The sun was low over the Augusta National as Canadian Mike Weir approached his ball on the 10th fairway. His opponent, Len Mattiace, was in trouble off the green. To secure the coveted Masters green jacket, Weir just had to hit the green with his approach shot. The tension was palpable, but some small talk had lightened the mood.
Caddie Brennan Little had been chatting with Weir about the stars of WWE wrestling. Being a caddie is more than just carrying clubs. They are confidants, coaches, walking databases, and in the midst of the action. Little had played professionally but realized his path to success lay in caddying for Weir, his best friend.
Weir and Little had a close bond, bonding over shared interests like family and sports. Their camaraderie helped Weir navigate the pressure of the final round. Weir shot a 68 to force a playoff with Mattiace, and from the 10th fairway, he struck the approach shot that would secure his first major championship.
The caddie-player relationship is a unique one in golf
The caddie-player relationship is a unique one in golf. Caddies earn a weekly salary plus a percentage of their player’s winnings, but they also cover their own expenses. When times are good, it’s a mutually beneficial arrangement, but when the money dries up, tensions can arise.
Weir and Little worked together for 11 years before parting ways, but there were no hard feelings. Caddies often benefit from working with different players, as it helps them see new routines and strategies. The caddie community on tour is a tight-knit one, sharing local knowledge and strategy tips.
Taneka Mackey, who caddies for Amy Olson on the LPGA Tour, is part of that community. Like Little, she fell into caddying but has found success and inspiration in the role. As a black woman, Mackey has faced some challenges, but she’s determined to use her platform to inspire the next generation of young golfers in her native Bahamas.
From the thrill of winning a major to empowering the next generation, the ambitions of a caddie are as varied as their duties. They are the unsung heroes of golf, powering some of the sport’s greatest moments.
