What Does This Chatty Caddy Have to Say?

You rarely get a chance to go behind-the-scenes of the PGA Tour … but I found a way to do just that.  I’ve strong-armed, cajoled and begged a caddy to take my questions … and my gift to him?  Anonymity.  So without revealing his name, let the caddy chat begin …

Since I’m not going to use your name, I think you should have a nom-de-plume, if you will.  Please select one of the following nicknames … Bubby, Stick, Flea, or PapaGottaBrandNewBag.

I prefer Projock.  Go rent Caddyshack and you’ll know why.


Obviously, caddies must be extremely knowledgeable about the game of golf, various courses, equipment and techniques.  Why aren’t you a golfer on the PGA Tour?  Is this something most caddies aspire to be?

I see the best players in the world, everyday.  I know what talent these guys have. Plus, there’s that X factor that every tour player seems to have.  I have a bit of the X factor, but not enough.  If I play my best and they play their best, I will get beat.


While your player is warming up, is there anything you like to see that leads you to believe he’s going to have a good day?

A good attitude, nice rhythm on the range, confidence, and a bit of nerves shows me he is ready to go.


The bag looks quite heavy … how much does it weigh?  Have you ever thought of throwing clubs out when your player wasn’t looking?

I try hard to only take 14 clubs in the practice rounds.  3 years ago, in San Antonio at the Valero Open a beat writer decided to weigh all the bags in the bagroom.  Well, my player came in second for the heaviest bag for that tournament [50+lbs].


In baseball, many times the manager may go to the mound to chat with the pitcher … and it’s rarely about his game.  He may ask him about dinner, his favorite TV show, etc.  Do you always discuss golf with your player while on the course … or do you chat about other things to try and relax him?

Hardly ever about golf.  Anything but golf.  A few years ago, we were coming down 18 on Sunday and had a 2 shot lead over Vijay.  Vijay still had 4 holes left to play.  By the way, this was the year when Vijay had taken over the number 1 spot in the world over Tiger.  As we walked off the tee on 18,  I struck up a conversation, with my player, about how comfortable the beds where in the hotel he was staying.  I got him to rank this particular bed with other beds throughout the year.  Before we knew it, we were at the ball in the fairway and he hit it on the green to about 15 feet.  We won the tournament by 3 shots.


Watching a player who has to make a difficult sand shot or a crucial putt … I get nervous and I don’t even know him!  I assume the player is feeling nervous … what’s it like for you?

I don’t have to hit the shot, he does.  I don’t think about it.  The reason guys play is to get those emotions going.  If you don’t like it then play a sport that allows you another chance if you mess up the first try.  


Would you ever advise your player to wear a kilt while playing at a Tour event?  Does he have the legs to pull it off?

No. Ask his wife.


I’m worried about your sun exposure … do you wear sunscreen?

Thank you and YES.


Thank You Anonymous PGA Caddy Guy … and good luck in your next event.

Kelly
Colonial Golf Girl