[Hennybogan]

First and foremost, the caddy must be trustworthy. This includes the ability to act independently as necessary to fulfill that trust.

Trust is the all-encompassing attribute. A player has many concerns, and his caddy serves to minimize or eliminate many of them. He should never add to them.

For example, the caddy must be trusted to show up -- on time -- at each event and on each day of the event (and, most certainly, for tee times). When entrusted with the player's clubs, they must be there, too (but no more than 14 before each round!). He must be trusted to perform, with a minimum of oversight, all his assigned duties (and some unassigned). Most of all, he must be trusted to 'handle with care' (and confidentiality) his player's innermost thoughts and emotions -- both on the course and off -- as revealed under competitive and personal stresses. We all have vulnerablilites, and the professional golfer is no exception.

In short, the player-caddy relationship is like any other. For there to be any chance of long-term success, there must be trust (both ways).

There is no substitute.

Yoda,

Good answer. Trust is critical in the player / caddie relationship. The player must trust the caddie to do his work and be ready to answer any and all questions regarding the course (Yardages to and over obstacles. Which side is OK to miss when playing a trouble shot. Accurate yardages. Etc.). The player will benefit from accepting advice from the player--two heads better than one. It also saves the player from having to do alot of basic learning of the golf course. I always want to see a new course before my player. By having a clear idea of how I think he should play a course, we can save time and create success from the first day. The player may choose a different play on a few holes based on visuals or feels rather than numbers.

"Handle with care." The player must be confident that his caddie is on his team--not out for himself other than as a result of aiding his player. The caddie is in a support position. Anything he can do to create the environment the player needs to be successful is job one. Professional golf is difficult. Everyday the player gets a grade. The mindset of the successful golfer has many dimensions. He must be driven yet patient. He must picture the best and accept the worst. He must be creative yet task oriented.

Often, breakthroughs are the result of mental preparation-- Dreaming bigger that your results might project. The caddie must be very aware of creating a positive environment while allowing the player to be himself.

HB