FROM THE TOUR
Insight on happenings on the PGA & LPGA Tours and relating it to recreational golf !
Caddying – How to be a Good “ Parent Caddie ” & What Mistakes to Try to Avoid
On the PGA & LPGA tours , one thing we see is every player has a caddie . A caddie ’ s role is much more than just carrying the golf bag . The caddie plays an important role in the success of their player . Players today look at their caddie and themselves as an on-course team , understanding each of them plays an equal role in the success of each round of golf .
Although being a “ parent caddie ” has the same role a tour player ’ s caddie has , being a “ parent caddie ” can have its own set of challenges . Both the parent and the player ( son or daughter ) needs to consider these when on the course together .
Parents :
Over the years I have been asked by parents of junior golfers about how they were doing while caddying for their child . Overall , most parents do a great job ! But here are a few mistakes you can avoid to make the on-course experience between you and your junior player the most rewarding as you work together on the course .
• Avoid overreacting to any good and bad shots . I know it ’ s hard to see our child not do as well as they wanted to , but too many times I see parent caddies overreact with frustration when their junior hits a bad shot . Remember they are truly trying their best , but golf is a hard game and not every shot goes well . This goes the same for good shots . Over celebrating success for a shot or hole can also have a negative impact on your own player or possibly other players in your group . High five with your player regardless of the outcome of a shot , by all means . While doing so , say things like “ great shot ” or “ no big deal , we will hit the next shot ”. This shows your player you are engaged in what they are doing and being supportive .
• Don ’ t be a coach on the course . You are there to caddie and support your player , not to coach them . Let them make their own decisions and learn from them . That is part of the growing process .
• Let them know how much you enjoy being a part of the day and how much you enjoy watching them play . There is nothing our kids want more than to have the love and admiration of their parents , particularly during the activities they participate in . As each junior navigates success and failure on the course , knowing and hearing how much their parents have enjoyed and supported them regardless , means everything .
6 | March Newsletter