This is addressed to those in countries where there is an established caddie culture on some level. Even those without such a culture, you have benefitted from caddies, the links are just further removed.
The range and mentality of the responses by the GCA gang on the caddie dynamic questions posed has been truely revealing. As a proud J.Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship alum, who found the game as a caddie at 12, my passion has a strong bias. I will wade into the "troubled waters" on this subject in the hopes of illuminating some folks. What one discerns from these FACTS is up to the individual.
1) Caddie golf has DEFINED the game for centuries. It has been the single, greatest source of the games champions, teachers and differencemakers in the sport's history. It also has provided the largest avenue, for folks of low or modest means, the access to golf.
2)Every trophy in the game worth anything is covered with the names of players who were caddies, or were taught by those that found or learned the game from others that caddied. THAT IS IRREFUTABLE!
3)Many of the best courses, past AND present, were designed or built by those that have caddie roots to thank. Many of the owners of golf courses found the game at an early age as a caddie. Ten of thousands of golf and related industry professionals can point to a caddie background as pivotal in them finding the game. ANYONE claiming caddie golf as not having, or continuing to have a TITANIC impact on the sport...has forgotten their history and has needs a primer!
4) For those that may need proof caddie golf is still contributing to the game at a championship level.... 2006 U.S Amateur Champion Richie Ramesy-caddie Royal Aberdeen, (who won stateside with a Taylormade putter given to him by an American player he worked for earlier in the season that year!), 2008 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year Andres Romero- former caddie, Argentina, 2-Time Major Winner Angel Cabrera, latest, 2009 Masters- former caddie, Argentina,recent Indian Masters Champion S.S.P. Chowrasia- former caddie, India.
5)NO buggy, pullcart, skycaddie or any other AID to play the game EVER taught or took a lesson, bought clubs or equipment, joined a club, taught their kids, brought a friend to the game, won an event etc. ....you get the picture!
I could go on and on about all the contributions made by countless caddies...it's not necessary...only those with the deepest apathy can avoid the obvious conclusions.
Sadly, WHAT WE ALL, INCLUDING THE GAME ITSELF, stand to lose by ignoring or making excuses for not saluting AND supporting caddie golf whenever possible is IMMENSE. Imagine the R&A, USGA ,and any other golf museums you care to mention, stripped of anything with caddie roots attached...pretty vacant space folks! What will we contribute to future golfers...that we were to selfish and greedy to care?
To those out there that don't quite realize it, the game they play and enjoy today...owes an enormous debt of gratitude to the humble (and sometimes not!) caddie. You may not experience it directly...but it is a powerful, enduring legacy with footprints extending to every corner of the globe.
I don't fault any of you, who disagree, for your feelings. Many in the game, that I admire, have expressed similar views. Those leaders in the industry, and running the administrative bodies in the sport, have done a woeful job "re-investing" in caddie golf. The lavish, let's face it, obscene in many cases, salaries these folks enjoy today, have been garnered in part on the backs of the countless differencemakers provided to the game from the caddie ranks. Yet they turn THEIR backs?!
So, what to do about it? Well, many here lament the cost, which has gotten excessive in certain arenas. Others comment that many of the caddie experiences are marginal, or worse. What almost all agree on...is the quality caddie, with associated cost depending on varied caliber, is worthwhile. That should be the focus...FOSTERING A HEALTHY, QUALITY CADDIE EXPERIENCE TO ENJOY!
Financial conditions worldwide are difficult. Many will rarely, if ever, take, or have the opportunity to take caddies. We can accept this, but that is not a reason to dismiss understanding of, or support for... caddie golf. You don't need to have cancer to speak positively about finding a cure.
For folks that take caddies and may be needing to cut back, fine. Take a caddie when you can. Remember, it's not the percentage of total caddie rounds played that matters. Continuing the opportunities for caddie golf, that's what critical...because from that, passionate differencemakers emerge to foster the game. Youngsters especially, can learn AND earn golf in a stimulating, safe environment.
Now, I'm of quite modest means. Except for student GCA ers, I'm certainly on the lower end of the income scale around here. That said, I will always take a caddie if possible, when one is available. I value what the caddie dynamic and given me and the game. Do I expect others to do the same...no! It is a personal choice. Do what you feel is right. But there is no need to disparage caddies. They are human beings, some are better than others, just like all of us.
My final comments will address what I feel is needed most.
1)Solid Caddie Mentors and outreach, to help facilities run quality programs...are critical elements to sustaining caddie golf.
2)Quality programs, properly supported, flourish. Poorly supported and run ones struggle and die, it's that simple!
If the caddie dynamic continues to be left to wither, without the proper "re-investment" from the game, golf will be far poorer for our ignorance. History confirms it...caddie golf has been the foundation of our sport's past, still carries it today and better be relevant going forward or we face a bleak future.
Sincerely yours on the links...cheers,
Kris
