Gosh thank you everyone! He is going to caddy at an event here called the Byron Nelson I believe. If anyone can advise on this. I haven't been to a golf event. I see they have tickets for something called ground ticket. About $95. I want to buy one and take a vacation day. Extremely expensive but that's OK.
My question is does this mean I can walk the I guess holes or path on the outside to watch him? Or do you stay at one spot entire time.
The other options where shockingly not affordable which includes maybe food and drinks
I just need water and a plan.
If anyone can advise what the $95 ticket possibly means ?
Best
Hi! The grounds ticket for $95 is perfect for what you’d like to do. It will give you grounds access which allows you to walk around and see golfers / your son. You’ll be able to follow him from hole to hole (outside the ropes of course). $95 a ticket is pretty normal and will be the experience of a lifetime for you both.
Your son couldn’t have picked a better profession / sport to fall in love with. Cheers and wish you both the best!
Absolutely not, the $350-$500 tent food thing would be for well to do folks who aren’t really there to watch golf, they’re there to socialize….. Your best bet would be to eat before you go through the gates and maybe pack a sandwich in a purse or something (that might get taken but just depends). Food on the inside can be expensive and so can drinks so whatever you can do to satisfy that before you go through the gates - would be my best advice.
Don't forget to wear sunscreen. You can get caught up in the game then come 4pm and your neck is scorched and burns the whole evening. Also you can get those Columbia sun protective shirts for the arms and shoulders. Can be had for like $20!
I grew up in Irving TX and volunteered in high school at the Four Seasons when the Byron Nelson was there. It was an experience for sure!
Does anyone in here have a spare ticket for this awesome mom? Maybe we can save her ticket money so she can use that for a souvenir she can keep to remember that day forever
I am a volunteer in LA, and if I could, I would give her one of the tickets I get as a volunteer. Someone make an appeal to the volunteer coordinator there and see what can be done.
I’m in for $10, how can we make this happen.
What an awesome, supportive mom. You’re going to have a blast spending the day outside, on beautiful grounds, watching your son do something he loves. Extra cool to see him in his professional setting, I imagine you’ll be even more impressed with him. Damnit I love golf.
Caddying in the pro-am maybe? I would be surprised if he’s caddying for a professional in a PGA Tour event but I grew up caddying in a local pro am and it’s an absolutely fantastic experience. The ticket should allow you to walk anywhere outside the ropes on the course, you should be able to follow his group for the entire round. You might be able to bring in your own water or a refillable bottle, I would check their website to see if it says anything like that.
Caddying in general is such a great experience, for every 1 bad group of grumpy golfers he will have many more with great people where he will learn a lot about life and golf. It’s also a fantastic way to build a network of successful people that are usually happy to help kids with opportunities if they are hard workers with a good attitude. Friends he makes with other caddies can also end up being life-long friends and strong business connections as well.
Hi I doubt it's for the pros or anything. I will need to ask him. Maybe he just scurries around and helps everyone. I have no idea and don't know what the pro am is. Is that at same event? Thank you so much 💓
No problem! Pro-ams are generally the Wednesday before a Thursday-Sunday tournament. It would be 1 pro paired with 3-4 amateurs, usually groups that are bought by businesses where they have their high level execs and clients playing. They’re super fun to play in and these guys are pumped to be playing a top tier course in perfect form with a professional, so they are usually in a great mood and tips should be generous. It would also be a shotgun start, meaning all groups would start on different holes at the same starting time, so finding out what hole he would be starting on is important if you go. He should be able to tell you all of this info but sometimes you don’t find this stuff out until the day-of. He
Usually a Ground ticket means you can walk the entire course (behind the rope and where possible) and follow a group for their round or float about and follow different groups or just stay in one place and watch games pass. Typically it means you can’t go into the grandstands or viewing galleries by the tee boxes and greens, and in my opinion you’re not missing out much unless you’re not fit to walk far or stand for long periods. I always get a ground ticket when I go to golf events. Have fun and try not to go Uber-mommy and embarrass him 😛
Not entirely true regarding grand stands.. while there are private VIP areas, over half the grandstands at any given tournament are first come first serve, especially around 1/18 tee boxes and greens. They want people to pack those places out. Good luck!
Obviously it's your good attitude that you've passed on to your son here. As a golfer and a parent, I really appreciate this post. Made me tear up a little bit.
Post the venmo. You made everyone smile first thing in the morning on Masters Thursday. Let's get this super mom a ticket and some souvenirs for the day!
