From: kim@guppy.uucp (Isaac Kim)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.golf
Subject: Re: Caddie-ing
Date: 28 Sep 1992 06:56:18 GMT
Organization: UC San Diego
NNTP-Posting-Host: guppy.ucsd.edu


I have caddied a few times as a local caddie for the LPGA tournament
here in San Diego.  I also have caddied for a pro friend of mine in 
Golden State tournaments (mini tour in southern California).

Your player will probably do his own yardages (although it is often
helpful if you also carry a yardage book and pin sheet and 
independently calculate the yardage to make sure that your player
had the right sprinker head).  He will also probably read his own
putts.  Only approach him if he asks you for advice on the greens.

The most important thing for a caddie is to make it as easy as
possible for your player to smoothly play his round.  ALWAYS keep
a towel that is wet on one end.  Some guys like all the grips 
cleaned before he starts to warm up.  Check with him first before
cleaning his grips - some players are very picky about how their
grips are done.  When he is warming up on the driving range, he will 
probably go through many of his clubs.  As he finishes each club, 
wipe the club face clean. 

During play, try to keep track of what number ball he is presently
using.  If he happens to hit one close to being out, he would want
to hit a provisional with different numbered ball.

Walk up his ball and place his bag vertically about one club length
away behind and to the right of the ball (if he is right handed) and 
wait.  NEVER leave the bag standing upright on its own.  Murphy's
Law will cause that bag to fall to the ground in the middle of
somebodiy's backswing.  Your player will be scouting around for the 
closest sprinker and trying to figure out the yardage.  He will 
then walk up to you, maybe discuss the shot, and then pull out the club 
he wants.  You should then move a good 10 feet away and then watch 
his ball.  If your player hits a good shot and hits the green, 
immediately pass him his putter, take the other club away and give it
a wipe.

If your player hits a bad shot, I recommend watching where his
ball goes and walking ahead of him to the ball.  He probably wants to
be left alone.

Most of the players I have caddied with either have replaced their 
own divot or just kicked it in (which I personally think is much
more effective since most divots die after being replaced).

If your player is in a bunker, you will have to rake it once he is
done.  Try to make sure that no other player is about to hit before
you start raking.  If he is coming out of green side bunker, it helps
to pass him his putter and the towel, so he can wipe his own ball
while you are in the trap raking.  

Once you reach the green, place his bag down, perferable between the 
green and the next tee.  Watch to make sure the bag is not in any
of the lines of the other players.  He will mark his ball and toss you
the ball to be cleaned.  Just as if you were playing, watch to make
sure you don't step in the other players line.  If your player is 
away you will have to tend if the player wishes.  Again, watch
the line of the other players.  Move behind the flag and lift it
slightly to losen it.  Some players like it if you tilt the stick away
from them slightly, so they can see more of the hole.  Hold the 
stick at the top and crumple the flag into your hand.  This will
avoid any flag noise if it is windy.  Usually, you stand on the side
of the hole where your shadow does not cover up the hole, again
being carryful not to step in the other players line.  As soon
as you player hits his putt, pull the flag out and walk to the edge
of the green.  It is actually a penalty if your player's putt hits
the flagstick.  I have seen the flagstick get stuck sometimes, and it
is a pretty sad sight see the caddie desparately yanking at the flag.
One time, the caddie yanked so hard that he pulled the plastic cup 
out above the ground.  Luckily, the player missed the cup.

To make things smoother for your player, I usually pull out the 
driver (if the next hole is a Par 4 or 5) and lay in on the
bag - grip up.  If you then need to do additional things around the
green, like finishing raking, etc., your player can simply walk past
his bag, reach down for his driver, drop his putter and procede to 
the next tee without losing a step.  This is especially handy if
your player has the honour.

Sometimes, the caddies will "pass the pin".  If your player is the
first to putt, you will hold onto the pin.  I usually hold the pin
upside down trapping the flag onto the ground - again to avoid
any wind noise.  If your player makes it or is close enough to tap in, 
you will pass the pin to the next player to putt's caddie.  This 
continues until the last player to putt's caddie has the pin and 
replaces it as soon as he putts out.
  
Once your player is OK on the green, you might want to help out 
the other players as a courtesy.  An example would be if another
player's caddie is raking a trap, and the player is standing on the
green with a dirty ball.  Offering to wipe it for him is very
appreciated.  Also offer to tend the pin if the other caddie is raking.

NEVER wear golf shoes when caddieing.  They will only add additional
unnecessary spike marks.  If I remember Capilano, it is a pretty hilly 
course, so wear a comfortable pair of sneakers.  If it is wet,
an all leather low cut basketball shoe usually does the job.

Most players will keep their own score.  Some do not like to carry
the score card, so in this case, you will have to pass him the scorecard
every time he putts out.

A caddie can be most valuable when it rains (which I understand happens
every once in a while in Vancouver).  The MOST important thing is too keep
the grips as dry as possible.  Always try to keep the umbrella over the 
top of the bag, as well as over your player and yourself.  It is very
handy to keep a second towel as dry as possible.  I usually place the 
second towel in the spokes of the umbrella.  It can be quite a juggling
act (it has actually rained in one of the southern California tournaments
I caddied in) trying to keep everything as dry as possible with one 
umbrella.

To summarize, caddie just as if you are playing.  Be aware of the other
players, and avoid making excessive noise or being in the other player's 
line.  Some players like to chat while other just like to be left alone.
I caddied for players who have been a really pain, but in general, 
I have really enjoyed my caddying experiences.  I have learned more about 
golf, especially what to do around the green, watching professionals play 
as a caddie.  I have often played my best rounds after caddieing, because
their superior tempo rubs off on you (unfortunately this only lasts a
day or two).  I am sure your friend is quite a player to be playing 
in the World Am.  Watch, learn, and have fun.

If you have any other questions, just email.

Isaac (kim@bull.ucsd.edu)