Where Have All The Caddies Gone?

It was on an August morning at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland when my great friend Dave Cowley, the Business Incentives tycoon, arrived on the first tee along with our caddies. The early morning smell of Guinness and Paddy whiskey was wafting across the tee box as we were introduced to these four shady characters that were to carry our bags and guide us through this challenging course. The first caddy went by the name of “Honest John,” and when Cowley inquired as to the origin of his name, my caddy Sean replied, “He got his name because half his lies aren’t true!” That started the most memorable 18 holes of golf I have ever played in Ireland.

As Dave stood up on the first tee, he promptly duck hooked his ball left into the rough. He asked his caddy where the ball had gone, and “Honest John” replied, “It’s in the lie grass.” Cowley asked, “What is the lie grass?” The caddy replied, "If you go into the lie grass and find your ball... you're lying!” On hole number two Dave slices his tee shot 40 yards to the right. He asked the caddy again where the ball landed. “You are in the love grass,” the caddy replied. “What in the name of God is the love grass?” Cowley asked. The caddy replied smartly, “When you hit it in there you are f!@#ed!”

All joking aside, caddy programs in the area are reduced down to just a few golf clubs, while they once flourished at both the public and private courses. Many of our top industry leaders forged their business prowess on the links at an early age by looping. One of the great caddy programs, which Dee and I are involved in, is the Minnesota Minority Golf Association, which was formed by Twin Cities Attorney Clayton Tyler. This program is special to us as it provides valuable employment and work experience to urban children. These kids are trained early on the ins and outs of caddying and travel to the various clubs in the metro to work their craft. A select few have translated this employment vehicle into scholarship opportunities as they sought their higher education.

One of the most wonderful things in the world is watching four players and four caddies leave the first tee for an enjoyable round of 18 holes. I would like to ask you to support your local caddy program at your club by taking one of those young lads out. And remember, they do more than just carry your bag.

--Gerald McCullagh

Comments

[geraldanddee]

Dennis, thank you for your comments and congratulations to you as well on being an Evans Scholar!

[Dennis Bell]

So True.

With the income that is generated from electric golf carts, I do not blame country clubs for generating additional revenue in this manner.

Many clubs in the metro area that once had long waiting lists for membership are struggling to keep their rosters full.

Interestingly, studies have shown that caddies help establish a consistent pace of play which leads to lower scores.

As an recipient of the Evans Scholarship to the University of Wisconsin via Medinah Country Club (outside of Chicago), I can personally attest to the benefits of choosing a caddy over a golf cart.

For information on a college scholarship to the University of Minnesota (and other Big 10 schools), please click on
www.westerngolfassociation.com