #PlattProfile, Matthew Corr.
Corr speaks to us about being a Platt Evans scholar.
(This interview has been edited for clarity and length.)
Q: How old are you?
A: I am 19.
Q: What school are you currently attending?
A: I am in the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State University.
Q: When do you graduate?
A: I graduate in May of 2026.
Q: What is your major?
A: Major in Finance and minor in Information Systems Management.
Q: How did you decide on that major and minor?
A: I have always loved math and problem-solving since I was a kid. Through caddying, I also learned how much I enjoy speaking to others and making connections. By strengthening my interpersonal skills, I realized that this is one of my strengths and that I should capitalize on my strengths in the business world.
Q: What are your post-graduation plans?
A: As I am only a sophomore, I do not currently have any concrete plans. As for my aspiring post-grad interests, I hope to be working in a major city such as Boston or Philadelphia, in either a strategy consulting or wealth management position. Over my next couple of years at Penn State and through internships, I hope to expand my knowledge in finance to come to a set conclusion on what I would like to pursue.
Q: Do you participate in activities in school? Clubs?
A: At Penn State, I am a senior associate in the Nittany Lion Consulting Group, which is a student-led, faculty-supported experiential learning program that works with a range of clients from small nonprofits to more well-known companies like Dell Technologies. My time in this organization has given me tools and experience in what it is like to work for a consulting firm and has developed skills like leadership, communication, and client interactions that can definitely go a long way in the workforce. In addition, I am in Alpha Kappa Psi, which is a business fraternity here at Penn State. Not only have I been able to make a lot of great friends, but also have developed more socially and professionally than I would have been in any other organization.
Q: Do you have any hobbies?
A: Honestly since I have been so busy with 19 credits in addition to my involvements, I have not been able to hone in on any specific hobby. Outside of golf obviously, I love to play “pickup sports” with friends. I find that it is a great way to relieve stress but also get great exercise doing something that I genuinely enjoy.
Q: What golf club do you caddie for?
A: Llanerch Country Club.
Q: How long have you been caddying?
A: I started caddying in 2018.
Q: How did you start caddying?
A: I started caddying going into my freshman year of high school. At this time, I was already working at my local parish on the weekends, but after conversations with my Uncle Charlie Dougherty, who was a member at the time, he urged me to give it a try. In addition to good money, he explained to me the additional benefits of caddying that I initially overlooked. After connecting me with the caddie manager at Llanerch, Chris Wright, I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to then work at the club.
Q: What is your favorite thing about caddying?
A: You typically hear high school kids not liking their summer jobs, but caddying has honestly been one of the most consistently enjoyable experiences that I have been a part of. The first thing that sticks out to me is the genuine people at my club. Not only is the leadership of Chris Wright a welcoming environment, but the members of Llanerch show genuine interest in not only the game of golf but the livelihood of each and every caddie. Once I realized this at Llanerch, I was genuinely excited to go and spend time there every day in the summer. In addition, I am able to work with some of my closest friends, including my younger brother Christian.
Q: How did you hear about J. Wood Platt?
A: Fortunately at my club, there are a lot of members who donate to J. Wood Platt. In addition, Chris Wright made it an emphasis from day one to market the foundation as best that he can, by hanging up application pamphlets and posters of all of the scholars at our club.
Q: What are your long-term goals? Think 5 to 10 years
A: In five years I hope to be working in a big city like Philly or Boston in either a strategy consulting role or in a financial services role. Although I prioritize my career success and continue to work to get to that point every day, in five years I hope to have a continued strong relationship with my younger brother Christian. As I said, I am fortunate enough to work with him through caddying, but throughout my life, I have always tried my best to be the best role model I can for him, as my two older sisters, Caroline and Elizabeth, were to me. In 5 years hopefully, he will be at Penn State too, and although we will both be busy with our own lives, I want to make it a continuous goal to maintain a strong bond with him.
Q: What is something that happened to you while caddying that you will never forget?
A: I’d say caddying in the BMW Championship at Wilmington Country Club last year was a moment that I was surely in awe. As an Evans scholar, I was given the opportunity to caddie in the tournament, as it is a major fundraising event for the foundation. Waking up early that morning to travel to Wilmington with fellow Llanerch caddie Aidan Sweeney, I had no idea what to expect. Sure enough when I got there and met the other Penn State Evans scholars. I realized that I would be caddying for a Pro. Over the course of the day, I caddied for Sam Burns and Seamus Power, and no offense to any members at Llanerch, but saw the best golf I had ever seen.
Q: What advice would you give your younger self as a caddie or a new caddie just starting?
A: Take advantage of the network. Working at a private country club, you are amongst some of the most successful people in the area. With so much experience and knowledge about their industries, find the right time and put yourself out there. Not every conversation needs to be about their work life, their time on the course should be a getaway from their hectic and stressful jobs. Instead, focus on making a genuine connection with your golfer. The more you work on your interpersonal skills in this setting, the more comfortable you will become with your communication outside of caddying, which in my opinion is one of the most important skills to have in all facets of life.
Q: How has being a Platt Evans Scholar changed your life?
A: As a J. Wood Platt-Evans Scholar, I am fortunate enough to have a full scholarship to Penn State. It is difficult to actually put into words how life-changing and important the generosity of donors is to not only me but my family as well. Relieving the financial stress of paying for college allows me to be involved more on campus, which I have taken full advantage of to develop myself not only academically, but socially and professionally as well. In addition, I met some of the most encouraging and supportive people through this program. Knowing that there is a whole foundation that has my best interest in mind is a very comforting feeling. Because of how influential this scholarship has been for me thus far, I hope one day that I can give back to the organization to aid more kids like me in pursuing higher education.
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.
