3 Rising Stars: Introducing the “Honor Caddies” of Caddyshack to Corner Office

When Caddyshack to Corner Office first launched in February 2020, we were fortunate to be met with a warm reception from the broader golf community. Rolodexes were opened, and people graciously began sharing sensitive narratives from their youth, all with the common goal of growing the game that we love. There were even a number of people who were so excited about the platform that they offered to get more involved. Today, it is my pleasure to introduce you to three of them, representing the first class of “Honor Caddies.” Though still early in their careers, they are current or former caddies well on their way to the proverbial corner office. Beyond their love for golf and the unique job of caddying, they are intelligent, hardworking and offer a fresh perspective. With their help, we’ve not only told stories of some of America’s most successful former caddies, but we’ve established a unique audience comprised of older golf fans who recognize the caddy’s special role in the game as well as an ambitious younger generation which sees how the game can alter a life’s trajectory.

Please enjoy learning a little more about each of them below.

Michael Davis is an Evans Scholar graduate from the University of Notre Dame, where he studied Information Technology Management and Theology, and currently works in higher education consulting. He resides in the south suburbs of Chicago and caddied for six years at Prestwick Country Club in Frankfort, IL. As a member of the third cohort of Notre Dame Evans Scholar graduates, Michael led the planning and execution of the first three Notre Dame Evans Scholars Invitational golf outings to foster and enhance the Notre Dame Evans Scholar community. Since his time at Prestwick and Notre Dame, Michael guides and mentors Evans Scholar applicants and works tirelessly to grow awareness of and participation in caddying. Michael appreciates many aspects of his caddying experience, but, above else, he most values the opportunity to learn.

From Michael: “Every single day, caddying presented the opportunity to learn - about golfers, the game of golf, fellow caddies, and myself. Caddying not only provided me with such educational opportunities within caddying itself but also through caddying in the gift of the Evans Scholarship.”

In his free time, Michael enjoys reading, running, biking, and following and watching sports, particularly Notre Dame football.

Nathan Mehta is a current Chick Evans Scholar at the University of Illinois Urbana – Champaign studying Finance and Accountancy. He resides in the Chicagoland area where he began his caddy career. Nathan has been a caddy since he was 12 years old and has an ever-growing passion for the game. He has been fortunate enough to caddy at over 15 clubs in the Chicagoland area. He now strives to help grow the culture of caddies and caddying because of the impact it had on him at a young age.

From Nathan: “Caddying has shaped the person I have become from understanding how to interact in a professional environment, exposing myself to challenges that allowed me to grow personally, and opened countless doors that I couldn’t have imagined previously. I want others to have as many of the experiences I had growing up as a caddy because of how fond many of these memories are for me.”

In his free time Nathan enjoys playing golf, tennis, watching collegiate and professional sports, traveling, reading, and exploring different cultures.

John Schantz is a sophomore and current Presidential Scholar at the University of Southern California studying Applied and Computational Mathematics. Originally from Phoenix, he is now a caddy at Hillcrest Country Club in the Los Angeles area. John began caddying at Hillcrest in August of 2020, his first experience on the job, and has quickly grown to appreciate all that it has to offer. He looks forward to continuing to learn and gain expertise as a caddy in the coming years.

From John: “In just my first months caddying, I have been blown away by the blend of qualities unique to the job that make it unlike any other I’ve ever held. I have had the opportunity to meet and converse with highly successful individuals on the course as well as in the caddyshack, already making memories that I know will stay with me for life. I am excited to hone my skills in the future!”

In his free time, John tutors students in math and enjoys surfing, playing golf, and watching Phoenix Suns basketball and USC football (Fight On!).