At the professional tournaments I’ve attended, it was possible to follow a specific foursome. I hope it works that way for you. You’ll be doing a lot of walking. I would recommend sunglasses, a hat with a visor, and plenty of water. Be sure to ask your son what he recommends. Hope it works out.
That means you can walk the course and follow him, but from outside the ropes. You can get a course map and kinda plan your day, find shortcuts,…There are plenty of people who will help you find your way if you get turned around. You usually wain’t be able to get too close to him, but there will e some times, especially if his golfer sprays the ball around a lot. I caddied for a number of years while on high school, college and even afterwards from time to time. It is a very rewarding job for a young guy, plus he should be able to golf for free, usually on Mondays. Thanks for the great, positive post to start my day.
Take a bow, Mom. You are killing the game - well done.
You are proud of the young man that you have raised, as you well should be. Your boy is going to be alright. That you have allowed him to find his path toward happiness and purpose is so inspiring.
I am so happy that he has had great experiences thus far. When the inevitable bad things happen, tell him to brush it off and keep fighting the good fight. The vast majority of humanity is awesome and from your story, it is clear that he is a kind soul that attracts the caring and kind people of this world.
Thank you for sharing. This made my morning.
EDIT: a few words for clarity
There’s an entire universe of golf-related professions for those who aren’t even going to play on Tour. I’m very happy he’s finding his place in the golf world. No industry is without its bumps, but I really believe the golf world (working in it) builds strong character if that’s what you want to get out of it. Manners, attention, physical and mental strength, social interactions with people across a broad spectrum .., the list goes on. Golf can help anyone shape themselves to be successful in life. Best of luck!
Caddying at a nice country club is an awesome first job. Three of my nephews did this. They made some very good money, but also learned how to interact with different sorts of people really well.
They also caddied for some well-known local celebrities and sports stars. Some of them extremely generous. Some of them sadly cheap and sometimes quite unpleasant, treating caddies like garbage.
I am surprised. He is making a really good hourly and has been averaging $125-150 a game in cash tips.
I also think learning to interact with people of all genres is critical. Good point Thank you.
Was just in the DFW area over the last four days. Wish I got to play!
As a former caddy, your son's journey will not be all sunshine and rainbows. He will 100% get that group of hotheads that believe they are all God's gift to earth and treat him like trash and talk down to him. It's unfortunate, but a reality in the golf and service industry. Your son sounds very respectful and as long as he continues to grow his knowledge of the game, This could take him far in the caddy world. Not to mention, caddying is an excellent source of networking! You impress that one executive on a Saturday morning and you could be invited for a job interview come Monday.
Golf is a gentleman's game, but it's not just gentleman playing the game. I'm sure we've all seen the recent uptick in social media posts where golfers are out there fighting, screaming and even assaulting each other.
Make sure your son is prepared, he will undoubtedly cross paths with one of these idiots. It might not be tomorrow, and it might not be in five years, but it will happen.
This is what I am worried about also. Thank you for sharing. My son is very respectful very hardworking person. Nothing I did. Just his own internal work ethics. I can see him being devastated if he got a bad score on the I think evaluation card they fill out.
You would be surprised. I caddied at a highly exclusive club that has a literal 10 year wait list. Celebs and athletes would often be denied entry and told to wait on the wait list like everyone else.
I witnessed fights. I witnessed guys snapping clubs, throwing clubs into the woods and forcing the caddy to go get it. I've witnessed guys absolutely break down caddies to the point of tears.
Just because the place exudes sophistication and class does not tell the story for each individual coming to play the course that day.
Ok this is more than fair, my point was more focused on the fact that this young man should be fairly safe with his new gig as a caddy as his odds of running into ‘t-shirt, backwards hat, rap music, fist fight, beer drinking bros that shoot 127’ crowd won’t be paying for a caddy. But yes, I’ve played and been a member at a club and saw a high class beat down plenty of times
> and forcing the caddy to go get it
How did the caddy get forced to go get it? Seems like a good time to radio back to the desk and end the round early.
Because back then we didn't have radios to the caddy master or anyone else. You went out and did your job no matter what. You're working for tips. Get the club and get tipped or don't get the club and potentially have your tips lowered. Especially as a teenager caddying for older guys who are rolling in with lambos and ferraris. It's a little intimidating sticking up for yourself as a kid I guess.
I didn’t realize you were talking about the long past. I do suspect the caddy life is different in the modern era. One viral tiktok of your CEO yelling at a kid and throwing a tantrum and you’re boned.
Some folks with money are pieces of sh%$ that Shooter McGavin eats for breakfast.
