Caddies are more to the players, not just luggage carriers
Caddie, a person you always see chasing around a golfer holding a heavy bag on his shoulder with a bib displaying a name that is never his own.
He is often ignored and discarded as just an assistant. However, if one gives a fair view, he is as much active and involved in the game as the player himself. In fact, some schools of thought also rate them as one of the most important part of a golfer’s success.
It is obvious that the final decision lies with the players when it comes to selecting the right club for a specific shot. However, caddies sometimes play a key role in suggesting the right club to their employers.
They can really be handy at times with club selection because of their experience with different players around the world.
In addition to that, the bagmen are never restricted to help the players physically. In reality, they are the only ones who can help the players to contend strongly even if they are mentally down.
Caddies keep on telling the players that they are the best in the field and have the potential to make a comeback at any point of the game.
It is commonly observed that caddies spend plenty of time on the course prior to the start of any tournament in order to get a complete overview of the conditions and the requirements of the venue.
As a result, they guide the players regarding the wind conditions, line of putts, which club to use, trajectory requirements and many other aspects of the game.
Despite all that, the crucial role that caddies play in the success of any player often goes unrecognised. Typically, these folks make news when sacked by their employers.
New Zealander Steve Williams made the headlines when he got fired by the former world number one Tiger Woods.
Williams, who worked as a caddie for Woods for more than 12 years, helped him win 13 of the 14 major title wins of his career.
Still, he had to lose his job just because Woods did not manage to continue his great form in 2009 onwards, until he won the Chevron World Challenge last year.
Woods and Williams, together, enjoyed some of the best times of their lives. Woods always gave importance to his caddy’s suggestions, which in turn, allowed him to gain huge success in his career.
However, when Woods sacked him, he did not even provide a single solid reason for his dismissal from the job. Such kind of behaviour adds to the anguish these caddies suffer.
Indian SSP Chowrasia is one of the few professional golf players who know what it is to be a caddie. Before turning professional and leading the Asian golf, he was a caddie.
"Of course it's a very different life and I much prefer being a player. It's tough being a caddie," the Indian once said. "Me and my caddie get on really well. We talk a lot on the golf course and we have a lot of jokes. He also gives me club judgment and sometimes putting advice".
By and large, one can never underestimate the role that caddies play in their employers’ success. Without caddies, players contend in one or two events successfully.
However, they can never succeed in their career without the help of a good caddie. Therefore, they must be recognized as a crucial part of the game rather than discarding them as just luggage carriers.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
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