James 'JT' Tanner

The members of Pawtucket Country Club leave no doubt about their feelings for James ‘JT’ Tanner. They think of him in such high regards that they run an annual golf tournament in his name and then donate all the proceeds to the Burke Fund. No one is better associated with the RIGA’s caddy scholarship fund than Tanner.

Tanner began going to Pawtucket Country Club to caddy in 1952. He has been an integral part of Pawtucket ever since then. He has been a fixture and has not only helped club members, but has also helped the youngsters who have gone there to caddy, often two or three generations from the same family. The former caddies are the ones who decided to honor Tanner by holding the annual golf tournament in his name. The event began with 68 players in the first year and has grown each year. The event regularly has over 100 players, many of whom come in from other states to take part.

Connor Pratt was named this year’s Jim Tanner Scholar. He is attending the University of New Hampshire. Previous recipients were John Coaty, Ryan Deighan, Justin Pires, Kaley Paulo and Terrance O’Neill. Next year’s Tanner Classic is set for July 11th.

Tanner is so highly regarded that in 2010 he was inducted into the Professional Caddie Association Hall of Fame in ceremonies held in Orlando, Florida. J.T. was a participating member of the Pawtucket CC team that won the 1956 R.I. Caddy Championship. When playing at Pawtucket Country Club these days J.T. continues to be the first person to welcome golfers to the club.