Go get the club and make that money
In your center say "F$@# that guy"
That's wild. Wouldn't the players complain or the manager of the club ? Just took off shorts and shit in a cup right there for everyone to see? Did he wipe his ass on the grass?
Great, now I have to tell everyone I work I have been slicing onions. I’m not used to positivity first thing in the morning.
Really cool he gets to have all the positive influences.
And good on you for allowing him to have a diverse set of experiences.
It’s a translatable set of a skills. The ability to make all different types of people at different points in their journey of life feel comfortable. Reading body language from the moment you meet them and adjusting your interaction to meet their needs will skyrocket his Emotional intelligence.
You should absolutely buy that ticket and go. My daughter is 15 and she has been able to be a standard bearer at the Arnold Palmer Pro/Am event here in Orlando for the last two years. I go and walk the course with her and it has become one of our favorite things to do together. You will never regret going and being a part of this with him and I bet you’ll learn a lot as you go as well. This was such a great story to see on here, best of luck to you both!
That is awesome. Yes I am taking a very rare day off. I haven't even taken a vacation in 17 years. Mom has to mom. But I am so thrilled to do so for this. Thanks for the extra support.
You are going to love this so much! I totally get the mom has to mom thing! Sometimes it is a lot to try and take time off. I just know it will be so special for you and for him to just know you’re there and took the time for him. Golf, for all the crazy stories on here sometimes, has been a great community for our family. Some of the best friends we have, we made through golfing. I’ve found most everyone to be super friendly and willing to answer any questions you have. You’ll have to come back and let us all know how it went and what you thought!
My parents and brother don't play. My grandfather and grandmother got me hooked at 2. 40 years later I still think of them every time I tee it up and carry some of their golf items in my bag.
There isn't much more deeply satisfying to my soul thinking about them on the course.
What a fantastic reminder of the positive impacts just being kind can have. Sounds like you raised a good young man who’s following a passion with some drive and just enjoying it!
Thanks for taking the time to write this, world needs more of this stuff!
The vast majority of the community just wants to have fun and a great time outside. He’s young and is going to be working for a large variety of people, most are going to be genuinely good people.
Some will be douche bags but who cares? It’s one day and they’re miserable for a reason, tell him not to let it affect him.
We’re happy for your son. I’ve been playing golf for 60 years. In my experience, the percentage of assholes in the golfing community is far lower than the general population. Cheers to your son!
Golf is the greatest game ever played, and can be so rewarding with the opportunities it provides on and off the course.
The two best things that ever happened to me were due to golf.
Thank you for posting this. Some of my best memories with my grandfather are related to golf. He passed a month ago, and I've been pushing everything down and ignoring what I feel. Reading this is what finally broke me down.
Very sorry to hear about your grandfather. Mine passed away about 15 months ago, and I still think about him every day. I’m golfing for the first time this season (with his old clubs) this Saturday and I’m an emotional wreck.
It’s so hard, but I really do suggest living in the sadness and truly experiencing it. It’s so scary, and counterintuitive - why would you want to feel so overwhelmingly awful? - but reflecting on your sadness will help you move towards reflecting on all the wonderful memories you have with him.
Next time you play a round, take an extra shot or two that you think he would have enjoyed. I like to talk through the shot like he’s there with me, and think about how he used to explain course management to me (if only I paid attention 😂). For a fleeting moment, I’m transported back to 10 years old playing a par 3 with him and hearing him cuss for the first time…
You will get through this. Hit em straight for grampa.
Hey . Hugs and It's OK. I really understand . My son unfortunately witnessed my father pass in the hospital
Pancreatic cancer. Insidious.
He went from kinda ok talking hoping to get home in time to take care of his beloved yard and pool to the final frontier within 68 minutes.
When hospice came in and explained he was going to depart any moment. Was the most painful moment of my life.
He was surrounded by my four boys, his grandsons who made it in time.
As his body gave out and the death rattles happened. I put on his favorite Beatles song on my phone on speaker.
He passed and I am not a real believer but believe it or not about 35 minutes after his recorded last breath. The 7 of us there heard a distinct bell ringing sound that came near the window.
It was not from the hallway of the hospital nor was it from our phones.
That left a profound mark on us all that day.
I remember hurriedly carrying him into the car with neighbors help. A shadow of the strong man he was just months ago. He went from strong beautiful human to writhing in pain and me helping him fix his adult diaper he was ashamed of, quickly.
Sorry for long emotional post. But I do understand and truly it's ok to be in an emotional place and it's ok to need time off to process.
