By definition, a caddy is a golfer’s helpmate. But the flip side is that the observant caddy can pick up several things to benefit his/her own golf game. Most caddies on television are 'A' caddies or experienced pros, but there are many opportunities to be a volunteer 'B' caddy at lower tier tournaments.
Pro or ‘A’ Caddies:
Golf has had some colourful and celebrated pro caddies. Gary Player had “Big Rabbit” Dyer, Tom Watson paid homage to his caddy, Bruce Edwards who died of ALS in 2004 by dedicating his 2003 Senior British Open to him and raising funds to fight the disease on http://www.driving4life.org/.
Volunteer or ‘B’ Caddies
However, 3rd-tier tournaments, like the Canadian Professional Golf Tour (CPGA) or NGA Hooters, often need volunteer 'B' caddies, those with little or no experience. Professional golfers at this level are like hockey players in the minors, with lots of expenses and hoping to break into the ‘big game’. A caddy can help an up-and-comer just by carrying his golf bag and letting the future PGAer focus on the shots at hand. But caddying is also about self-help.
Learn Important Golf Rules:
The RCGA and USGA have over 34 sections of rules. A caddy has to be aware of certain aspects of the rules because knowing them can avoid penalties. For instance,
- Rule 4-4: A golfer can only carry a maximum of 14 clubs in his bag. Ian Woosnam's caddy carried an extra driver during the 2001 British Open and caused a 2-stroke penalty to Woosnam.
- Rule 10: Around the green, the ball that is furthest from the cup is struck first. Therefore a putt might occur before a shot from a bunker if the bunker is closer to the cup.
- Rule 17-3: When on the green, a caddy must remove the flag for the putts or it is a two stroke penalty if the golfer's putt hits the stick.
Caddies must be alert at all times and this experience will improve their own style and pace of play as an amateur.
Learn Golf Etiquette:
There are several important common courtesies to make golf more enjoyable. For instance,
- Often the pro will indicate where he wants the caddy to stand during a shot. Standing right behind the golfer during a shot is discouraged, if not forbidden.
- One should never tread or cast a shadow on the line of putt of any player when on the green. Caddies must be vigilant when they go to clean the pro's golf ball or remove the flagstick.
- The course itself is like hallowed ground; replace divots and repair ball marks on the green.
Furthermore, if a player consistently disregards etiquette, such as, looking longer than 5 minutes for a lost ball, or displaying bad sportsmanship, disqualification can be assessed.
Learn the Importance of Golf Routines:
One of the key attributes that set professionals apart from amateurs is their diligence about routine. Sports psychologist Dr. Bob Rotella, says in Golf is a Game of Confidence that the "mental routine at the heart of the process cannot vary. ... ". As long as the set up is not too time consuming, it solidifies all of the swing thought processes and allows for the flow of the shot to happen. For example,
- Look at your target, take one or two practice swings
- Check your grip and alignment
- Take a deep breath, use a mantra for rhythm
By being a ‘B’caddy, duffers can help a pro, and with careful observation, improve their own game too.
