Since its launch in 2018, the First Tee — Greater Philadelphia Caddie Academy has created meaningful pathways for young people to grow as leaders, build confidence, and access opportunities that extend far beyond the golf course.
Founded by CEO Bill Hyndman, the Caddie Academy was designed to introduce participants to the fundamentals of caddying while equipping them with the life skills and professional experience needed to thrive both on and off the course.
For Hyndman, the program is deeply personal.
“Caddying as a young kid had a profound impact on my life. It taught me valuable lessons and life skills—both on and off the course—that I still carry with me today,” said Hyndman. “I started the Caddie Academy to give our First Tee students the opportunity to develop those same skills, with the added benefit of earning an income along the way. As a workforce development program, the Caddie Academy creates a win-win opportunity for everyone involved.”
While participants learn the technical skills required to become successful caddies, the impact of the program goes much deeper. Students develop communication skills, professionalism, leadership, responsibility, perseverance, and confidence — qualities that help prepare them for success in school, careers, and life.
The Caddie Academy also serves as a workforce development initiative, connecting participants with local golf clubs and creating access to employment opportunities that can shape futures and open doors for years to come.
As the program has grown, so has its commitment to expanding access and opportunity. The creation of the Girls Caddie Academy has helped provide young women with opportunities to pursue roles within the golf industry while building confidence, leadership skills, and strong communication abilities. By empowering participants to succeed in spaces that have historically been male-dominated, the program is helping redefine what the future of the game can look like.
The 2025 Caddie Academy season marked a defining year of growth and achievement.
Eighty-three First Tee participants caddied at 19 different golf clubs throughout the region, completing an impressive 1,288 loops and earning more than $130,000 in wages. Beyond the numbers, those experiences represented countless opportunities for students to develop relationships, strengthen workplace skills, and gain valuable real-world experience.
The year also brought a historic milestone for the program with its first-ever Platt Evans Scholar. Max May, a Caddie Academy participant, earned the prestigious scholarship and is currently attending Pennsylvania State University on a full scholarship.
Additional scholarship recognition followed, with two participants earning the J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship:
- Caitlyn Plover, now attending Loyola University Maryland
- Sal Campagna, now attending Widener University
The momentum has continued into 2026.
This year, 65 new participants completed the Caddie Academy program through a combination of in-person training sessions and a Caddie Certification Day hosted at Walnut Lane Golf Club and John F. Byrne Golf Club. Following certification, participants were placed at clubs throughout the Philadelphia region and began applying their skills in real-world environments.
Today, more than 100 First Tee participants are caddying at 20 courses across the area, a reflection of the continued growth and lasting impact of the program.
This year also brought another wave of scholarship success. We proudly congratulate our high school seniors who were named recipients of the J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship:
- Hank Charlton — College of the Holy Cross
- John Diamond — Drew University
- Bill McCalley — Pennsylvania State University
- Sean Allen — Temple University
Continuing the tradition of academic excellence and opportunity, Jake Ruppert was recently awarded the Platt Evans Scholarship and will attend Pennsylvania State University this fall on a full scholarship — an incredible accomplishment that recognizes his dedication in the classroom, through caddying, and throughout his First Tee journey.
While scholarships and employment opportunities are exciting milestones, the true success of the Caddie Academy can be found in the confidence, leadership, and character participants carry with them long after they leave the course.
Every loop walked, every relationship built, and every challenge overcome helps shape the next generation of game changers.
Congratulations to all of our incredible caddies on the impact they continue to make both on and off the course.