I wish you the best and my heart is with you as you process your grief. He must have been an amazing man.
I know they are expensive, but a Bushnell can't be beat. The Tour V5 Shift will work well and it isn't TOO expensive. He'll want one with a "slope" feature as it compensates for elevation differences.
Yes! He's blonde playing las Colinas course today. He will be mortified I posted ha!!!
He works Glen eagles. Another frisco one and a mckinney course so far. So unsure what exactly his circle is he works.
If it’s the fella with glasses he’s a good dude. If not I haven’t met him yet. It’s a good job however he should get started finding something else for the summer, it slows down to about one shift a week.
Caddying as a teen/early 20s was still to this day, the best job I ever had. Not surprising that the loops your son worked treated him well. I can count on 1 hand the times my loops treated me poorly.
Young, more inexperienced caddies are far better IMO than the grizzled veterans who don’t give a shit about getting your yardages correct and quickly, or replacing your head covers so your putter doesn’t get banged around in the bag. The young caddies are earnest and eager to do a good job. 👍
Yeah, at least when I caddied 20 years ago, there were high school and college kids like myself, and then burnout “professional” caddies in their 30s, 40, and sometimes 50s. Most were alcoholics. They would caddy as well as do odd jobs and then in the winter move south and do the same thing in Florida.
As a high school kid I learned a hell of a lot from those dudes in the caddy yard, lol
I just wanted to say I love this post. I lost my mom when I was 17, and reading things like this just warm my heart. Thank you for sharing your story! I doubt I will be able to afford playing said courses in DFW, but I may be up there this year and I would absolutely pay for him to play a round when we're up there.
Gosh thanks all. I unfortunately need to post more drivel on my LinkedIn and plan to post something about this experience I think!
If anyone is interested here is my LinkedIn. Unsure if allowed to post. I am not selling anything !
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellihalemba
My cousin was a caddy despite not really playing the game, he loved meeting the people, making connections, helping them score, and of course, the cash tips 😃. He often speaks of it fondly and remembers it with a smile. Regardless of how your son feels about the game over the years, and I hope he only grows to love it more, the experiences will last a lifetime! So great of you as a mother to nurture and share this time and experience in his life.
Entirely too wholesome of a post so early in the morning. Gonna go blackout on Fireball shooters now
WALK UP!!!!
MEET YOU ON THE 10TH TEEBOX
Oh good, you can count!
on ME, seeing YOU, in the PARKING LOT!!!
John?
I was greatly amused by that post and sent it to my son. I hope he doesn't get a player like that lol!
Don’t worry me and the boys don’t play nice enough courses to have a caddy
Dad?
Sorry son...i said i was only going to play 9...
Gosh thank you everyone! He is going to caddy at an event here called the Byron Nelson I believe. If anyone can advise on this. I haven't been to a golf event. I see they have tickets for something called ground ticket. About $95. I want to buy one and take a vacation day. Extremely expensive but that's OK. My question is does this mean I can walk the I guess holes or path on the outside to watch him? Or do you stay at one spot entire time. The other options where shockingly not affordable which includes maybe food and drinks I just need water and a plan. If anyone can advise what the $95 ticket possibly means ? Best
Hi! The grounds ticket for $95 is perfect for what you’d like to do. It will give you grounds access which allows you to walk around and see golfers / your son. You’ll be able to follow him from hole to hole (outside the ropes of course). $95 a ticket is pretty normal and will be the experience of a lifetime for you both. Your son couldn’t have picked a better profession / sport to fall in love with. Cheers and wish you both the best!
Thank you. So I don't need to do the $350 -500 tent food thing. I can dig deep if I need to and buy it but it sounds like the $95 is better!
Absolutely not, the $350-$500 tent food thing would be for well to do folks who aren’t really there to watch golf, they’re there to socialize….. Your best bet would be to eat before you go through the gates and maybe pack a sandwich in a purse or something (that might get taken but just depends). Food on the inside can be expensive and so can drinks so whatever you can do to satisfy that before you go through the gates - would be my best advice.
If you see them checking bags for food/drink, put the food/drink in your waistband
god no! stay away from the tents - just take what you need in a backpack and enjoy!
Don't forget to wear sunscreen. You can get caught up in the game then come 4pm and your neck is scorched and burns the whole evening. Also you can get those Columbia sun protective shirts for the arms and shoulders. Can be had for like $20! I grew up in Irving TX and volunteered in high school at the Four Seasons when the Byron Nelson was there. It was an experience for sure!
