NJSGA Caddie Camp Builds For The Future
The New Jersey State Golf Association hosted a successful Caddie Camp, a one-day clinic on Saturday, April 9, at Canoe Brook Country Club in Summit, its first such event in nearly 15 years.
Some 20 prospective male and female caddie were on hand to receive instruction from Brad Bardon, NJSGA Manager, Tournaments and Operations, and Johanna Gavin, Director of the NJSGA Caddie Scholarship Foundation.
“It provided a great introduction to caddieing. Hopefully, in the future we can expand the clinics to different areas around the state,” Bardon said. “Many of our NJSGA member clubs have caddies and the camp helps the young people become involved in the game of golf and also lets them know about the NJSGA Caddie Scholarship Foundation which rewards 200 New Jersey caddies with college tuition grants per year.
“It’s a great summer job for young people and can help them save money for college. I was surprised that nearly all of the prospective caddies who attended had a good knowledge of golf,” Bardon added.
Attendees received a free cap and a packet that included a work certification form, a “Caddie Rules in Brief” booklet, a list of clubs in northern and central New Jersey that employ caddies, and a book regarding the Caddie Scholarship Foundation.
They also viewed a 20-minute introductory video prepared by the NJSGA, MGA, CMA, WGA, and LIGA. Next, they participated in a 45-minute on- course training session at Canoe Brook Country Club.
The free two-hour training camp was intended for interested high school and college students. The event was open to young men and women in New Jersey who are interested in caddieing this summer and also for beginner caddies who may need a "refresher" before their first loop of the season.
“We were approached by the members of Canoe Brook Country Club. It’s an opportunity to reach into the high schools and colleges, and offer the chance for young people to make some money this summer in a wonderful setting,” Bardon said.
“Becoming a caddie is good not only for financial gain, but also for the opportunity to be around a country club setting and interact with successful adults. Best of all, eligible caddies can qualify for the New Jersey State Golf Association Caddie Scholarship Foundation grant to help defray the cost of college tuition.”
NJSGA Caddie Scholarship Foundation grants are a minimum of $3,500 each school year and some pay the entire cost of room and board for the entire four years.
One participant, Isaiah Whitaker of Hillside, first became involved in golf through the First Tee program at Weequahic Park and is now a member of the golf team at St. Benedict’s Prep, which is supported by the NJSGA Youth Foundation.
“It was enjoyable. We learned about the basics of caddieing, the little things you have to do that are most important,” Whitaker, 16, said.
“Last summer I worked as a bus boy but this summer I want to be a caddie because I love this game so much,” said Justin Cise, 18, of Summit.
Summit sophomore Margaret Robb heard of the camp through her golf coach, Frank Beragona. She plays on Summit’s coed team.
Nick Ruffalo, 16, of Cedar Grove, a sophomore at Bergen Catholic, said his parents had heard about the caddie camp.
Daniel Atkins is a sophomore at Westwood High School and plans to apply as a caddie at nearby Hackensack, Alpine, Montammy or Ridgewood clubs.
Those who attended the NJSGA Caddie Camp received a certificate of attendance and will be given a recommendation by the NJSGA to caddie masters at clubs of their choosing.
