Golf Caddies An Endangered Species


by Jim Kesel - Date: 2007-03-12 - Word Count: 462 Share This!

Golf caddies are an endangered species in the world of modern golf. It seem that the only time you see a caddie is at PGA events on the television. In this setting you see that caddies are an integral part of the team. You observe them giving valuable tips and insight to the pro as well as carrying the bag, maintaining the golf clubs and accessories. You wonder where the pros find their caddies since there aren't any at the local courses or country clubs. Its kind of a joke about golf being good exercise these days when everyone rides around on electric or gas powered golf carts.

Having worked as caddie for my grandfather and his friends I have an appreciation of what golf has lost in terms of tradition and richness. No one knows who was the first caddie but considering the ancient history of European golf the first caddies where most likely the servants of noblemen. Of course many golfers know the history of St Andrews caddie William Gunn, locally known as Caddie Willie. He was a professional caddie that spent his entire life the famous golf course. He was an encyclopedia of golf swing tips, course layout and putting tips that he provided to all his clients,

In the past being a caddie was the fastest way to learn the game of golf. Many caddies went on to become pros themselves after spending their youth on the local links. They learned what a good golf swing was and what proper dress and etiquette is required to be a golfer. In 1913 a caddie by the name of Francis Oimet won the US open defeating Harry Vardon and Ted Ray two world famous and accomplished golf pros. When interview by the press he readily stated that the secret of this success was being a caddie for several good golfers who showed him the ropes. He developed his good golf swing and list of putting tips from his clients. Almost all of his golf instruction he learned as a caddie.

Apparently the first golf cart was invented in 1940 and ever since the caddie was doomed. Golf carts are now everywhere and come in electric and gas versions. However golf carts do a lousy job of giving golf swing tips or putting tips to the golfers they serve. They also do a poor job of providing course advice as well. Occasionally you will see a few players pulling their own carts on the courses in an effort to get the exercise benefit that once accompanied the game. However most of us cannot remember when we saw the last caddie following walking golfers. Sadly golf has lost much of its character now that caddies no longer ply their trade on the local golf courses.


Related Tags: golf instruction, golf swing tips, golf putting tips, golf swing aids, good golf swing, golf ebooks

James Kesel, MS, is the publisher of Good Golf Swing website. Providing information on golf swing tips, putting tips, golf training aids, golf instruction and the latest and best golf ebooks.

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