67 Comments

1. 

   Rich

   Mar 9, 2015 at 4:54 am

   I didn’t read all the comments before I wrote this so I hope someone else had said this. The point is, they are PEOPLE. That’s reason enough to let them in the clubhouse and not stick them in some tin shed out on the golf course like a pack of dogs. Disgraceful.

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2. 

   shakers97

   Mar 8, 2015 at 9:25 am

   A metal shelter is perfectly safe in a thunderstorm because it forms a Faraday Cage routing the charge through the structure to earth. But hey don’t let the science stand in the way of your misplaced outrage!

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   • 

     Beacher50

     Mar 10, 2015 at 5:59 am

     Of course unless you’re leaning or in contact with the side of the building. Get real. A open sided steel shed with a wet floor is better than standing under a tree, but not by much. And you had better hope it is grounded good.

     Let me know how it works for you during the next storm.

     Reply Report comment
3. 

   James g

   Mar 4, 2015 at 10:11 am

   Caddies are an essential element to a Tour pro. They are an on course advisor, psychologist, and so forth. They keep track of not just the equipment but other things, like some track the player’s nutritional and hydration intakes, to make sure the player performs optimally by being able to focus solely on golf. Yes, they are in the employ of the player. Caddies are PROFESSIONALS in their field and deserve to be treated as such. I find it quite telling how some look down on caddies by saying they are not needed. Would you treat any other professional employee this way? I doubt it. They are the ultimate on course tool for the player and should have better working conditions.

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   • 

     bill

     Mar 4, 2015 at 12:39 pm

     Just because your boss is a pro doesn’t make what you do for him/her professional. How many “professional” jobs are there where your kid, your parent, your spouse/husband, your friend, or anyone else can fill that role at any time?

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     • 

       Truth

       Mar 5, 2015 at 1:20 pm

       Pretty much every job in the world besides cops and firemen could be filled on a daily basis by anyone. Would they be able to perform to the level that the “professional” does, no, but can they fill in, of course they can. Dont act like you could be a professional caddie cuz you would be fired after one round

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       • 

         bill

         Mar 5, 2015 at 8:03 pm

         What the heck are you talkin about… That’s probably one of the most moronic thing I’ve heard in a while. Can you perform surgery? Can you write code? Can you teach Physics? Can you fly a plane? Can you make sushi? Can you file a deposition? Can you make a mocha frappacino? Can you run the drive thru at a fast food restaurant? And on and on and on… There are so many jobs or functions where you won’t be able to “fill in” even for an hour.

         It’s as if you’ve never held a real job before. Maybe you’re a caddie? If you are, I’d suggest telling your caddie friends not to stir the pot too much before something happens to that nice gig you guys got. If you are not a caddie, then maybe you are thinking of becoming one? Not very wise but it’s your life, just don’t expect people to think it’s some professional career because it’s not…

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4. 

   KK

   Mar 3, 2015 at 11:05 pm

   I think it’s hilarious that weekend duffers claim to know pros don’t need caddies. They play a different game and don’t drink beer and ride around in golf carts (mostly). Half of you have probably never walked a full 18 holes in your life. You have just as much credibility telling a surgeon that he doesn’t need nurses.

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   • 

     bill

     Mar 4, 2015 at 1:07 am

     Are you seriously saying nurses are like caddies? Maybe I’ll ask a surgeon friend of mine if I can “nurse” for him one day when the regular nurse isn’t available.

     So I guess you have lots of credibility since you are supposedly a non-weekend duffer, non-drinker of beer, non-rider of golf carts, and have walked 18 holes at least once in your life?

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5. 

   MRC

   Mar 3, 2015 at 5:43 pm

   Not sure I understand the PGA Tour’s logic on caddy treatment or lack there of.
   Why aren’t caddies allowed in the clubhouse?
   Lightening and rain and required to stay in metal shed?
   If I were a caddy, I would get the 80 guys that filed the lawsuit and strike!
   If the PGA Tour players had their caddies back, the Tour would address the issue immediately.

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   • 

     bill

     Mar 3, 2015 at 9:54 pm

     A strike would mean the END for professional caddies. Players will be fine and I’d bet some will actually play better as a result. There will also be plenty of people lined up every tour event willing to carry the bags for FREE. How awesome would it be if they held drawings at every tournament to be a caddie? Maybe even auction off the caddie spots every event? Obviously there would need to be some sort of an application process and some instructional training (maybe 1 hour mandatory etiquette training) but not a big deal. Players would be responsible for raking bunkers and replacing divots since a layman may not know the proper procedure.

