Welcome to the 11th installment of our “Caddie Confidential” series, with monthly, inside-the-ropes perspective from dozens of Tour caddies on rotating golf topics. Up this month: we take a look at the highlights and lowlights of a PGA Tour season from caddies, covering most overrated and underrated tournaments, as well as the best and worst destinations.
There are so many terrific spots that the PGA Tour visits throughout the year. But which are the absolute best of the best?
And we’re not just talking about the course. For the most part, they’re all spectacular.
We’re talking about the locale and the things you can do off the course while you’re there.
We polled nearly four dozen PGA Tour caddies to get their opinion on the PGA Tour destinations with the best off-course activities, promising them anonymity in an effort to get their most honest answers.
“I love Mexico the most,” one caddie said. “The beach, the booze the girls to look at.”
“Maui,” said another. “From whale-watching to zip-lining to fishing, beautiful scenery, unbelievable beaches, and great food. There is so much to do that you cannot do it all in just one week.”
What’s the best destination for off-course/extracurricular activities on Tour and why?
Check out this selection of responses from caddies:
Love Phoenix. Great town with everything do to. Great atmosphere!
Torrey Pines because they have the best beer.
Vega, duh.
Vegas. Enough said.
Vegas. Casinos, bars and gyms are plentiful.
Hawaii. Tons of things to do when done caddying.
Hawaii. It’s Hawaii!
Vegas? You tell me.
Hawaii. Particularly Maui. The views and the atmosphere is more appreciated by myself and the family as we get older.
Kapalua because it’s the most naturally beautiful. You can have fun off the course just going for a quick walk down to the beach or get crazy and go snorkeling, hiking, zip lining, etc.
For me it’s Hilton Head. The time of year is perfect weather and great to be outdoors and enjoy the area. It has great food venues as well.
NOLA. Music and food.
Nola baby. The food!
Valspar. Great beaches and so much going on that time of year in the Tampa Bay Area. Craft beer scene in the area is underrated and a ton of baseball games and hockey going on as well.
Personal preference is anywhere there’s a professional hockey team to go watch!
NYC Pizza.
Mexico – Who doesn’t love Cancun?
One stop I really look forward to is the RSM in Sea Island, Georgia. Not so much for the activities, but for the food. There are some fantastic spots to eat. I’d say Mayakoba for the extracurricular activities.
Los Angles. Santa Monica, Beverly Hills and Malibu are right around the corner.
Las Vegas for obvious reasons.
For me: 1. Reno/Tahoe; 2. Sony Open; and 3. Genesis Invitational.
Interested in more from our November 2021 installment of Caddie Confidential? Be sure to check out the destinations caddies on Tour dread the most, which tournaments are the most overrated/overhyped in golf and which tournaments are the most underrated.
You can view all the results from our entire Caddie Confidential by clicking here.