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In the infant days of golf, it was well accepted that personal servants attended their gentlemen golfers. Those men would tote clubs, find golf balls and perform other tasks. Eventually, the profession developed into much more than bag toting. In the early days of the game, a golf ball often cost the equivalent of one week's wages. The ability to find an errant ball was a significant skill. As the lure of gambling further increased interest in golf, caddies who were able to assist players in ways both legal and not so legal became a valuable commodity. Caddies became more than packhorses; they became craftsmen who recognized the effect of wind, ground conditions and course design on the game. They became guides and partners to the skilled golfer. In the 1960s and 1970s it was not unusual for most country clubs to employ a stable of young teenaged caddies. The movie Caddyshack is, in part, a tribute to many who engaged in that trade. Sadly, financial concerns and the advent of golf carts have largely rendered caddies obsolete.
While most country clubs no longer employ caddies, modern professional caddies have come a long way. Mike "Fluff" Cowan, who was Tiger Woods's first caddy, became a cult figure. Indeed, it may have been his attempts to cash in on his rising popularity that led to his break-up with Tiger. Steve Williams is Woods's current caddy and a multi-millionaire in his own right who, like all professional caddies, earns a percentage of his golfer's winnings. Caddies are truly unique individuals, both personally and professionally. It was this uniqueness that led Rick Reilly, a well-known sports writer and frequent contributor to Sports Illustrated, to embark on an unusual journey. He wanted to caddy for as many golfers as he could. Only golf allows someone to stand next to a professional athlete and whisper words of advice and encouragement in his ear. "I'll never play golf like those guys. But as a caddy, I can get closer to great athletes without actually being one than in any other sport." WHO'S YOUR CADDY? is the narrative of many of those rounds, with Reilly on the bag with the greats and not so greats of the game.
Reilly's first assignment, or "loop", was at the shrine of golf, Augusta National. At the Masters Tournament, he persuaded 64-year-old Tommy Aaron to allow him to tote Aaron's bag during the first round of the Masters. Lesson number one was quickly learned when Reilly attempted to vocally encourage an Aaron chip shot into the hole. "Keep your mouth off my ball," Aaron scolded. "Don't talk to it. I want it to get up as much as you do. It doesn't help me to know that you're over there, telling it to get up or get down or whatever. It just adds to the pressure." Professional golfers can be a moody bunch.
Aaron's missive was the first of many important lessons that Reilly acquired as he walked various golf courses. As they tread down the fairway, caddies must be careful that the clubs do not make noise. A caddy should not be too eager to drop the golf bag in anticipation of tasks, such as tending the flag or raking a sand trap. Finally, no matter how small the distance, a professional golfer does not walk to the bag; the caddy brings the bag to the golfer.
Reilly closes each chapter with the Caddy Dictionary. "If the Caddy says," is a brief descriptive sentence in caddy language. "He means," is what the caddy said in English. Going "helicopter city" means to throw your clubs. Going "trunk slammin" means to miss the cut at this week's tournament and not winning any money. Numerous examples can be found at the conclusion of each Reilly adventure.
Reilly caddies for many other well-known golfers, as well as a few non-professionals. He spends a day with Donald Trump who will not let him caddy, but instead insists on a round of golf at Trump's golf club. A round of golf with Donald Trump is a round of braggadocio, with Reilly on the receiving end of a full Donald Trump soliloquy of greatness. Just ask Trump; he is not ashamed to let you know that you are in the presence of greatness.
There are rounds of golf with Jack Nicklaus, John Daly, Tom Lehman, David Duvall, comedian Bob Newhart and blind golfer Bob Andrews. Reilly takes something from each round. But as a humorous and prescient observer of the game of golf, Reilly also offers a great deal. This is a great summer reading book, perfect for vacation, the pool, or keeping in your locker at the course if you need to pass some time during a thunderstorm. Get ready for an entertaining account of golfers, caddies and the truly unique relationship that exists between them.
--- Reviewed by Stuart Shiffman
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