L-R: Katherine O’Neill (Sean Fleming’s daughter), Nathan Salisbury (Sean Fleming’s grandson), Colin McGuire, Shane McDermott (Sean Fleming’s grandson), Joe O’Neill (Sean Fleming’s son), Chris Hughes, Dan Hughes, Patrick Fischoeder
Former caddies and members gathered at The Country Club on May 15 as Ouimet Alumni Chris and Dan Hughes formally announced the creation of the Sean “Sonny” Fleming Scholarship, the latest of the Ouimet Fund’s 200 named endowed scholarships.
The Sean “Sonny” Fleming Scholarship is in honor of a longtime beloved friend and caddie at The Country Club. In honor of Sonny’s spirit and dedication, this endowed award is for a current Ouimet Scholar who caddied or still caddies at The Country Club and exemplifies the best of Sonny.
“Back in our junior year of college, we were invited us to speak at a luncheon at TCC about what the Ouimet Fund meant to us,” said Dan Hughes. “I mentioned then that I hoped to someday give back by starting a scholarship in someone’s name. Seven years later, I’m thrilled we’re making that a reality.”
“Launching this scholarship is a way for us to begin to pay it forward for the next generation as well as keep the legacy going for a man who positively touched the lives of many over the years at TCC,” said Chris Hughes.
For 41 years, Sonny made his presence felt with the TCC membership and his fellow caddies as the undisputed leader and spirit of the caddie hut. Each day, he put a smile on everyone’s face with his witty humor, but his most significant impact was being an exemplary role model for younger caddies and developing them into better people.
“This tribute means the world to my family and me,” said Joe O’Neill, Sean “Sonny” Fleming’s son. “My father truly loved the game of golf—not just playing it, but sharing that love with others. He believed there was something special about caddying—the way it teaches humility, hard work, and character. I want to especially thank Chris and Dan Hughes—not only for their generosity and leadership in making this scholarship a reality, but for the heart behind it.”
Chris and Dan grew up as triplets in West Roxbury and started caddying at TCC in 2011 when they were 14 years old. In 2016, the brothers were awarded Ouimet Scholarships – including the Anders Scholarship and the Newell, Pyle, Sears Scholarship, both endowed scholarships awarded to Ouimet Scholars from TCC – as they began their college career at Loyola University Maryland.
“As the driving force behind this new scholarship, Chris and Dan Hughes embody the Ouimet spirit of giving back and paying it forward,” said Ouimet Board Member Patrick Fischoeder. “As a TCC member and Ouimet Director with close ties to the Fleming family, I am grateful to Chris and Dan, the TCC membership and extended family, and Sean’s many friends for their support and generosity.”
Upon graduating after four years with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, the Hughes brothers returned to Boston and joined the workforce. Chris lives in Dallas, Texas and is a manager at AT&T specializing in third-party partnerships. Dan lives locally and is a Sales Representative at Sentient Jet.
“Though I was extremely thankful for the Ouimet Scholarship during college, I never fully appreciated or realized the impact that Ouimet had on our family until after graduation when college loan payments began,” said Chris. “What would’ve been a terrifying amount was made far more reasonable because of the generosity of The Fund.”
“Being triplets, the scholarship helped ease the financial burden of college—especially for our parents,” added Dan. “The impact of the Ouimet Fund has been life-changing for so many, including us.”
Over the last five years, a total of 30 Ouimet Scholars from The Country Club have received $665,000 in need-based scholarships to attend the college of their choice.
With a goal to be fully established this year, please consider donating to the Sean “Sonny” Fleming Scholarship.
