Welcome to the second installment of our 2022 “Caddie Confidential” series, with monthly, inside-the-ropes perspective from dozens of Tour caddies on rotating golf topics. In this edition, caddies share their least favorite golf stops along the West Coast swing.
After leaving Hawaii to start the year and heading back to the mainland, the PGA Tour’s West Coast Swing — a five-tournament stretch beginning with The American Express and ending with the Genesis Invitational at Riviera — is contested.
In this edition of Caddie Confidential, we polled nearly three dozen caddies to hear which places along the West Coast are their least favorite.
CADDIE CONFIDENTIAL: Our 2022 archive page for monthly Caddie Confidential topics
To much surprise, Pebble Beach was the most common answer.
“The course is great but the weather is always cold and rainy. Needs to be moved on our schedule,” one caddie said.
The Phoenix Open was another popular opinion with its wild crowds.
Here’s a look at the responses from our caddies, who we promised anonymity in an effort to get their most honest answers.
Which is the worst stop on the West Coast Swing?
Check out this selection of responses from caddies:
I’d say Pebble, if I have to pick a least best. The weather is usually the least best of the west coast swing. Other than that it’s really a wonderful place and a good week nonetheless.
Phoenix Open.
San Diego.
Pebble Beach.
American Express… too many golf courses.
There isn’t one.
Monterrey.
Pebble if the weather is bad.
Phoenix Open because it’s an over the top party. Fans and the cold mornings knock it down to the bottom for me.
Phoenix. It’s become a shit show with the crowds.
Los Angeles without a doubt.
None.
The American Express.
Palm Springs.
Torrey Pines.
AT&T Pebble Beach.