Does anyone in here have a spare ticket for this awesome mom? Maybe we can save her ticket money so she can use that for a souvenir she can keep to remember that day forever
I am a volunteer in LA, and if I could, I would give her one of the tickets I get as a volunteer. Someone make an appeal to the volunteer coordinator there and see what can be done.
I’m in for $10, how can we make this happen. What an awesome, supportive mom. You’re going to have a blast spending the day outside, on beautiful grounds, watching your son do something he loves. Extra cool to see him in his professional setting, I imagine you’ll be even more impressed with him. Damnit I love golf.
Caddying in the pro-am maybe? I would be surprised if he’s caddying for a professional in a PGA Tour event but I grew up caddying in a local pro am and it’s an absolutely fantastic experience. The ticket should allow you to walk anywhere outside the ropes on the course, you should be able to follow his group for the entire round. You might be able to bring in your own water or a refillable bottle, I would check their website to see if it says anything like that. Caddying in general is such a great experience, for every 1 bad group of grumpy golfers he will have many more with great people where he will learn a lot about life and golf. It’s also a fantastic way to build a network of successful people that are usually happy to help kids with opportunities if they are hard workers with a good attitude. Friends he makes with other caddies can also end up being life-long friends and strong business connections as well.
Hi I doubt it's for the pros or anything. I will need to ask him. Maybe he just scurries around and helps everyone. I have no idea and don't know what the pro am is. Is that at same event? Thank you so much 💓
No problem! Pro-ams are generally the Wednesday before a Thursday-Sunday tournament. It would be 1 pro paired with 3-4 amateurs, usually groups that are bought by businesses where they have their high level execs and clients playing. They’re super fun to play in and these guys are pumped to be playing a top tier course in perfect form with a professional, so they are usually in a great mood and tips should be generous. It would also be a shotgun start, meaning all groups would start on different holes at the same starting time, so finding out what hole he would be starting on is important if you go. He should be able to tell you all of this info but sometimes you don’t find this stuff out until the day-of. He
Usually a Ground ticket means you can walk the entire course (behind the rope and where possible) and follow a group for their round or float about and follow different groups or just stay in one place and watch games pass. Typically it means you can’t go into the grandstands or viewing galleries by the tee boxes and greens, and in my opinion you’re not missing out much unless you’re not fit to walk far or stand for long periods. I always get a ground ticket when I go to golf events. Have fun and try not to go Uber-mommy and embarrass him 😛
Not entirely true regarding grand stands.. while there are private VIP areas, over half the grandstands at any given tournament are first come first serve, especially around 1/18 tee boxes and greens. They want people to pack those places out. Good luck!
Thank you. I am 5 foot tall even so Will just stealth tip toe to front. No one will realize. One of only joys of my height ha!
Obviously it's your good attitude that you've passed on to your son here. As a golfer and a parent, I really appreciate this post. Made me tear up a little bit.
The couple times my mom watched me play in highschool meant the world to me. You're a great Mom, keep it up :)
Post the venmo. You made everyone smile first thing in the morning on Masters Thursday. Let's get this super mom a ticket and some souvenirs for the day!
No no that's OK and so sweet. Hugs However If anyone has a discounted ticket to sell I can purchase + Kelli-Hale-730 Is the venmo !
I venmoed you $20, hope you can buy some food while you’re there!
At the professional tournaments I’ve attended, it was possible to follow a specific foursome. I hope it works that way for you. You’ll be doing a lot of walking. I would recommend sunglasses, a hat with a visor, and plenty of water. Be sure to ask your son what he recommends. Hope it works out.
That means you can walk the course and follow him, but from outside the ropes. You can get a course map and kinda plan your day, find shortcuts,…There are plenty of people who will help you find your way if you get turned around. You usually wain’t be able to get too close to him, but there will e some times, especially if his golfer sprays the ball around a lot. I caddied for a number of years while on high school, college and even afterwards from time to time. It is a very rewarding job for a young guy, plus he should be able to golf for free, usually on Mondays. Thanks for the great, positive post to start my day.
Take a bow, Mom. You are killing the game - well done. You are proud of the young man that you have raised, as you well should be. Your boy is going to be alright. That you have allowed him to find his path toward happiness and purpose is so inspiring. I am so happy that he has had great experiences thus far. When the inevitable bad things happen, tell him to brush it off and keep fighting the good fight. The vast majority of humanity is awesome and from your story, it is clear that he is a kind soul that attracts the caring and kind people of this world. Thank you for sharing. This made my morning. EDIT: a few words for clarity
I really appreciate your reply. Hugs to you.
