Re: Should Golf Caddies Be Banned

Interesting post!

As far as golf is concerned, I think that it is saved by the fact that while you may have the most knowledgable caddie in the world, it is you the golfer who must make the shot. The caddie becomes a coach and nothing more.

I suppose that you could also argue that all team sports should be removed from the Olympics and that any sport does not have an objective measurable outcome (the motto does have this meaning: Citius, Altius, Fortius - Faster, Higher, Stronger, nothing about prettiest) does not count as a sport, but as a disciple as it involves subjective judgement; 'Did that gymnast really dismount better than the other one?'.

Re: Should Golf Caddies Be Banned

I know for myself - as a 23 handicapper - if I were to have a caddy who could pick the best spot for me to aim (and ensure I was aligned there), could pick the right club, and suggest the right line, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be a 23 capper for long. I think I'd consistently break 90 for certain, and probably have some scores in the low 80's or high 70's when my swing is on.

I'm just learning about the benefits of course management (lesson #1: You can't start too early), and the requisite club selection involved. A great caddy would certainly be a boon to me. If a Pro trusts their caddy entirely, how much easier is it to simply put a good swing on the ball?

Re: Should Golf Caddies Be Banned

I sometimes play with a caddy, and most times I play better using their advice, especially on a course I am not familiar with. Pro golfers for ages have used the caddy's knowlege to their advantage. Before caddys traveled with their own pro to each event, golfers such as Hogan, Nelson etc, would always look for the most knowlegeable caddy for the course they were going to play.

As for one pro against another pro, I have a different opinion. To me it is one pro against the golf course. The pro is the offense, and the golf course is the defense in the game of golf. We probably all agree that a good defense will beat a good offense.....most of the time.

Pros might judge their games against the other pros in their group on that particular day, but they can't play against the other 130+/- players that are in the other groups, who are spread out all over the rest of the course. Plus, I believe that the pro golfer has to stay so focused on his/her's own game, he, or she can't be bothered with how the other pros are performing.

I say keep the caddys, if for nothing else to help keep a lot of pros from having a nervous melt down. GJS

Re: Should Golf Caddies Be Banned

I know of more than one golf course that has a sudden increase of hole in ones on blind par3s for tourists... Guess who's to blame? The caddies, hoping for a good paying tip, of course!

Re: Should Golf Caddies Be Banned

Ian, are you suggesting that Steve Williams is responsible for Tiger's dominance...??

Having played some pennant golf in the past, if and when it came to playing finals, we would all get caddies from amongst the other club members who wanted to come along and support us. In my experience, having a caddy helped me in that I didn't have to drag my bag around with me, meaning I was physically "fresher" for longer and it was good to get a second opinion on the shot I was about to attempt from someone other than myself.

Beyond that, it's all good.

If you were to reduce a caddies role on the PGA Tour to that of just carrying the bag, then why not replace them all with buggies and be done with it...???



Cheers

Re: Should Golf Caddies Be Banned

I regard the caddie in pro golf the same way as I view the co-driver in rally: as a part of a team. If anything, caddies should get more recognition for what they actually bring to the team.

Limiting their involvement in the game will only lead to longer round times, less money for the caddie (why pay him a nice salary and 10-15% of the win if he only carries a bag?) and less enjoyable golf.

IMHO, of course

Re: Should Golf Caddies Be Banned

No they should not be banned. Golfers spend the time golfing, Caddies do everything else allowed by the rules. Theres no point in making Tiger find the yardages, or pick a club, thats not his job. If he wants that job, he can take it, but clearly it would just be a waste of his time.

Some players like simple bag carriers, and nothing more, and they have the right to make that choice. Its just personal preference, Luke Donald has his brother on his bag. Others players hire some random caddie for the week, and they hardly talk during the round.

Why would the tour ban caddies? The players aren't complaining, the fans aren't, the caddies aren't, the rules officials aren't. Seems like a completely stupid thing to talk about much less change.

Re: Should Golf Caddies Be Banned

Well here is how I look at, Tiger and the guy that is 125th in the money list can switch caddies, does that mean Tiger would be in danger of losing...I don't think so...so basically they are meaning less, now if you and me play and you get a local caddie and I am not allowed to have one, that would be unfair, but if we both get one, it is back to being fair again. Tiger averages around a 68 everytime he goes out, I average around 73, if I had a caddie and Tiger did not, it might make the match closer, but I think I would still lose, because it is doubtful the caddie would help me make up five shots. LOL...sure would be fun to give it a go, I have to admit...Maybe that should be suggested for pro am, Amateurs get caddies, pro's have play alone...hehehe

P.S. Actually Tiger can read a yardage book too, I have to pad this more, he is so competitive, he would probably shoot 64 out of spite, I got no chance at that, so...we have to play a course Tiger has never seen, he gets no yardage book, no caddie, can only use irons. I get a week to play the course with a professional caddie, and yardage book. Think I can get him now...lol