The Unsung Heroes

Who Is Harry Diamond?

When talking about winning professional golf tournaments, we speak in awe of the talent of the player who wins. We talk about the amazing shot, or how they bounced back after a bad hole to win the tournament. We talk about the player’s fortitude, or their ability to make clutch putts. All of which matter in the outcome of a tournament.

What we don’t talk about is the caddie.

Sure, we know some of their names. Bones Mackay who caddied for Phil Mickelson for many years. Michael Greller, Jordan Spieth’s longtime caddie. Fluff Cowan who caddied for Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk. Other well-known caddies include Joe LaCava, Ted Scott and Steve Williams.

We see them in camera shots giving yardages and carrying the bag. We see them holding a flagstick or raking a bunker. Sometimes they help with reading greens. We hear them telling patrons to keep quiet or stop moving.

While the player gathers the honor and glory with the victory, which is deserved, the contribution of the caddie too often goes unrecognized.

Aside from the aforementioned tasks we see on TV mentioned above, there is so much more to a professional caddie.

Player/caddie relationships are unique. Players have different routines and ways of going about playing a tournament, but, overall, a caddie will handle some general duties the same way.

Monday is usually a travel day, so the caddie will generally get registered for the tournament, do some course work and get refamiliarized with the course. Some may head into the equipment trailer if their player needs some equipment adjustment for the tournament.

Tuesday and Wednesday are practice days. Wednesday often involves a Pro-Am event. Tour caddies are typically at the course all day getting yardages, taking notes on the course and making sure everything is ready to go for Thursday. Just as a player prepares through practice, the caddie prepares by making sure they know as much about the course as possible.

Thursday is go time. The caddie needs to be as prepared as the player. While they don’t hit the shots, they are very much involved in the process. They know the distances their player was hitting clubs on the range before the round and provide input on club selection. They have to be counselors talking their player through a poor shot or a rough stretch of holes. They have to be coaches and tell their player when they believe the player is making a poor decision. Sometimes they just have to be a friend.

Of course, this is all aside from making sure the right number of clubs are in the bag, new golf balls, gloves, rain gear, umbrella, water, snacks, towels, tees, Band-Aids and whatever else the player wants in the bag.

After the round, if their player is hitting balls or putts until dark, then the caddie is right there with them.

In a nutshell, a caddie is a teammate, coach, counselor, friend and equipment manager. A caddie covers all those jobs and sometimes even more. They deserve much more credit than they receive.

As always, be thankful when you play. Be grateful for the privilege and opportunity to play this amazing game. Now, go golf!