1st time on TOC. To caddy or not to caddy?

[Tony_Muldoon]

I plan to play the Old Course for the first time this August.  Is having a caddy a lottery or essential to get the most out of the experience.  I know we have a few on here who have caddied there and many who have shelled out on hired help.


From another thread here's a case against. (thanks for prompting this thread Mitchell)

  Don't let the caddies (especially at St. Andrews) hurry you along too much, they are simply there to get the round over with, in hopes of earning a big tip and moving onto another tourist.  My next trip will involve fewer caddies, and I'll use the trolly more.

So what say ye, gentlemen?

[Bill_McBride]

In my opinion highly essential first time out.  I'll IM you the name of my personal favorite who is worth the extra quid.  He knows all the ways to play each hole and helps you learn what's best for you based on how you are hitting the ball on the first few holes.

[Tom Huckaby]

Subject just came up in Kyle's Scotland thread.

I would give a qualified yes, based on this:

A good caddie can very much add to the experience, but a bad one will indeed detract.  I had one instance of each.

Also if money is any concern whatsoever, don't do it.  You're already spending an arm and a leg to pay there, and adding to that (if $$$ is a worry) will also make you wonder if it's worth it.

SO... if $$$ is no issue, then just do it, keep expectations real, and hope for the best. It could end up fantastic, as my one time was.   If $$$ does matter, don't do it at all, it's not worth the risk.  Bad caddies do detract, and beyond that, yardage guides and some pre-round study will get you around just fine...perhaps not optimally as a good caddie would, but fine enough.

TH

ps - crossed with Bill.  Of course if you can get a specific person as he suggests and the $$$ won't be a concern, do that for sure.  My experience with that also is that requests don't always mean acceptance.   

[Anthony Gray]

   Please take one. Too many blind shots of the tee.

  Anthony

  

[Tom Huckaby]

   Please take one. Too many blind shots of the tee.

  Anthony

  

Not sure that make a caddie mandatory either... the yardage guides are fine,  and one is alway safe just finding a line one thinks is correct and aiming 30 yards left of such. 

 

[Mike Nuzzo]

My first time around I ask my caddie to not give any advice - so I can see the course and make my own choices.
St. Andrews especially.

So I got a caddie and used him when I wanted.
No reason to get all the way to TOC and lug your bag around.

Cheers

[Tom_Doak]

You should take a caddie your first time around The Old Course, unless you have had the chance to walk it the Sunday before you play.  You will not always be able to tell where you are going otherwise.

Not all of the caddies are Tip Anderson, but every one of them knows more about the course than you do.  Even if you draw the worst guy there, he can shoulder the bag while you are trying to figure out what the heck to do next.

[Tom Huckaby]

You should take a caddie your first time around The Old Course, unless you have had the chance to walk it the Sunday before you play.  You will not always be able to tell where you are going otherwise.

Not all of the caddies are Tip Anderson, but every one of them knows more about the course than you do.  Even if you draw the worst guy there, he can shoulder the bag while you are trying to figure out what the heck to do next.

Hmmmmmm....

If the bad caddies would only shoulder the bag and shut the hell up, then of course this works.
My experience differed.

But perhaps I am too curmudgeonly.  Heck, even the worst will show you the way, which is worthwhile (although my previous comments stand about what line to take). 

I guess I should leave at this:  take one yes, but follow Nuzzo's example, or keep expectations low.  Either way you win.

TH

[Mitchell Schneringer]

We played 36 holes, The New Course first in the am followed by the Old Course after lunch.  Upon payment, after the first round our caddies agreed to work for us during the afternoon round.  I think they were afraid we would tip poorly, as they were very uncommitted until after they had cash in hand.

I think it's necessary for the first round a TOC, but next time I'll probably reconsider.  At today's exchange rate though, it's a non-issue as it was more considerably more expensive in August when it was 1GBP = $2USD.

[Tony_Muldoon]

But perhaps I am too curmudgeonly.  TH

Tom, Tom are you feeling OK? 

Quick someone call a Doctor, Huckleberry has obviously had a blow to the head!

[Tom Huckaby]

But perhaps I am too curmudgeonly.  TH

Tom, Tom are you feeling OK? 

Quick someone call a Doctor, Huckleberry has obviously had a blow to the head!

LOL
All is well... those who communicate with me outside of this forum will likely gladly confirm that I am a curmudgeon quite often.

But in any case, my warnings stand.  Keep expectations low at the very least.

TH

[Steve Salmen]

I have to agree that there are too many shots that require a bit of local knowledge.  Lots of hidden bunkers and undulations.  I would take a caddy.

There is one alternative and that is playing with a local that doesn't mind guiding you along.  I have done this before also.

Regardless, just remember that on #17, you have to hit your tee shot well to the right of where you want to aim.

[Mitchell Schneringer]

We had great caddies at:
-Carnoustie (the absolute best)
-Muirfield

We had less than great caddies at:
-St. Andrews (New and Old Course)
-Castle Course


I personally think St. Andrews is just a bit too tourist laden, and a great caddy is not required due to supply/demand.  It's truly not the caddies fault, there are just too many golfers who are willing to pay good money for a less than stellar caddy (including myself on the first trip).  Next time, I'll forego the caddy at TOC.

[Tom Huckaby]

I would agree with this completely re TOC:

I personally think St. Andrews is just a bit too tourist laden, and a great caddy is not required due to supply/demand.  It's truly not the caddies fault, there are just too many golfers who are willing to pay good money for a less than stellar caddy (including myself on the first trip).

Exceedingly well said, Mitchell.

