Sometimes having a caddy guide you around the course doesn't work out.
Many years ago, when first joined Olympic, there was a group of Japanese diplomats out on the course who did not speak a word of English.
They putted out on the 5th hole of the Lake Course and instead of going up the hill to the right, they walked left to the 12th tee and hit away, not noticing the sign. It is actually is easy to do if you don't know the course.
Well, the caddies - who were sent out with them by our head pro Kyle Burton to make sure everything went smoothly - just decided to go with it. They had been at Olympic for 20 years and were the two best guys in the shack.
None of the Japanese diplomats ever looked at a scorecard or noticed the signs. They came to the 18th hole . . . . much confusion. They figured that the golf course had less than a full 18 holes and tipped the caddies and left.
The next day, a representative from the Japanese Consulate called to thank the pro for allowing them to play their world famous golf course.
Kyle suggested that perhaps "they might like to play the other 18 next time."
"Oh," said the rep, "your other course has 18 holes?"
"Why yes," said Kyle, "we have two 18 hole courses here."
. . . . . . much loss of face. Very angry officials . . . .embarassed apologies from the club.
Those two caddies found a new home at S.F. Club.
