I’m a huge fan of
the behind the scenes people in everyday life.
So many people in this world never receive the full recognition they
deserve, but most of these people also don’t want the light shining on them
anyway. I grew up caddying as a
kid. I used to caddy a bit in the summer
when I was in high school for a University of Oregon player named Steve
Rintoul, who is now a PGA Tour rules official, when he played local amateur
events. I was fortunate to caddy for
Steve Elkington in a Champions Tour event in Seattle a few summers ago. The PGA Tour caddy is truly a
professional. The work looks like a
grind, long hours, physically challenging, mentally exhausting, and stressful
would be my guess. I doubt any have
contracts that guarantee pay if they get fired.
It appears the PGA Tour wouldn’t cross the street to help them out. I have heard some horrible stories of how
tournaments treat them with regards to facilities (metal tent to hide under
during a lightening delay), no entrance into clubhouses, having to park well
offsite, etc. I don’t know many caddies
but I’m guessing I’d enjoy hanging with them in the caddy tent more than
hanging out in the clubhouse with big wigs.
I hope you enjoy
the following Q&A with a PGA Tour caddy who asked that I not use his name
due to several outstanding warrants for his arrest (just kidding).
1.
How did you get into caddying on Tour?
I started caddying when a young pro I played amateur golf
with asked me if I would.
2.
On a scale of 1-10 how are caddies treated on tour?
Caddie treatment differs. The good people who care treat us
fabulous. Can't scale it
3.
I've always been curious how a caddy arranges his
schedule. Do you sent up flights, hotels, etc well in advance or is it
week to week?
Travel schedule is a
pain in the ass. I try to book as many rooms as possible in advance. Flights
are usually very easy to find as are rental cars, but you're always looking for
a better price. PGA Tour travel is very helpful as well.
4.
At the Tour level the players cannot allow themselves to let
doubt creep in, does a caddy take the brunt of blame when things go wrong?
Depends on the player. The best players are accountable for
their game. He tries to play without mistakes and I try to caddy without
mistakes. You both know who made the mistake.
5.
Physically carrying those
big staff bags has to take a toll on the body, do you do anything in the off
season to keep your body from breaking down?
Taking care of your body is the most important thing you can
do. Eat healthy and always be doing activity and working out. During season and
off season.
6.
Do caddies still share rooms/expenses these days? Or is it
more like the players these days were you're more on your own?
Some caddies share rooms some don't. Some stops are much more
expensive and it's nice to save a bit. Houses are commonly shared.
7.
Funniest thing that ever happened to you on the course?
Funniest thing to happen on the course...
I'm hoping something funny happens soon.
8.
Player you respect the most for his professionalism?
Graeme McDowell
9.
Do swing coaches try to use caddies to get inside info on their
player, in a good way?
Cannot speak for all, but my man, his coach and I are always
communicating during practice.
10.
Have you ever been late
to a tournament round? If so how did that go?
I have never been late to a round. Cut it to under a minute once to the tee. He
was not happy, coach was very happy he didn't have to carry.
11.
Do most players carry too much gear in their bags?
Most players carry
way to much gear. Some are straight mental when it comes to what needs to be in
a golf bag, but they pay you to carry their stuff, so...
12.
Has the heckling gotten worse since when you first started on
tour?
Heckling comes and goes. Some places are much worse than
others for sure. I don't care. It's usually funny as hell. I'm not sure the
level has changed.
13.
Best and worst thing about being a caddy on Tour?
Best thing about being a caddy is being in contention. The
worst thing is everything else.
14.
What are the typical expenses in a full year?
50-90K
depending on overseas travel.
15.
Funniest player on Tour?
Not many are
funny. Appleby, Gore, Kuch, Dufner, and
Knost are pretty funny.
16.
Are you a grab the flag on 18 if your player wins guy?
The Flag is our
trophy. Have to get it.
