Take a caddy or go solo?

[Bump-n-MI]

My friend that caddies for me during tournaments (when caddies are allowed) is out of town this weekend. The only other person that has volunteered has minimal knowledge and can't read a green for s**t. Think I'm better off going solo? Carts are an option but I cannot stand riding…..especially during tournaments because they typically take so long. Thoughts?

[Slim 11]

I am not a superstar, but I have always been told that I would make a great caddy. Not sure if I am in shape for it, but if your not too far away in Michigan, I could use a nice walk.
How much for the loop? :)

[MRW]

Might as well take him along. You won't have to use your energy toting your clubs and if he can't read a green tune him out. He shouldn't harm your game at all.

[NM Golf]

Just that fact of not having to carry your bag would make me say yes. Figure out your own yardages and read your own greens but at least this guy can wipe down the irons after each shot, wipe down your ball on each green, and make sure you don't get too tired by carrying your own bag.

[Jordasch]

  MRW said:

Might as well take him along. You won't have to use your energy toting your clubs and if he can't read a green tune him out. He shouldn't harm your game at all.

+1. I was asked to caddy for our just graduated number 1 Varsity golfer, but he chickened out and went with a cart. Only being 15, I guess any help is better than no help. Maybe he'll surprise you?

[Slim 11]

I can read greens (usually) very well. And I am only kidding about the fee for the loop. I think it would be fun to caddy as long as you remember that the final decision to hit 7 iron to carry 180 yards of water lies with you, regardless of my opinion. When it plops I don't want you bi***ing at me about how I talked you into it.

Of course, if you cash in the tournament I will expect my 10%!

[Slim 11]

Honestly, I think the biggest benefit of a caddy is to give you a sounding board. Someone to talk things over with. Ultimately the decisions are yours. Sure, he can help read a green and give you distances, but sometimes it's just being able to hear yourself talk (and it looks better if you're not alone) that sorts out any indecision.

I think any caddy is better than none.

[GaijinGolfer]

Im going to go against the group on this one and say go solo. IMO, you need to have a certain level of trust with your caddy. You also need your caddy to pump you up when you need it and to reign you in when you attempt to make the wrong decisions
IMO, if my regular caddy were out of town and my choice were to go it alone or to have a complete stranger whose knowledge of reading greens, judging and selecting shots could be questionable, Id say go it alone. I think that if I were to have a caddy, especially in a tournament, Id want it to be someone whom Im really close to who knows me well and whom I trust 100%.
No offense intended, Slim 11.

[Slim 11]

  TitleistWI said:

Im going to go against the group on this one and say go solo. IMO, you need to have a certain level of trust with your caddy. You also need your caddy to pump you up when you need it and to reign you in when you attempt to make the wrong decisions

None taken. I agree about the skills and intangibles a caddy can bring to the game. However, I would say that has a lot to do with the player (your point about trust applies). I am assuming our "friend in need" is not a complete tool and would benefit from the companionship.

[GaijinGolfer]

True. I can see how a caddie could be a great aid or a great hinderance.