Wow! And here I thought that golf was a gentleman's game, particularly at high-end private clubs which nurture caddie programs. I hope that the young man comes through this well. I suspect that the offending member, once all the legal dust settles, will hold the Guinness World's Record in perpetuity for the highest caddie fee.
I do have to ask, was intent an issue here? How many among us have not seen clubs flying through the air and other serious reckless behavior on the course? I am curious, was the matter referred to the authorities for investigation?
Decades ago, an acquaintance known for his reckless driving in his muscle car got T-boned when ran a stop sign. His little brother was riding shotgun and died at the scene. I remember the funeral, seeing the very contrite driver, and hearing the priest trying to find a sliver of good in this horrific event (the usual "he is in a better place" and "let it serve as a constant reminder when we get behind the wheel"). Some time afterwards, I am driving out in the country when I hear the loud mufflers explode as a four-barrell carb is pushed wide open and a car passes me like I am sitting still. You got it. Same driver. Lesson apparently unlearned. I hope the member and all others there and here do take this sad episode to heart.