Re: Caddies

I played a round this year where I asked my buddy to double check my alignment on every full swing. I was consistently right of target with wide open shoulders.

I hit the ball better than ever and more at target (however I didn't score better as I still couldn't get up and down on my few misses nor putt well that day); but it proved to me the importance of alignment.

Granted, I'm not a pro; but they get out of sorts, too. I imagine I'd play better with a caddie.

Re: Caddies

Not too many years ago, caddys were considered just some one to carry a bag. The old "show up, keep up, and shut up" person for the tour pro. Now in recent years, tour players, and caddies have become a team of tour professionals. Tour players are more dependent on their caddies now days for various aspects of their own games such as club selection, distance, and reading greens. Tiger Woods has credited his own caddy Steve Williams with a few of his wins, when Williams talked him into using a different club for the shot at hand. Some caddy's even know their pro's swing better than the pro himself. Pros receiving on course advice from their respective caddy is just another way the game of golf has evolved at that level. I know for a fact that higher handicap players would score better if they had a knowlegable caddy helping them out during a round of golf. I play alot of golf with my nephew who is a 18 capper. 6 or 7 times a round he incorrectly aligns himself to the left, and then wonders why he hit's the ball straight left. I give him a mulligan, straighten him out, and he hits a much better shot. GJS

Re: Caddies

I'd want all the legal help I could get if I was playing for $1,000,000!

Re: Caddies

My opinion - for what its worth is as follows;

In the pro game - any assistance from the caddie, regarding reading putts - putter alignment and shot alignment should be banned.

These practices take away vital elements of the game.

If anyone watched the recent South Africa Open coverage, and the caddie of Robert Rock, you would understand why I take this view.
The caddie did everything bar hit the actual shots.

No wonder it takes an eternity to play a round of golf these days.