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     • 

       Rory McIlroy

       Mar 9, 2015 at 4:51 am

       You have just undermined everything you’ve said mate. Your talking about training and players raking bunkers and etiquette for caddies etc etc. These are all things a “professional caddy” does without being trained or asked and the player doesn’t even have to think about it. Some new caddies may be able to be replaced by a friend or relative for a day but if you asked Adam Scott or Rory McIlroy if their caddy could be replaced by just anyone, I think you’d be very wrong.

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6. 

   marcel

   Mar 3, 2015 at 4:58 pm

   Players are not tho to pay caddies – caddy get pay out of winning purse thats the deal. being an advertisement billboard is separate issue. as a players get paid by their sponsors – Tiger $55mil a year just endorsements. Caddies would always get some money to survive no matter player makes the cut or no.

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7. 

   marcel

   Mar 3, 2015 at 4:55 pm

   disgraceful!

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8. 

   dcorun

   Mar 3, 2015 at 12:13 pm

   They could have found a better place for them to go than a steel shed. If one of them was touching the inside of it during a lightning strike, he wouldn’t need to worry about the bib issue anymore but, funeral services. I believe caddies serve a purpose and have for years. I’d like to see the pro’s carry they’re own bags and instead of practicing Mon-Wed going out and getting the yardages on the course and how far from here and there it is to the green. It’s time for them to sit down and work their differences out. The Tour is starting to look and sound like Congress, no discussion, just punt it down the road for another period of time.

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   • 

     bill

     Mar 3, 2015 at 12:32 pm

     Steel shed is very safe during a lighting storm. It’s kinda like being inside a plane or a car. Same science…

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     • 

       Zack

       Mar 3, 2015 at 2:07 pm

       Planes and cars have tires which act as an insulator. Never seen a steel shed with wheels….

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       • 

         Joe

         Mar 3, 2015 at 4:01 pm

         Planes? What are the tires insulating at 40,000 feet? I know what you’re saying but the lighting is traveling through thousands of feet of air which is fantastic insulator it will jump from the frame of the vehicle to ground which is at most 1 foot. Many documented lighting strikes on vehicles and it goes right around the outside metal shell into ground.

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       • 

         bill

         Mar 3, 2015 at 9:29 pm

         I think you’ve got lighting storms confused with standing water & exposed electrical lines. Next time you Google something you don’t know anything about, you should do a more thorough job.

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         • 

           dcorun

           Mar 4, 2015 at 10:53 am

           I’m not saying the shed was worse than being stuck out in the storm but, you have to be careful about touching the inside walls, light switches and such. Even if your in a car with rubber tires, they tell you not to touch any exposed metal inside the car. Metal is a good conductor of electricity and this why being totally indoors and not in a shed or car is the best alternative.

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           • 

             Beacher50

             Mar 10, 2015 at 6:16 am

             That is mostly right, touching the steel when conducting will make you part of the path to ground, having wet feet or standing if water will only lower the reistance of the path through your body.

             I’ve worked in the Utility business for +30 years, and have seen lightning do some unbelievable things to steel and everything nearby. Yes most of time in a steel building you will be safe, if, its grounded correctly. And by the look of the temp steel buildings put up at these PGA events, I would have serious doubts about grounding adequate to take the whole lightining strike to ground, there will be branch currents through alternate paths.

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     • 

       edward davison jr

       Mar 20, 2015 at 12:13 pm

       THAT IS BS BILL, METAL CONDUCTS ELECTRICTY…READ THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE ON METAL BUILDING GROUNDING…NO DIFF BETWEEN TEMPORARY AND PERMANENT….THATS WHY THE PLAYERS WERE IN THE CLUB HOUSE WHERE ITS GROUNDED…

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9. 

   jeff

   Mar 3, 2015 at 10:57 am

   i will gladly scab this- I could use the 100 grand a year on a good bag

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10. 

