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Caddie-blaming over Club Selection… What’s the Deal?

By Matthew Hirst

OAKVILLE, ON - JULY 23: Bubba Watson reacts to his shot from the 18th tee during round one of the RBC Canadian Open on July 23, 2015 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
OAKVILLE, ON - JULY 23: Bubba Watson reacts to his shot from the 18th tee during round one of the RBC Canadian Open on July 23, 2015 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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Matt Kuchar and his caddie
AUSTIN, TEXAS – MARCH 31: Matt Kuchar of the United States bumps fists with caddie John Wood on the 17th green in his match against Lucas Bjerregaard of Denmark during the semifinal round of the World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play at Austin Country Club on March 31, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Pro-Blaming the Caddie:

Okay, let’s have some fun here. I’ve read some interesting material and had a good conversation or two on the matter. Let’s get cut-throat.

  • Psychological Benefit – If the caddie’s job is ultimately to put players in the absolute best position to win, maybe they really do need to play the role of a punching bag. Given the ability to put emotions and pride aside, I can totally see how letting your player think as little is wrong with his game as possible is in your best interest. You take every complaint your player wishes to dish out because their confidence is the absolute number one priority. That leads me to my second point.
  • Helps Player Move On – With that psychological benefit comes some kind of therapeutic relief, I imagine. If your job is to rid your player of stress so that they can have a short memory in times of trouble in addition to providing golf counsel, you better be Sean Maguire from Good Will Hunting.
  • The Caddie’s Job – Lastly, when it comes down to it, it is the caddie’s job to get the correct yardages for all shots, as well as to map out the course and understand the best course of action given any scenario that may arise during a round of golf. Caddie’s responsibilities play massively in a player’s performance. Otherwise, caddies wouldn’t make so much money. Then again… Doesn’t that same point serve me well going the opposite way? Don’t players get so much larger of a winnings percentage because it’s ultimately on them to perform? Duh, but I digress.
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