International law firm Addleshaw Goddard has partnered with The Caddie Academy – a Fife-based coaching company that teaches young students how to become golf caddies – to support aspiring caddies from social mobility backgrounds.
The firm, which recently unveiled a three-year deal as Official Legal Supporter of the Genesis Scottish Open, will sponsor a cohort of students through The Caddie Academy’s accredited training programme, helping to create pathways into employment within Scotland’s golf tourism sector.
The caddie coaching course is founded and run by Sean Wiseman, who is the caddie services provider for Kingsbarns Golf Links. The caddie coaching course has been in operation since 2022 and is fully accredited by Qualifications Scotland at level 7 of learning.
The initial cohort features six students from high schools around Fife. The first participants are Freya Dolan – Carnoustie High School, Heather Strathdee – Arbroath High School, Abigail May – Madras College, Max Willox – Arbroath Academy, Rory Toshney – Madras College, Max Kane – Bell Baxter Academy.
Participants were selected based on social mobility criteria and there is an even mix of male and female caddies in the first cohort. The students will also get the chance to experience elite golf first hand with tickets to attend the Genesis Scottish Open at the Renaissance Club in East Lothian.
The initiative forms part of the firm’s wider efforts to maximise the social impact of its partnership with the Genesis Scottish Open. Supporting young people into education and employment is central to Addleshaw Goddard’s CSR mission, particularly through its focus on ‘unlocking young potential’.
Alan Shanks, Head of Scotland at Addleshaw Goddard, said: “Our recent partnership with the Genesis Scottish Open reflects the scale of our ambition in the golf and sports sector – aligning our brand with one of the most prestigious events in the global game and giving us a platform to engage with an international audience.
“What makes this partnership with The Caddie Academy so exciting is that it brings that ambition to life in a tangible, local way – helping young people across Scotland access real opportunities and develop valuable skills. Supporting initiatives like this, which unlock young potential and strengthen Scotland’s world‑leading golf ecosystem, is something we’re incredibly proud to be part of.”
Sean Wiseman, founder of The Caddie Academy, said: “Caddying offers young people a unique route into the golf and Scottish tourism industry, helping them build confidence, develop practical skills and learn the importance of delivering a high-quality service. This support from Addleshaw Goddard is fantastic and allows us to widen access to the programme and give more students the opportunity to gain a recognised qualification and real-world experience in one of Scotland’s most important sectors.”
Heather Strathdee, one of the first participants of the AG course, said: “I was so happy to get chosen for The Caddie Academy and it’s been a great experience so far. I’m learning a lot about golf in general, but also how to communicate with people and build my confidence. It’s opened my eyes to opportunities in the industry that I hadn’t really thought about before, and I’m really grateful for the support from Addleshaw Goddard in making it possible.”