The Fricke brothers made the J. Wood Platt community proud this summer as they made their way to the US Amateur. Drexel alumnus, Aaron Fricke, who graduated in 2018, secured a spot in the 2023 U.S. Amateur. His outstanding performance at The Union League Golf Club at Torresdale showcased his golf skills, with a final round score of six-under 64, contributing to an impressive two-round total of 4-under par 136.
Nate Fricke, also a Platt Alumnus who graduated from Shippensburg University in 2018, was there to support his brother each step of the way. From his 15 years of caddying experience at Lancaster, Nate’s passion for caddying is evident. In typical supportive brother fashion, Nate was determined to accompany Aaron as far as possible on this journey.
Both brothers are grateful for the golf community and the Trust, which has been instrumental in fostering their personal and professional growth. “Thank you to our family, friends, mentors, colleagues, the J. Wood Platt, the membership and staff at both Lulu Country Club and Lancaster Country Club that have continuously supported Aaron and myself. His road hasn’t always been easy but I have had the pleasure to watch Aaron evolve as a golfer, a brother, friend, and business professional through the years.”
Aaron geared up to participate in the 2023 U.S. Amateur Championship at Cherry Hills Country Club in Colorado a few weeks back, the Fricke brothers truly lived the caddie dream through their dedication to the game and one another. Their journey shows the J. Wood Platt community what one can accomplish with not only a friend by your side but a whole organization behind you.
Although the J. Wood Platt Alumni brothers missed the cut to make match play, their story serves as an inspiration to current and future J. Wood Platt scholars, demonstrating that with hard work, determination, and the support of a strong community, incredible achievements are possible.
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.