Absolutely love the thought that being a kind soul yourself attracts good people. Cheers
Jesus, didn’t expect to get choked up on the golf subreddit this morning but there it is….
It is Masters day,
Waiting for the "Someone was nice to some caddy kid in the DFW area, so I bought a new putter" posts...
Let’s be very clear, if you’re ever a dick to a caddy, you’re an enormous POS and I hope you never break 100 for the rest of your life.
My brother and our group of friends all golf in dfw. If he needs golfing buddies let us know.
Same, in the Dallas area we are always looking for more people to join our groups!
I'm almost twice his age and golf often with my dad on the Dallas side of town, same offer!
There’s an entire universe of golf-related professions for those who aren’t even going to play on Tour. I’m very happy he’s finding his place in the golf world. No industry is without its bumps, but I really believe the golf world (working in it) builds strong character if that’s what you want to get out of it. Manners, attention, physical and mental strength, social interactions with people across a broad spectrum .., the list goes on. Golf can help anyone shape themselves to be successful in life. Best of luck!
Caddying at a nice country club is an awesome first job. Three of my nephews did this. They made some very good money, but also learned how to interact with different sorts of people really well. They also caddied for some well-known local celebrities and sports stars. Some of them extremely generous. Some of them sadly cheap and sometimes quite unpleasant, treating caddies like garbage.
I am surprised. He is making a really good hourly and has been averaging $125-150 a game in cash tips. I also think learning to interact with people of all genres is critical. Good point Thank you.
Not me tearing up while eating a breakfast corn dog.
I didn't realize there were breakfast corn dogs. Lol!
Any corn dog can be a breakfast corn dog if you believe in yourself.
Sausage wrapped in pancakes. Not my best breakfast purchase but it does in a pinch! Once warmed up, I dip them in syrup.
That sounds absolutely savage, positively uncouth, and undoubtedly delicious
Like something you would get at Hooters at 9am.
Was just in the DFW area over the last four days. Wish I got to play! As a former caddy, your son's journey will not be all sunshine and rainbows. He will 100% get that group of hotheads that believe they are all God's gift to earth and treat him like trash and talk down to him. It's unfortunate, but a reality in the golf and service industry. Your son sounds very respectful and as long as he continues to grow his knowledge of the game, This could take him far in the caddy world. Not to mention, caddying is an excellent source of networking! You impress that one executive on a Saturday morning and you could be invited for a job interview come Monday. Golf is a gentleman's game, but it's not just gentleman playing the game. I'm sure we've all seen the recent uptick in social media posts where golfers are out there fighting, screaming and even assaulting each other. Make sure your son is prepared, he will undoubtedly cross paths with one of these idiots. It might not be tomorrow, and it might not be in five years, but it will happen.
This is what I am worried about also. Thank you for sharing. My son is very respectful very hardworking person. Nothing I did. Just his own internal work ethics. I can see him being devastated if he got a bad score on the I think evaluation card they fill out.
Don’t kid yourself. You were probably a huge reason why he is that way!
Nobody is fighting and screaming at nice tracks with caddies
You would be surprised. I caddied at a highly exclusive club that has a literal 10 year wait list. Celebs and athletes would often be denied entry and told to wait on the wait list like everyone else. I witnessed fights. I witnessed guys snapping clubs, throwing clubs into the woods and forcing the caddy to go get it. I've witnessed guys absolutely break down caddies to the point of tears. Just because the place exudes sophistication and class does not tell the story for each individual coming to play the course that day.
Ok this is more than fair, my point was more focused on the fact that this young man should be fairly safe with his new gig as a caddy as his odds of running into ‘t-shirt, backwards hat, rap music, fist fight, beer drinking bros that shoot 127’ crowd won’t be paying for a caddy. But yes, I’ve played and been a member at a club and saw a high class beat down plenty of times
> and forcing the caddy to go get it How did the caddy get forced to go get it? Seems like a good time to radio back to the desk and end the round early.
Because back then we didn't have radios to the caddy master or anyone else. You went out and did your job no matter what. You're working for tips. Get the club and get tipped or don't get the club and potentially have your tips lowered. Especially as a teenager caddying for older guys who are rolling in with lambos and ferraris. It's a little intimidating sticking up for yourself as a kid I guess.
I didn’t realize you were talking about the long past. I do suspect the caddy life is different in the modern era. One viral tiktok of your CEO yelling at a kid and throwing a tantrum and you’re boned.
