Tim,
I appreciate your opinion and you are entitled to it. When someone says they almost lost their coffee after reading something and it is directed at me, I'll handle it in the way I see fit. Thanks.
Joe,
I'm glad that you caddie and love your job. From what you state, you've been at BD fulll-time for eight years. Great. Where else have you caddied? You like the white suit. Super. My offer stands. You obviously don't wish to go there or you would be firing right back.
Pebble Beach has not lost caddie loops to the cart. The cart has been part of the golf offerings at PB for decades. In fact the caddies classic line to all who are thinking about a cart is..."You want to walk Pebble, take a cart!
"
I've caddied for over five years each at numerous (7 different facilities) places, both East Coast and West Coast, including Merion, and a host of other places. Name drop? Please. I'm stating context, because when people pop off and don't really know the full scope of the subject matter, I will weigh in with my take when I've lived it for decades. People can decide where the reality really lies.
Outside of my deep love for the game and special ground, after lurking for quite a while, I joined this site after reading some of the utter nonsense on caddies that sometimes finds its way on this forum. These comments often included folks that "caddied." I don't claim to be the all-knowing deity on caddie golf, though I do believe VERY FEW folks have spent more time educating themselves on its history and current state, nationally or worldwide. I'm speaking mainly to the private club and public destination golf landscape, not the tour ranks, though I've got a strong feel for that aspect as well.
The last individual I'm looking to get into a contentious discussion with is a fellow caddie. I followed the entire evolution of BD very closely when it came together. I was just down the coast and certainly would look at an opportunity to move if it made sense. The program was NOT very good when it started. Gradually, as great golf ground with caddie golf usually does, the staff drew folks that had done the job, loved the game, and the locals learned their craft. Your staff there today is solid in the main, though I still read and hear quite frequently about poor caddie experiences there. With what, close to three hundred caddies of one form or another, there's bound to be some mediocre efforts once in a while.
I salute and applaud what Mike and your team have achieved there. He ran against conventional industry thinking(smart move!); as a caddie himself when he was younger, I assume he was a fan of caddie golf. The game needs to foster and support caddie golf wherever financially viable. Any facility that backs that mantra has my thanks and support!
Caddie on Joe! When I make my way out West next and get up to BD, I'd be happy to have you pack for me and squire me around the tracks if you're interested. I believe we would enjoy our time together.
Respectfully,
Kris
