Man’s Love for Golf and Family: The Golfer’s Circle of Life

For me personally, I started at age 13 (caddying). It was a great way to earn summer money. I would caddy one day, make my $22.50 and go play golf the next day, then repeat. Weekend would come and I could get out twice, make $50 which was huge in late 80's.

As I got a little older it presented opportunities in the form of the Evan’s scholarship, which could pay full ride to college. I applied, was not selected, but it was a great advantage to have to go through an interview process, essay writing, and more at age of 17. Plus, I met many friends who did end up as Evan’s scholars, which made it nice when I did go away to college.

 “The possibilities were endless. It taught you how to be professional, how to learn to navigate the world you were about to enter.”

Then there is the networking part of caddying. I grew up at a nice club on South Side of Chicago, where there were many well to do people in downtown Chicago. If you wanted some sort of clerking internship at Board of trade, you had plenty of people to impress to get that. Want to work at top 6 accounting firm? Want some advice on med school? The possibilities were endless. It taught you how to be professional, how to learn to navigate the world you were about to enter. I know kids who had their attempt at mini tours sponsored by members, 18-year-old kids eating out at $200 steak houses because members were bored and wanted some company. That’s what it did for me.

 “Of course, there are fond moments, crazy moments, cool golf moments, and more.”

I would say my most fond moment would be at old club, there was an 80+ year old member that played maybe once a year. His son was the main member now, 3x a week, nice guy. One Tuesday afternoon, they both came out, joined by grandson. Grandson was a decent stick, so it alleviated my worries about a long round. The Old man would have me pick up after about 5-6 shots then drop it on the green so he could putt. Day went on, came to realize it was his first time playing with his grandson, since he barely made it out anymore. So, I thought it was cool. They laughed, encouraged each other all day. I simply kept pace moving, no scores were being kept.

Went on as a nice day, shook 3 pairs of hands at end, tell them it was enjoyable round, hope to see them again.

2 weeks later, got regular member (dad) on a Saturday morning, not uncommon. Kind of a regular loop. He goes on to tell me that his dad (grandpa) passed away that Friday after they played. He was happy that he got to play once with both his dad and son and thanked me for all the help in making it an enjoyable day, doing all the work so they can simply enjoy their round together not knowing it was the one and only time.

After 36 years of Caddying, that story always stuck with me, and I think about it each time I even see generations playing together in later weekday afternoon rounds.

-Jeff C