Caddying the first US Open Qualifying Round

[freshmanUTA]

Hey guys, Tomorrow morning I'm caddying at the US Open Qualifying round at Forest Hills Country Club. I caddy as a part time job to help pay for college but for some reason I'm really nervous about tomorrow because everything I do matters a lot and I don't want to make any potential mistakes that could ruin anything for my golfer. I know what to do but i only caddy non-competitive rounds so nothing is for money or a spot in the next face of US Open Qualifying. If everyone could kinda pitch in some points not to forget so I don't make a fool of myself or at the very worst get my golfer disqualified. 

 

I'm gonna read through this thread before I caddy tomorrow but for now I need to get some shut eye, so thanks everyone in advance!

[SavvySwede]

I wouldn't do anything different from a regular loop. Though I would be less inclined to give any advice on reads, etc unless they asked.

[Gator Hazard]

Best advice I can give from high pressure  situations is just to remember to relax. Pause and breathe when needed and don't get wound up. Tendency is to make mistakes when focusing too much on not making mistakes (because you focus too much on what not to do and not enough on what supposed to do)  

You're going to do great so don't sweat it. Give us an update when can. 

[Club Rat]

Pay attention to green speeds by observing other players and the tendencies the person you are looping for the first several holes. Also be aware of yardage markers on the course in your not familiar with the course. Remain calm and do not get wrapped up in emotions of the player. Be subtle in offering any suggestions unless asked, then be clear in the discussion.

Main thing is to be ready when needed. 

[Rainmaker]

That's awesome, man . .I hope your guy goes on to win the whole thing and takes you along for the ride.  Just don't forget your old buddy Rainmaker . .who believed in you from DAY ONE!    

[Chilli Dipper]

How many players who compete in U.S. Open local qualifying bring their own caddie, anyway?

[Club Rat]

8 hours ago, Chilli Dipper said:

How many players who compete in U.S. Open local qualifying bring their own caddie, anyway?

Most everyone will have a friend or family member carry their bag. Very few actually have paid caddies, unless the event is at a private club which has caddies.
Younger players and guys who usually walk on a regular basis are the few I seen not have anyone assist them.

[mcanadiens]

Not that I've ever caddied or even played with a caddie, but I recently read a book called The Green Road Home. The author, Michael Bamberger was breaking into caddying on the PGA Tour.

Anyhow, I remember him mentioning things like keeping an extra ball warm (in your pocket) for you golfer at all times and remembering when it is your duty to deal with the flag (as opposed to one of the other caddies). Otherwise it is just working with the particular golfer and figuring out what he needs and when he needs it.

Best of luck.

[bkuehn1952]

You will do fine.  Hope your guy does well as that will make things go better.

[freshmanUTA]

Well the day started strong with 2 birdies in a row and then he put two tee shots OB and triple bogeyed the next hole then never really came back from it and parred almost everything with a few bogeys here and there. Was pretty heartbreaking seeing him start so well and then collapse. He's over it now and preparing for this year on the Adams tour, and he's already focused on the next tournament.

[Club Rat]

1 hour ago, freshmanUTA said:

heartbreaking

One year with my friend, we were at a qualifier. My friend was expecting to tee off at 12:20

We were about thirty feet away from the tee box rolling putt's when he told me to go over and check with the starter when he was up.

The starter indicated he had missed his start time which actually was 12:10 with the group that just walk off the box.

He was D'Qed, but was allowed to join his group to play since he had paid his entry.

He shot 2-under in 17 holes and certainly may had qualified that day.

[GolfLug]

7 minutes ago, Club Rat said:

One year with my friend, we were at a qualifier. My friend was expecting to tee off at 12:20

We were about thirty feet away from the tee box rolling putt's when he told me to go over and check with the starter when he was up.

The starter indicated he had missed his start time which actually was 12:10 with the group that just walk off the box.

He was D'Qed, but was allowed to join his group to play since he had paid his entry.

He shot 2-under in 17 holes and certainly may had qualified that day.

Damn. Did he ever try again?

[Club Rat]

31 minutes ago, GolfLug said:

Damn. Did he ever try again?

Yes he has tried for many years.

The closet he has ever come was tied and lost the spot in a play off between 3 other players.

He was an 1st alternate that year back in 2002.

Since then he has played as a Senior. 

[Mr22putt]

7 hours ago, Club Rat said:

One year with my friend, we were at a qualifier. My friend was expecting to tee off at 12:20

The starter indicated he had missed his start time which actually was 12:10 with the group that just walk off the box.

 

How did this happen?...were you not given a sheet with everyone's starting time?

[Club Rat]

8 minutes ago, Mr22putt said:

How did this happen?...

He had his tee time, he just messed up thinking he was at 12:20

[Dan42nepa]

My cousin caddied for Nancy Lopez as an amatuer in the womens US open at AC CC. I think she finished 4th. Very cool I remember going with my father to the 80 US open at Baltusrol and Nichlaus had a late day tee time. We saw his caddy Angelo out with the people and my father pointed him out. He was checking pins and how the course was playing. A very good lesson on preparation.

[MasonAsher2014]

I caddied on Tuesday at a Local for a pro golfer that I know pretty well. Same doing as a normal round of competitive golf.

Edited May 12, 2016 by MasonAsher2014