Grand Rapids golf course launches caddie program for youth employment

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — The city of Grand Rapids and nonprofit First Tee of West Michigan have partnered to create a caddie program for youth employment and professional development at Indian Trails Golf Course.

Eight caddies are enrolled in the program, and the city and First Tee are encouraging golfers to take advantage of the program at the city-owned course, located at 2776 Kalamazoo Ave. SE.

“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, executive director of First Tee of West Michigan.

“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!”

Caddies who book enough rounds of golf are eligible to apply for an Evans Scholarship, which is administered through the Western Golf Association, according to a news release. “Eligible caddies selected for the scholarship receive full, four-year funding for all tuition and housing costs,” the release says.

Smies said there’s not an exact number of rounds caddies must book to be eligible to apply for the scholarship. But he said the expectation is that applicants have a “substantial” amount of rounds booked over several golf seasons.

Caddies who participate in the program are paid $30 for 9-holes and $50 for 18-holes, with a suggested tip. Suggested tips are $10 per caddie for nine-holes, $20 per caddie for 18-holes, according to the news release.

The city, which owns Indian Trails, is offering a discounted greens fee — $10 for nine-holes and $15 for 18-holes — for golfers who hire a caddy. On weekends and holidays, greens fees for walking are $22 for nine-holes and $27 for 18-holes.

“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.”

Caddies must be booked at least 24 hours in advance on Indian Trail’s website, indiantrailsgc.org/book-a-tee-time.

The eight caddies enrolled in the program are from Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Grandville and East Grand Rapids.

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