Q&A with this month’s #PlattProfile, Ryan Guinaldo
Ryan Guinaldo shares his experiences as a Montgomery County Community College student, his role at Commonwealth National Golf Club, and how the J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship has opened doors for his future. Read more!
(This interview has been edited for clarity and length.)
Q: How old are you?
A: I am 18.
Q: What school are you currently attending?
A: Montgomery County Community College.
Q: When do you graduate?
A: 2026 Spring.
Q: What is your major?
A: Business administration.
Q: How did you decide on that major?
A: I really like my dad’s end of business and I know a lot of people that are into that, so I really tried to follow their footsteps.
Q: Do you have any hobbies?
A: Yes, I like to golf. I am a big golfer.
Q: What golf club do you caddie for?
A: Commonwealth National Golf Club.
Q: How long have you been caddying?
A: I have been caddying about 4 and a half years.
Q: How did you start caddying?
A: My dad got me into it and he said it would be a great opportunity to start caddying. The golf course is right down the street from where I live, so it’s very convenient for me.
Q: What is your favorite thing about caddying?
A: My favorite thing is meeting new people, getting to learn about what they do, and networking.
Q: How did you hear about the J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship?
A: There was another scholar the year before who had the scholarship, so then I followed up and learned about it through him.
Q: What are your long-term goals? Think 5 to 10 years.
A: I hope to be well on my way to success. Meeting new people that have the same goals as me. I want to be a hardworking man that has a path for financial freedom while having fun and enjoying what I do at the same time.
Q: What is something that happened to you while caddying that you will never forget?
A: One of the members offered me a job, which was a great opportunity for me.
Q: What advice would you give your younger self as a caddie or a new caddie just starting?
A: Be yourself, always be aware, and never be afraid to talk to the person you are caddying for because you never know what you could learn or get out from it.
Q: How has J. Wood Platt changed your life?
A: It has opened me up to opportunities that otherwise I would not have had. I am looking forward to the benefits that will be offered in the future as I continue my education. Also, most importantly, after I graduate and take advantage of the enormous networking and resources that this scholarship will provide me with.
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.