    Zack

    Mar 3, 2015 at 10:33 am

    To the people saying to get rid of the caddies all together, let’s get rid of your job so we can make room for spending in other departments. Someone may have to work more but hey, you’ve got more room for spending in other places right? To say caddies do nothing for professional golfers is truly remarkable. To say caddies do nothing for the everyday golfer is also something that baffles me. I’ve caddied for guys who have knocked 7+ shots off their score, I don’t want to take all he credit but they offer it. The players will never stick up for their caddies because the tour won’t allow it, corporate sponsors catching wind of a player not playing due to his caddie not being treated fairly, that’s a monsoon waiting to happen for the players PR and the companies as well.
    The tour has money coming in from everywhere and week in and week out the caddies make 10%, which means some weeks there is no paycheck. Times change, and it’s about time the policies for caddies do too. Your move commish.

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11. 

    Roosterredneck

    Mar 3, 2015 at 10:11 am

    WHAT A SHAME PGA! I guess it’s an elitist sport and going to stay that way. I wonder it the Pros and officials would stay out in the tents or less where they want the caddies to stay during storms?
    You would think better of your fellow man and families ? Last year at the StJude in Memphis the caddies had proper protection from storms . It may depend on where the event is held. Memphis is down home people and treat others with respect and concern. They were allowed to stay in the club house , garage , pro shop and locker room all were cared for very well. Pros and PGA get off your Hams and do something NOW.

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12. 

    David Arnar Thorsson

    Mar 3, 2015 at 9:43 am

    Disgraceful

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13. 

    adam

    Mar 3, 2015 at 9:43 am

    The caddies will win this fight, if they’re prepared to strike. Those players who rely most on the caddies will force the issue. If they’re not prepared to strike, won’t mean much.

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14. 

    Vinny d

    Mar 3, 2015 at 9:38 am

    I’m going to put it right on the line. There’s been a lot of complaints already. Fooling around on the course, bad language, smoking grass, poor caddying. If you guys want to get fired. If you want to be replaced by golf carts, just keep it up.

    What do you think you should come in the grill room and have an iced tea and a burger? Please. Get on the cart barn.

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15. 

    wallyp

    Mar 3, 2015 at 9:27 am

    So, if a player’s wife is on the bag that day, he’s going to say, “OK Dear, I’m going in the nice comfortable clubhouse with the guys – You go to the tin shed with the caddies. See ya!”

    Or, will the officials say, “Oh, this is a special caddy. She is welcome in the clubhouse with the upper-class people.”

    Or if the caddy is the player’s teenaged son? Or father? Or another PGA player? Or a club member?

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    • 

      Rich

      Mar 3, 2015 at 4:15 pm

      +1

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16. 

    Krell

    Mar 3, 2015 at 9:21 am

    LOL @ a bunch of white guys making six figures complaining about being treated like second class citizens.

    That being said, make the golfers carry their own bags. Lets see how many of these “athletes” can last four days carrying their own sticks.

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17. 

    Ben M.

    Mar 3, 2015 at 9:19 am

    Bones AND Fluff have both been very outspoken about the lack of accommodation for caddies. My guess is that Bones WAS with the rest.

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    • 

      Ty Tryon

      Mar 3, 2015 at 7:22 pm

      Your “guess” is not better than my insider knowledge

      Reply Report comment
18. 

    Tony

    Mar 3, 2015 at 8:38 am

    Not allowing caddies into the clubhouse sounds like a rule from 1960. Maybe time for an update, they are humans aren’t they?

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19. 

    Tommy

    Mar 3, 2015 at 12:39 am

    I have never heard of a caddie quitting.
    I have never heard of a pro having trouble getting get a caddie.

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20. 

    Philip

    Mar 2, 2015 at 9:02 pm

    Maybe I’m missing something, but where are the caddies? From the pictures and video it is clear that 71 caddies are not in that shelter. Maybe there is more to this story than what is being presented. I wonder where the rest of the caddies are? Are they in similar sheds with dozen caddies in each? Or are they in the bar? Cannot imagine anyone being kept from spending money at a tournament.

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21. 

    farmer

    Mar 2, 2015 at 6:57 pm

    There should be a safe, secure location for caddies in a storm.

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22. 

    Jay

    Mar 2, 2015 at 5:03 pm

    Caddies are not essential or even that important to golf and to somehow make an analogy by comparing how players in the past weren’t allowed in the clubhouse to the current situation is flawed. Why are caddies treated like second class citizens? Because they ARE within the confines of any PGA Tour event. The caddies come after the players, fans, officials, volunteers, and almost everything else that is essential to running a succesful tour event. Even if you can argue that they are essential, they are easily replaceable. The caddies have no case unless they can show not being allowed in the clubhouse caused any harm to them at the honda or anytime in the past. Caddies really need to wake up and smell the coffee…

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    • 

      John

      Mar 2, 2015 at 6:30 pm

      So by your logic, until someone is hurt or killed they have no case???