And the funny thing is, by luck my FIRST time I got a great caddie... heck it might have BEEN Tip Anderson - the age and profile sure fit.  It was the second time - several years later - that said caddie failed.  But perhaps some of it also was the bar of expectations had been set very high.  It was also telling that a 2nd round the day after the bad caddie round was done sans caddie, and was among the most enjoyable rounds I have ever had... early morning, great friends, great battle....

TH

[Joel_Stewart]

I think most feel you should take a caddy but you have to weigh the costs (I have no idea what the rate is) and how much will they help you.  If you're a good player they may help as much as 2 maybe 3 shots?

I had a bad experience my first time with a real old guy who was drunk and hadn't gone to bed the night before.

[Tom Huckaby]

I think most feel you should take a caddy but you have to weigh the costs (I have no idea what the rate is) and how much will they help you.  If you're a good player they may help as much as 2 maybe 3 shots?

I had a bad experience my first time with a real old guy who was drunk and hadn't gone to bed the night before.

BINGO.  My bad experience wasn't like that - it was more the case of a hungover young American who thought he knew the game like Tip Anderson - but still... the key remains cost and expectations.

That bad caddie cost me 10 shots.  The good one might have saved me 2.  But more importantly, the good one made the round a lot more fun than it would have been without him.... and the bad one, well... he made it less fun, regardless of score.

TH

[Ash Towe]

On my first round I had a caddie who certainley added to the experience.  He was especially valuble on determining the line off the tee and where to avoid.  His stories were also fun to listen to.
If you decide to have a caddie I hope it adds to a fabulous day.

[Jeff_Brauer]

Oh yeah.  Being insulted by scottish caddies is all part of the experience and gives you the stories to tell!

I got in a fight with mine when I pulled out a three wood to go for the green on the fifth.....he held on to it saying "You ah wee bee off ona da tree wood".   I think Paul Cowley will tell a story about the caddy telling his buddies that "Tha gooy I looped for works for Davis Love da turd!"

And the best was when my playing partner (who shall remain nameless to protect the guilty) sliced to OB right on 18, then aimed way left, and double crossed his swing, thereby hitting it OB left over 1 FW.  The caddie deadpans "I neva seen thaa before........ but I only beeen working here 43 years!"

Take the caddie.

[Tim Leahy]

I haven't had the pleasure yet, but when my Dad played there he said his caddy was invaluable because of the blind shots, unseen hazards, dips, and valleys etc. He said he had a much better time with the caddy. It sounds like you might want to ask the locals to suggest a caddy or slip the Caddy Master a $20 to get a good one.

[Tom Huckaby]

Being insulted by the caddie is part of what the GOOD CADDIE did.  Right on Jeff - man are they creative and fun.

The bad caddie went beyond insulting..... but heck, no need to recount.  It's just the luck of the draw.

Not sure a "tip" of the caddie-master will solve this, anyway... his idea of a good caddie may not jive with what you think.  And asking the locals, well... as I say knowing the name of a good one does not ncessarily mean such is available or willing.

But if a good one is fated... oh yes, there is nothing better.  Very very fun.

[Richard Choi]

If I were you, I would pickup a copy of EA's Tiger Woods PGA Tour game.

Setup a player with a similar capability as you and play the course over and over again. It will give you a really good feel for the course.

I have done this with other courses and it is amazing how familiar everything is even if you never played it in person before.

[jeffwarne]

Caddies in general should be improving over the next few years as I doubt any with poor attitudes or abilities will survive the inevitable increased competition for their jobs.
They could be competing with former members in some places
(they already do in the UK)

[Marty Bonnar]

I'd say take Le Cadet, Msr. Muldoon!
In other news, Rick MacKenzie resigned a few months ago.

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/output/2008/08/29/newsstory11883423t0.asp

cheers,
FBD.

[Melvyn Morrow]

Tony

If you know TOC or St Andrews for that matter and it is just another home from home then do not take a Caddy.

However if its your fist time, the emotion, excitement and thrill of being at the Home of Golf let alone about to play your first ball on TOC will require you to concentrate and any assistance you can get will have a calming effect to enable you to thoroughly enjoy your round.

No pressure then, but you will be following in the actual footsteps of all the great golfers the world has ever known on a course that has centuries of history and no doubt you have dreamed of playing it for years. You do need help either in the form of another golfer who knows the course well or a caddy.

My choice would be a group of golfers who you know well and who also are fully conversant with the old girl, if this is not possible then a caddy is a must for your first time. 

If you take a caddy listen to the advice, but it’s down to you whether you take it or not, but at least it will be educational in one way or another.

Think of the caddy as your protection on your date, you do not have to use it, but if you do then if overexcited as your first time there will be no long last consequences and also saves you pulling out before you are totally satisfied. 

The games afoot, are you ready to step up to the mark fully prepared, the decision is yours my friend and don’t forget you will remember your first time for the rest of your life. Oh and enjoy the golf as well.

Melvyn   

[Ken Moum]

The first time I played, I did it without a caddy as a friend and I were on a late, locals-only tee time, playing with the Links Superintendent and the Head Greenkeeper.

It actually ended up as a match with us against them, so we had to get our advice from out opponents.

The next day, we had caddies for our fourball, and everyone got the perfect caddy for them. Mine was a pre-med student who was headed to Oxford after St. Andrews, and his intellectual approachto teh game was great.

My wife got a retired chemical engineer with short legs who suited her bad knees,

My friend got an American kid from Harvard, who was the only caddy who he could understand on the whole two-week trip.

His wife drew the captain of the St. Andrews U. golf team who was perfect for a 30+ handicapper who hits it 120 yards off the tee. Some of the lines he gave her off tees were inspired, and when she drove it into a deep, small pot bunker on 12 he said, "Tha' looks like a hand wedge eh, Ma'am."

I wouldn't consider trying to figure the lines of play on the course without any help, but you don't really need a caddy for every golfer.

K