The Caddie School for Soldiers (CSS) was born from the inspiration of American writer Don Snyder.
After dealing with his own mental illness, he felt compelled to become a caddie in Scotland. In 2019, CSS was established in St. Andrews, Scotland, through a partnership with the late Graham Proctor's St. Andrews Legacy and the support of the Kohler family and Company.
The school provides veterans from the U.S., U.K., and Canada with a month-long training experience, allowing them to leave behind real-world responsibilities and learn the skills needed to work as caddies. Through this unique program, veterans find healing, relaxation, camaraderie, and renewed belief in themselves. The chance to immerse themselves in the story of their golfer and be of service on the course contributes to their healing journey.
Mission: The CSS aims to empower veterans by bringing them to St. Andrews for a month of intensive caddie training. By immersing them in this unique experience, CSS helps them heal and find renewed purpose.
Program Details:
Location: Soldiers from America, Canada, and the UK live together for a month at The Home For Soldiers in St. Andrews.
Training: They train daily at the magnificent Dukes Course.
Healing Experience: Some soldiers have wounds preventing them from working as caddies, but they gain healing experiences that strengthen them and renew their faith in life.
Career Opportunities: Graduates have gone on to work at prestigious golf courses, including The Old Course, Royal Liverpool, Royal Portrush, Dumbarnie Links, Cabot Cliffs, Cabot Links, Coral Creek, and The Country Club.
Impact: Witnessing this healing process and providing soldiers with a new skill to earn a living has been a privilege. The school has gained global recognition and support from organizations like The Gary Sinise Foundation, The On Course Foundation, The Navy SEAL Foundation, The Royal Marines Charity, and The Wounded Warrior Project.