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      • 

        Jay

        Mar 2, 2015 at 10:12 pm

        Of course not. The shed or whatever they were in seems plenty safe enough. Safety isn’t the issue at all, it’s the egos of some caddies thinking they are more than what they actually are. Can you name me any incident in the history of golf where a caddie (or anyone else) that got hurt or killed because they were denied access to the clubhouse during a storm?

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        • 

          Trevor

          Mar 3, 2015 at 8:33 am

          Wow. I don’t know how you made it this far. So, let me get this straight; what you’re saying is a STEEL/TIN make-shift box is perfectly safe during LIGHTNING??? Perhaps it’s time for you to visit your civic square and ask them to for a pamphlet on the dangers of lightning.

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        • 

          theo

          Mar 3, 2015 at 10:20 am

          You obviously had a run in with a caddie at some point that ruffled your feathers. You’ve posted far too many times in this thread to simply be offering an opinion. And you’re opinions are aggressive and mean spirited. 20% of the caddies on tour are millionaires as a result of their value on course. If they were mere bag handlers for the pace of play they wouldn’t be paid at that level. Nor would certain caddies like Bones and Fluff we in such demand. They are team members and should be treated as such.

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          • 

            Jay

            Mar 3, 2015 at 12:25 pm

            A CEO may have a secretary that he/she swears by. A celebrity may have an assistant that he/she says they can’t function without. Doesn’t mean those jobs or functions are essential or even that important. They are just unnecessary vices. The caddies make a good living not because of what they do but because of who they do it for. And when caddies start organizing and demanding stuff, that’s when they start loosing value to the players.

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            • 

              theo

              Mar 4, 2015 at 10:09 pm

              Terrible analogy. Secretary’s and assistants aren’t required. It’s becomes evident in this thread that your opinions and angles are not congruent with the masses, nor the caddies.

              Reply Report comment
        • 

          Rich

          Mar 3, 2015 at 4:09 pm

          That’s not the point. The point is treating people with decency. Why allow everyone in the clubhouse and not the caddies? They are being discriminated against just because they are caddies. Even if it’s not illegal, it’s not right and I don’t understand how anyone can find it ok.

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    • 

      Gerry

      Mar 3, 2015 at 10:54 am

      Those who say that caddies are not essential don’t know anything about professional golf. A caddie is not a simple mindless bag carrier, but also a part of a team and a trustworthy advisor to the profesiional. And I am shure that when one askes the pro they would allow the caddie in the clubhouse.

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23. 

    RG

    Mar 2, 2015 at 4:35 pm

    At the professional level golf is a team sport. If not let’s see what would happen if players carried their own bags and got their own yardages,etc. It’s time the caddies got the respect they deserve.

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    • 

      Jay

      Mar 2, 2015 at 5:19 pm

      Golf is an individual sport no matter what level. Even if you can argue that it is a team sport at the pro level, I don’t see how a caddie somehow is an essential part of that team. A glorified equipment manager maybe? Maybe even lower than a equipment manager since the caddie is a deadend job. At least in actual team sports like football and basketball, the equipment manager can work hard and become a coach or an executive of the team.

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      • 

        Bar

        Mar 3, 2015 at 8:40 am

        Funny, I was always told that a good caddy is worth four shots (or so ) per round

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      • 

        theo

        Mar 3, 2015 at 10:14 am

        Have a player at the next event inform the PGA that he has decided to go without a caddy and he’s carrying his own bag. Not allowed. Caddy’s are required. Since they are required, they are a member of the playing team, and based on this they should be afforded the same luxury’s as the player.

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24. 

    slimeone

    Mar 2, 2015 at 4:20 pm

    Go the Hawks!

    Reply Report comment
25. 

    graymulligan

    Mar 2, 2015 at 4:14 pm

    While I agree that they have a legitimate beef with the tour, I would like to see the math on the $50 million a year on the bibs thing. That seems optimistic at best.

    Reply Report comment
26. 

