Welcome to the fourth installment of our “Caddie Confidential” series, with monthly, inside-the-ropes perspective from dozens of Tour caddies on rotating golf topics. Up this month: insights from caddies about the season’s first major championship — the Masters Tournament.
The Masters Tournament has so many incredible traditions.
First and foremost for golfers everywhere, it marks the unofficial start of the spring season. For those contestants lucky enough to earn an invitation, there’s the drive down Magnolia Lane. There’s the Wednesday Par-3 Contest (which, unfortunately, won’t be played this year). There’s the Champions Dinner. The green jacket. The ceremonial opening tee shots. For defending champ Dustin Johnson, it’s the sandwiches. And that’s just to name a few.
“For me it’s watching and listening to Jim Nantz!” one caddie told us. “ ‘Hello, friends.’ A true gentleman and professional. He always finds ways to make caddies feel like they are important to him, the game and their broadcast. Total class.”
But what’s the best Masters tradition of all? We surveyed dozens of caddies to find out. This is what they told us …
The best Masters tradition is …
Check out this selection of responses from caddies:
It’s got to be the Par-3 event with players bringing their little kids out to caddie in the mini caddie jumpsuits.
For me, it’s the first tee shot by veteran champions. Never gets old.
Charley Hoffman round one leader prop bet jokes.
It’s the back nine roars from the crowd on Sunday. It gives you chills.
It’s got to be the green jacket.
The Par-3 Contest because caddies get time off.
The patrons. They are the most well behaved/knowledgeable fans in golf. They never have to be told to be quiet or stop moving.
The Champions Dinner. Who wouldn’t want a seat at that table?
How good the caddie treatment in the caddie house is!
The Sunday roars.
No cell phones. No cameras. Numbers on the jumpsuit.
The first tee announcer saying, “Fore, please.” I love that.
Being the first major of the year.
Cheap beer.
That it’s the only major played at the same venue every year.
The opening tee shots from the honorary starters is the coolest.
Skipping the ball across the pond on 16 during practice rounds.
Egg salad sandwiches.
Interested in more from our April 2021 installment of Caddie Confidential? Be sure to check out what caddies think about golf’s biggest events being played in the absence of fans, as well as whether or not they think the Masters is overrated.
You can view all the results from our entire Caddie Confidential by clicking here.