jim8flog
Journeyman Pro
When you watch Lee Westwood having his girlfriend carry the bag does makes one question whether players really need a pro caddie.
What do you think.
What do you think.
Are professional caddies needed
- Thread starter jim8flog
- Start date
Mandofred
Well-known member
But no....they don't need them. They may want them just to make things easier. I'd like it if they just had to fend for themselves like the vast majority of folks do.
It depends what a player expects and/or needs from their caddy.
If it’s just someone to carry the bag, anyone can do it. But that’s rarely the case. In Westwood’s case, I’m sure he knows his game more than well enough by now to simply have someone alongside him who he trusts, and who can help him maintain a level head and perspective.
It’s been really refreshing to see the impact on Westwood’s game that having his partner on the bag is having. He seems relaxed, and in a really happy place. I don’t recall, in years gone by, seeing him walk off a green with a wistful smile on his face when he’d missed a 3-footer. These days it seems that he can keep the mistakes in perspective and I have little doubt that it is due mainly to who is walking alongside him. So, in his case, a “professional” caddy is not currently needed, and I’m just keeping everything crossed that his current mindset is such that he gets over the line at a Major - nobody deserves one more.
If it’s just someone to carry the bag, anyone can do it. But that’s rarely the case. In Westwood’s case, I’m sure he knows his game more than well enough by now to simply have someone alongside him who he trusts, and who can help him maintain a level head and perspective.
It’s been really refreshing to see the impact on Westwood’s game that having his partner on the bag is having. He seems relaxed, and in a really happy place. I don’t recall, in years gone by, seeing him walk off a green with a wistful smile on his face when he’d missed a 3-footer. These days it seems that he can keep the mistakes in perspective and I have little doubt that it is due mainly to who is walking alongside him. So, in his case, a “professional” caddy is not currently needed, and I’m just keeping everything crossed that his current mindset is such that he gets over the line at a Major - nobody deserves one more.
D
Deleted member 1147
Guest
What constitutes a professional caddie? Where do they qualify?
Imurg
The Grinder Of Pars (Semi Crocked)
Give them all a Motocaddy (36 hole battery as we know they're slow) and let them get on with it.
USER1999
Grand Slam Winner
One thing is for sure, if they had to carry their own bag, there would be a lot of tour bags on ebay.
D
Deleted Member 1156
Guest
I think pretty much all caddies carry bags and give yardages . After that it varies, some advise on club selection, some on strategy, some are psychologists. Depends what the player wants I guess.
Mandofred
Well-known member
Yep.....this. Put them on the clock, make them make a quick decision, and get on with it like normal people. Some would then say, "well, they are playing for a lot of money". I agree, but to me......walking up to your ball, deciding the distance and what club I'm using is a skill in itself and all the pro's can do that just fine. Motocaddy their brains out......
I'll just keep pushing until I get too old to. Pride won't let me use a powered trolley....but some day the body is going to need some help.
If players thought they didn't add anything then they would just use a local caddy each time, for a fixed fee, low presumably. The fact that they do and are happy to hand over 10% of their winnings suggests they find them a bit more than useful.
To think a caddie does nothing but carry clubs and give yardages is seriously underestimating their role.
The Westwood situation is very much an exception.
To think a caddie does nothing but carry clubs and give yardages is seriously underestimating their role.
The Westwood situation is very much an exception.
My FiL is 83, plays golf, has a killer hill on his course. He refuses to use an electric trolley as 'they are for old men and women's (yes he is a charmer) When I point out that he is old and teenagers use them he still wont have it.
Forget the pride issue. No one cares who uses an electric trolley and it means your shoulders don't get tired 2/3 of the way round from pushing.
woofers
Medal Winner
Ironic (?) that Westie (girlfriend carrying his bag) is paired with Matt Fitzpatrick (Billy Foster, experienced professional caddie and former Westie caddie, carrying his bag) this evening.
Boomy
Well-known member
Personally I think caddies should be limited to carrying the players bags to keep things moving and no more than general chatter - no yardages, no putting lines, no reassurances, and no influence on play.
The player should be responsible for all of their game play, that’s how the victories and money should be earned.
The player should be responsible for all of their game play, that’s how the victories and money should be earned.
Mandofred
Well-known member
I'm an old runner.....I will use a powered trolley when I'm on my death bed. Not kidding.....much.....
greenone
Active member
When I can no longer carry my clubs around I'll stop playing. I hate trolleys.
Why the hate?
greenone
Active member
Grew up playing on a course with loads of steep slopes. Used to spend more time chasing after the trolley or righting it after it fell over on a side slope.
Only benefit a trolley has is, a trolley bag can hold more beer on a golf outing.
Only benefit a trolley has is, a trolley bag can hold more beer on a golf outing.
Tongo
Journeyman Pro
Personally I think they aren't needed full stop. Something of an anachronism and too much of a verbal punch bag for some pros who seem to expect the world from their caddie and then blame them when anything goes wrong.
woofers
Medal Winner
Yes, I know that.
I was posting in the context of the thread and the original post, i.e girlfriend v pro caddie.
And absolutely nothing to do with power, or otherwise, trollies!! (Thread creep within one page- is this a record?)
jim8flog
Journeyman Pro
I stopped using an electric trolley over 20 years ago. Things are so much easier with a buggy
jim8flog
Journeyman Pro
It is noticeable on the European Seniors Tour how many caddies are the player's wife.
