GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Indian Trails Municipal Golf Course in Grand Rapids has partnered with a local nonprofit, First Tee of West Michigan, to create a new caddie program that officials said is "designed for youth employment and professional development."
“The caddie program at Indian Trails only strengthens an already solid community partnership with First Tee of West Michigan,” said David Marquardt, the City’s parks and recreation director. “We’re excited to continue growing a love of the game among our youth while also providing a unique, exceptional experience for golfers.”
The program will employ local youth from the First Tee program in order to provide them not just with summer income but also professional development.
As part of the program, if enough rounds are booked, caddies will also have an opportunity to apply for an Evans Scholarship through the Western Golf Association. Caddies who are eligible and selected for the scholarship will receive full four-year funding for all college tuition and housing costs.
“The City and Indian Trails are critical partners in our effort to foster and develop young people to become the best version of themselves,” said Tyler Smies, First Tee of West Michigan’s executive director. “This caddie program helps build important lifelong skills and can lead to a life-changing college scholarship for students who would most benefit from it. We’re grateful to the generous donors who funded this program and the City of Grand Rapids for encouraging golfers to take caddies through its discounted greens fees. Now we hope golfers will try this awesome experience!”
For those looking to get out to Indian Trails, greens fees for golfers who wish to use a caddie are $10 for nine holes, $15 for 18 holes. Suggested tips for caddies are $10 per caddie for nine holes, $20 per caddie for 18 holes. Golfers must book a caddie at least 24 hours in advance at Indian Trails Golf Course’s website: indiantrailsgc.org.
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