    Swang'nThemClubs

    Mar 2, 2015 at 4:03 pm

    Really, I would like to know the origins of this policy (ie, how long it’s been in effect). Maybe I’ll be flamed for this, but that policy seems likea rule that was established when people of color were permitted to work (as caddies, custodial, cooks, other labrous jobs) but were not allowed to participate in recreactional capacities the game.

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27. 

    CW

    Mar 2, 2015 at 3:33 pm

    I’d like to hear a couple of pros speak out for the caddies. But maybe not since the pros are the ones running the PGA Tour.

    Reply Report comment
28. 

    Swang'nThemClubs

    Mar 2, 2015 at 3:00 pm

    I didn’t realize this type of shennigans still occurred on Tour. This is absolutely reason to not support the organization.

    Reply Report comment
29. 

    I H8

    Mar 2, 2015 at 1:54 pm

    Anyone surprised by this doesn’t know golf’s history.

    But I’d like to take this another way; why have caddies at all? Name another game where you get an employee to help you out? The whole system is archaic and kind of silly. I get that bags are heavy, so give players push carts. Problems solved. Sure, some players will whine (like the morons who criticized the college kids with push cart….cause you know, paying a guy to lug your stuff and get all your distances is WAY more skillful or whatever) but I think this is a win win for the tour and equipment folks. More space for advertisements and whatnot. Those push carts could be like nascars.

    While we’re at it, lets switch to range finders as well. Yardage books? Really? Tech is pushed to the limit everywhere else in the game, why not here?

    And for those who would respond with “tradition” or “the old ways” BS; WELCOME TO THE 21ST CENTURY! It’s way better now. Better, longer, and more forgiving equipment. Nicer, more well maintained courses. Nicer clothing made out of breathable fabrics. Heck, we even have improved civil liberties so courses are more inclusive. It’s just better all around.

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    • 

      Scott

      Mar 3, 2015 at 12:07 pm

      Let’s see. Another sport where someone helps out? Hum. How about THEM ALL. Depends on how you define help, Managers, coaches, relief pitchers, placeholders for the kicker, etc.

      Reply Report comment
30. 

    Johnny

    Mar 2, 2015 at 1:30 pm

    If I was a fan at that event in that weather I’d gladly give my spot for a caddie. They need it more than I do since their livelihoods are on the line.

    Reply Report comment
31. 

    Golfing

    Mar 2, 2015 at 12:26 pm

    PGA is really well managed.

    Reply Report comment
32. 

    Pat M

    Mar 2, 2015 at 12:19 pm

    This is pretty disgraceful. Lightning, especially in Florida, is no joke. They should be able to make some extra month on the bib or a cap. Start treating the caddies better PGA and players.

    Reply Report comment
33. 

    Teaj

    Mar 2, 2015 at 11:57 am

    Big name players refusing to enter an event due to the way their caddies are treated would probably help.

    Reply Report comment
    • 

      Eli Yates

      Mar 2, 2015 at 12:27 pm

      I agree with you… but it seems like the pros care just as much about their bottom line as the corporate sponsors and the like… so like I said…. I think you are right but its just a question of… who is going to do this. Patrick Reed would be a good option… especially since hes got his brother in law and sometimes his wife on the bag. So lets see how he lets it go down… seeing as how hes supposed to be so bullish lol.

      Reply Report comment
34. 

    Jafar

    Mar 2, 2015 at 11:44 am

    If I was a player out there I would stand with the caddies until someone corrected this issue. What a disgrace the PGA tour is. Caddies are very vital to the professional game and can be attributed to many wins and losses. I feel ashamed that I like this game sometimes. It’s pompous crap like this that reminds me why many people hate golf. It’s always been unfair and heavily biased towards those of privilege.

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35. 

    RadioActive

    Mar 2, 2015 at 11:05 am

    Exactly Masty, All you need is a big name player to go out and say “come on boys we’re going into the clubhouse”… and who would stop them? Sounds like something that would be right in Phil’s wheelhouse…

    Reply Report comment
36. 

    cj

    Mar 2, 2015 at 11:02 am

    Player to door man: “He’s my caddy, he’s with me.” Problem solved.

    Reply Report comment
37. 

    Redhotlude

    Mar 2, 2015 at 10:54 am

    They should have them at least go under ground where they keep all the golf carts. That is where they took us one time for bad weather.

    Reply Report comment
38. 

    c masty

    Mar 2, 2015 at 10:49 am

    It seems to me that the players could fix this if they really wanted to. They hold all the cards.

    Reply Report comment

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