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... As a matter of fact, many famous pro golfers started out as caddies. ... However, still very little is known or talked about these behind-the-scene heroes, and they still lack the respect they rightfully deserve.
The history behind the inception of caddies is quite interesting. More interesting is the evolution of the role of caddies over the years and the increase of their importance in the game, especially in the professional level as well as the role of American Africans in caddying and golf. However, the treatment of caddies and acknowledgment of their importance can use an improvement. Caddies should also be commanded for becoming an organized profession with networks to assist other caddies and anyone interested in becoming a caddie. Unfortunately, technological advances are threatening the demand for caddies’ services and possibly their future. ... ” Perhaps this contrast in meanings nicely reflects the ambiguous position of the caddies in the game of golf, past and present. ... (“Evolution of Golfers and Caddies, The” [Evolution])
THE EARLY DAY CADDIES
The early day caddies were men from hard backgrounds who were commonly dismissed as gamblers, drunk, or nicely put, eccentric. ... (Evolution)
While some golfers regarded the caddies as no-good scroungers, others felt the caddies were true apprentices of the game, studying the strokes and strategies of the experienced players at close range so that they might one day compete with these players. (“Reading the Greens”) Many caddies had a sense of craft that was handed down from father to son, separating them from someone who just carried clubs. ... The caddies quickly learned the way a particular player hit the ball and was able to guide a player around the course with precision. ... Therefore, the pros and caddies became comrades in displaying contempt at the efforts of those who were their social betters but golfing inferiors. (Green 18) The view of caddies as true apprentices of the game of golf was boosted in 1913 when Francis Oimet, an unknown American amateur who had learned the game as a caddie, stunned the golfing community by defeating two celebrated British professionals, Harry Vardon and Ted Ray, in a U. ... (“Reading the Green”) Other famous Open champions who started out as caddies include Hagen, Sarzen, Hogan, Nelson, and Mangrum. ... Some pro players seem so dependent on their caddies that they do not seem to perform well with their regular “man on the bag. ... As golf clubs became more specialized tools, the number of clubs in the golfer’s bag grew until some caddies were carrying as man as thirty. ... ”
THE DISAPPEARANCE OF AFRICAN AMERICAN CADDIES
The golf historians seem to have forgotten that, in the United States, once caddies were all young Black men. Today, only a handful of Black caddies can be seen on tours and at public and private clubs. ... One commonality among these great men is that they were also caddies.
Approximate Word count = 2369
Approximate Pages = 9.5
(250 words per page double spaced)
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