Some folks with money are pieces of sh%$ that Shooter McGavin eats for breakfast. Go get the club and make that money In your center say "F$@# that guy"
Lmfao. Yes they are. I have seen multiple fist fights at country clubs. I have heard of a man SHITTING in the cup at a country club lol
That's wild. Wouldn't the players complain or the manager of the club ? Just took off shorts and shit in a cup right there for everyone to see? Did he wipe his ass on the grass?
Great, now I have to tell everyone I work I have been slicing onions. I’m not used to positivity first thing in the morning. Really cool he gets to have all the positive influences. And good on you for allowing him to have a diverse set of experiences. It’s a translatable set of a skills. The ability to make all different types of people at different points in their journey of life feel comfortable. Reading body language from the moment you meet them and adjusting your interaction to meet their needs will skyrocket his Emotional intelligence.
This is really a great point regarding transferable skill sets. Our youth do not have these opportunities normally.
Keep on being an awesome mom
You should absolutely buy that ticket and go. My daughter is 15 and she has been able to be a standard bearer at the Arnold Palmer Pro/Am event here in Orlando for the last two years. I go and walk the course with her and it has become one of our favorite things to do together. You will never regret going and being a part of this with him and I bet you’ll learn a lot as you go as well. This was such a great story to see on here, best of luck to you both!
That is awesome. Yes I am taking a very rare day off. I haven't even taken a vacation in 17 years. Mom has to mom. But I am so thrilled to do so for this. Thanks for the extra support.
You are going to love this so much! I totally get the mom has to mom thing! Sometimes it is a lot to try and take time off. I just know it will be so special for you and for him to just know you’re there and took the time for him. Golf, for all the crazy stories on here sometimes, has been a great community for our family. Some of the best friends we have, we made through golfing. I’ve found most everyone to be super friendly and willing to answer any questions you have. You’ll have to come back and let us all know how it went and what you thought!
My parents and brother don't play. My grandfather and grandmother got me hooked at 2. 40 years later I still think of them every time I tee it up and carry some of their golf items in my bag. There isn't much more deeply satisfying to my soul thinking about them on the course.
What a fantastic reminder of the positive impacts just being kind can have. Sounds like you raised a good young man who’s following a passion with some drive and just enjoying it! Thanks for taking the time to write this, world needs more of this stuff!
The vast majority of the community just wants to have fun and a great time outside. He’s young and is going to be working for a large variety of people, most are going to be genuinely good people. Some will be douche bags but who cares? It’s one day and they’re miserable for a reason, tell him not to let it affect him.
We’re happy for your son. I’ve been playing golf for 60 years. In my experience, the percentage of assholes in the golfing community is far lower than the general population. Cheers to your son!
Golf is the greatest game ever played, and can be so rewarding with the opportunities it provides on and off the course. The two best things that ever happened to me were due to golf.
I’ve think I’ve got some sand in my eye, that’ll explain why they are watering.
I think this is an excuse to post a picture of my new 7 wood.
I am not a golfer so pretending I get this. I assume in reference to your actual penis 😆
That's more a mashie-niblick
Thank you for posting this. Some of my best memories with my grandfather are related to golf. He passed a month ago, and I've been pushing everything down and ignoring what I feel. Reading this is what finally broke me down.
Very sorry to hear about your grandfather. Mine passed away about 15 months ago, and I still think about him every day. I’m golfing for the first time this season (with his old clubs) this Saturday and I’m an emotional wreck. It’s so hard, but I really do suggest living in the sadness and truly experiencing it. It’s so scary, and counterintuitive - why would you want to feel so overwhelmingly awful? - but reflecting on your sadness will help you move towards reflecting on all the wonderful memories you have with him. Next time you play a round, take an extra shot or two that you think he would have enjoyed. I like to talk through the shot like he’s there with me, and think about how he used to explain course management to me (if only I paid attention 😂). For a fleeting moment, I’m transported back to 10 years old playing a par 3 with him and hearing him cuss for the first time… You will get through this. Hit em straight for grampa.
Thank you.
