Caddie Scholarship Foundation names Babcock, McFadden as Trustees

December 10, 2020 - The New Jersey State Golf Association Caddie Scholarship Foundation recently announced that Michael McFadden from Manasquan River Golf Club and John Babcock from the Morris County Golf Club have been elected to serve on the Caddie Scholarship Foundation Board of Trustees.

McFadden grew up in Caldwell, N.J., and caddied at Essex Fells Country Club from 1975 to 1983.  He earned a NJSGA Caddie Scholarship, and went on to graduate from Rutgers University. His brothers, Jamie and Charlie, also caddied at Essex Fells Country Club, and like Michael, both received full caddie scholarships and later graduated from Rutgers University.  Michael graduated with a degree in business administration and accounting as a certified public accountant. He works in the banking and accounting industry.

McFadden has served with distinction on the NJSGA Board as Treasurer and Secretary; he is currently the Vice President. In addition, he was the Caddie Scholarship Alumni Chairman and continues his exemplary support of the Caddie Scholarship program. 

Ben Del Vento, the chairman of the NJSGA Caddie Scholarship Foundation, proudly stated, “Michael has admirably exemplified all the qualities of a Caddie Scholarship recipient and continues to give back to our wonderful game with dedication and support.

McFadden resides in Sea Girt with his wife; they have three grown children. He is a member of the Manasquan River Golf Club which was fifth among NJSGA clubs in total Caddie Scholarship contributions and fifth in total PAR Club members (those who donate $100 or more in one year).

Babcock grew up as a youngster at Rockaway River Country Club with his family. His father, the late Phillips Babcock, served on the NJSGA Board of Trustees which included a long stint as the association’s treasurer.  Phillips was posthumously awarded the Honey Gantner award for his extraordinary contributions to the NJSGA. 

John is a 24-year member of Morris County Golf Club where he has served in many capacities. He currently sits on the Board of Governors as Vice President, and has been the Caddie Scholarship Foundation’s Club Representative for the past eight years. During that time, he has been instrumental in growing the club’s contributions to the foundation. In 2019, Morris County Golf Club was recognized as one of the top PAR Clubs, boasting 466 individual members, a testament to Babcock’s leadership.

Currently the president of Peapack Private Wealth Management in Bedminster, Babcock has had an illustrious 40-year career in banking in New York, New Jersey and Hong Kong.

Chairman Del Vento stated, "John is following in his father's footsteps through his dedication and support of the Caddie Scholarship Program".  He will be an asset as a Trustee, through not only his financial acumen, but, in the tradition of the Babcock family, for their love and support of the Caddie Scholarship Program.

“Without a doubt, Michael and John will be tremendous additions to the Caddie Scholarship Foundation Board of Trustees.  Both are honored to be selected to this special position, and recognize that Education is the Most Precious Gift,” concluded Del Vento.