Q&A with this month’s #PlattProfile, Tyler Markovich.
Markovich talks about the connections he has made on the course while caddying.
(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: Penn State.
Q: When do you graduate?
A: May 2025.
Q: What is your major?
A: Undecided but I am finance intended.
Q: How did you decide on that major?
A: I kind of always knew I wanted to do something in the business field. I can really do anything with a business degree, there is so much opportunity. I enjoy working with numbers.
Q: Do you participate in activities in school? Clubs?
A: I am involved in THON through my fraternity.
Q: Do you have any hobbies?
A: Golf, tennis, and fishing.
Q: What golf club do you caddie for?
A: Saucon Valley Country Club.
Q: How long have you been caddying?
A: This is my 4th season caddying.
Q: How did you start caddying?
A: One of my friends is a member at the club and he also caddied there so he introduced it to me.
Q: What is your favorite thing about caddying?
A: Obviously, the connections you make out there. You’re on the course for about 4 hours meeting new people, all successful people, who have done a lot in their lives and have a lot of great experiences to share.
Q: How did you hear about J. Wood Platt?
A: In the caddy shack at Saucon, we have posters up. I also have a friend who is a year older than me who applied for it and told me I should definitely apply as well.
Q: What are your long-term goals? Think 5 to 10 years
A: In 5 to 10 years, I will be done with college. I plan to have a job in finance and live in a somewhat major city. In 10 years, I will be 29, and hopefully will be starting a family.
Q: What is something that happened to you while caddying that you will never forget?
A: Last year I was out on a loop with a few members. As the loop went on, I was forming a strong bond with one of the guys. About halfway through the loop he gave me his contact information and told me whenever I’m ready, I had an internship at the company he worked at and after that, a job. It was then I realized that there are people who want to help us and see us succeed. They truly care about us.
Q: What advice would you give your younger self as a caddie or a new caddie just starting?
A: It is quite simple, be confident and be social. While being a skilled caddy is important, being able to form a bond with the members will prove to be the most beneficial part of the job.
Q: How has J. Wood Platt changed your life?
A: My family currently has three kids in college at once. Obviously, the financial burden that comes from that is hard. The financial aid that the Platt organization has given me has given a relief to me and my family that I will be forever grateful for. Even more importantly, the Platt organization has programs set up for us after college, through the empower program and help with our post-college life. I will forever be grateful for everything that the Platt Organization has given me.
J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship Trust
The Trust’s mission, which has remained constant since its inception in 1958, is to financially aid deserving caddies in their pursuit of higher education. The J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship Trust was created by GAP through the efforts of then President Walter A. Schmidt; Leo Fraser, President of the local section of Professional Golfers Association of America; and Albert Keeping, Golf Professional at Gulph Mills Golf Club. It was named in honor of Philadelphia’s premier golfer of the era, J. Wood Platt. Not only was Mr. Platt an accomplished player, but he was also the Trust’s co-founder and first contributor.