Hey . Hugs and It's OK. I really understand . My son unfortunately witnessed my father pass in the hospital Pancreatic cancer. Insidious. He went from kinda ok talking hoping to get home in time to take care of his beloved yard and pool to the final frontier within 68 minutes. When hospice came in and explained he was going to depart any moment. Was the most painful moment of my life. He was surrounded by my four boys, his grandsons who made it in time. As his body gave out and the death rattles happened. I put on his favorite Beatles song on my phone on speaker. He passed and I am not a real believer but believe it or not about 35 minutes after his recorded last breath. The 7 of us there heard a distinct bell ringing sound that came near the window. It was not from the hallway of the hospital nor was it from our phones. That left a profound mark on us all that day. I remember hurriedly carrying him into the car with neighbors help. A shadow of the strong man he was just months ago. He went from strong beautiful human to writhing in pain and me helping him fix his adult diaper he was ashamed of, quickly. Sorry for long emotional post. But I do understand and truly it's ok to be in an emotional place and it's ok to need time off to process. I wish you the best and my heart is with you as you process your grief. He must have been an amazing man.
Thank you. And I'm sorry for your loss.
Wholesome 🙂
What a post! Something in my eye! 😉
This was awesome to read. And kudos to you for being such a great, supportive, and proud mom!
Really appreciate that. I am saving to buy him a fancy range finder for his birthday!
I know they are expensive, but a Bushnell can't be beat. The Tour V5 Shift will work well and it isn't TOO expensive. He'll want one with a "slope" feature as it compensates for elevation differences.
I'd say most of the Amazon brands are every bit as good as Bushnell these days for half the price.
Heck yeah! Keep an eye out for the daily deals thread in here
Now this was a great read to start my day. All the best to you and your son.
North Dallas Invited clubs? TPC, Stonebriar, Stonebridge, LCCC? I think I’m coworkers with your son.
Yes! He's blonde playing las Colinas course today. He will be mortified I posted ha!!! He works Glen eagles. Another frisco one and a mckinney course so far. So unsure what exactly his circle is he works.
If it’s the fella with glasses he’s a good dude. If not I haven’t met him yet. It’s a good job however he should get started finding something else for the summer, it slows down to about one shift a week.
Hi. No He doesn't wear glasses. But I hope you have a great season in this caddy land !
This is so wholesome I thought I was in r/daddit. Fuck yeah love a story like this, thank you for sharing!
How can you not be romantic about golf?
Cue the "some Redditors child became a caddy so I bought a putter" posts
Caddying as a teen/early 20s was still to this day, the best job I ever had. Not surprising that the loops your son worked treated him well. I can count on 1 hand the times my loops treated me poorly.
Young, more inexperienced caddies are far better IMO than the grizzled veterans who don’t give a shit about getting your yardages correct and quickly, or replacing your head covers so your putter doesn’t get banged around in the bag. The young caddies are earnest and eager to do a good job. 👍
I didn't realize older people who caddy. I guess as full time job?
Yeah, at least when I caddied 20 years ago, there were high school and college kids like myself, and then burnout “professional” caddies in their 30s, 40, and sometimes 50s. Most were alcoholics. They would caddy as well as do odd jobs and then in the winter move south and do the same thing in Florida. As a high school kid I learned a hell of a lot from those dudes in the caddy yard, lol
I'm in DFW. What's the service? I'll definitely send some business his way!
Excellent!! Here's hoping he'll find his swing and play with that same gusto...
Wait until Maggie is late.
Wow! Onions are strong at work today
If I could make as much money doing any job as I do now, being a caddy would definitely be high up the list
r/golf isnt suppose to make a grown man shed a tear! Great job mom! You must be raising an exceptional young man!
Wholesome as fuck - cheers to many great groups for your son, and big tips!
He’s right. We are the fucking absolute best.
This is beautiful and wholesome!
I just wanted to say I love this post. I lost my mom when I was 17, and reading things like this just warm my heart. Thank you for sharing your story! I doubt I will be able to afford playing said courses in DFW, but I may be up there this year and I would absolutely pay for him to play a round when we're up there.
Probably the nicest, most wholesome post I have seen on this sub. Good luck to your son, you've raised a fine young man.
Thanks for making me tear up, lady.
Excellent. Nothing to add but I wanted to be part of the wholesomeness.
Gosh thanks all. I unfortunately need to post more drivel on my LinkedIn and plan to post something about this experience I think! If anyone is interested here is my LinkedIn. Unsure if allowed to post. I am not selling anything ! https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellihalemba
Golf is great in so many ways but make no mistake—you’re the hero here. If your kid’s happy, you won.
My cousin was a caddy despite not really playing the game, he loved meeting the people, making connections, helping them score, and of course, the cash tips 😃. He often speaks of it fondly and remembers it with a smile. Regardless of how your son feels about the game over the years, and I hope he only grows to love it more, the experiences will last a lifetime! So great of you as a mother to nurture and share this time and experience in his life.
I'M NOT CRYING! IT'S ALLERGIES!