According to new research, a caddie can improve a golfer's performance by 30% or more if their relationship is strong. One successful partnership is between three-time major champion Padraig Harrington and his right-hand man, Ronan Flood.
Mr 30% —
According to new research, a caddie can improve a golfer's performance by 30% or more if their relationship is strong. One successful partnership is between three-time major champion Padraig Harrington and his right-hand man, Ronan Flood.
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Harrington credits Flood with winning him the British Open in 2007. With a one-shot lead going down the last, Harrington found the water twice. But Flood talked him back into the zone and he went on to win his first major by way of a playoff.
In the zone —
Harrington credits Flood with winning him the British Open in 2007. With a one-shot lead going down the last, Harrington found the water twice. But Flood talked him back into the zone and he went on to win his first major by way of a playoff.
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The following year the pair repeated the feat as Harrington retained his British Open crown thanks to a four-shot victory at Royal Birkdale. "It's all about creating your own reality when you're on the golf course," the Irishman said of his relationship with Flood.
Open for business —
The following year the pair repeated the feat as Harrington retained his British Open crown thanks to a four-shot victory at Royal Birkdale. "It's all about creating your own reality when you're on the golf course," the Irishman said of his relationship with Flood.
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Tiger Woods and his former caddie Steve Williams enjoyed a very fruitful partnership. Woods won 13 of his 14 majors with the Kiwi on his bag and hasn't claimed another since they parted ways in 2011.
Where there's a Williams —
Tiger Woods and his former caddie Steve Williams enjoyed a very fruitful partnership. Woods won 13 of his 14 majors with the Kiwi on his bag and hasn't claimed another since they parted ways in 2011.
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Williams was then picked up by Australian Adam Scott who ended his long wait for a major title at the 2013 Masters. Williams reveled in that victory. "Every player requires different things -- the most important role is basically getting your man around the course best you can," Williams said of his job.
Great Scott —
Williams was then picked up by Australian Adam Scott who ended his long wait for a major title at the 2013 Masters. Williams reveled in that victory. "Every player requires different things -- the most important role is basically getting your man around the course best you can," Williams said of his job.
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Ted Scott has the task of keeping the notoriously emotional Bubba Watson in check. The 2012 and 2014 Masters champion wears his heart on his sleeve and Scott told CNN: "You don't want him to get too excited, or too mad. It's about trying to watch him and getting back to that middle point where he plays his best."
Managing Bubba —
Ted Scott has the task of keeping the notoriously emotional Bubba Watson in check. The 2012 and 2014 Masters champion wears his heart on his sleeve and Scott told CNN: "You don't want him to get too excited, or too mad. It's about trying to watch him and getting back to that middle point where he plays his best."
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Martin Kaymer embraces caddie Craig Connelly after winning this year's U.S. Open. Research from Loughborough University underlined four pillars of a player/caddie relationship: closeness, including trust and respect, commitment, being complementary as well as open, and co-orientation, which hinges on shared knowledge and understanding.
Come here you —
Martin Kaymer embraces caddie Craig Connelly after winning this year's U.S. Open. Research from Loughborough University underlined four pillars of a player/caddie relationship: closeness, including trust and respect, commitment, being complementary as well as open, and co-orientation, which hinges on shared knowledge and understanding.
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It doesn't always go to plan, though. Welshman Ian Woosnam was tied for the lead in the 2001 British Open when his caddie Miles Byrne informed him he'd packed one too many clubs in his bag. A two-shot penalty ensued and Woosnam eventually finished third. He fired Byrne two weeks later.
Feeling Woosy —
It doesn't always go to plan, though. Welshman Ian Woosnam was tied for the lead in the 2001 British Open when his caddie Miles Byrne informed him he'd packed one too many clubs in his bag. A two-shot penalty ensued and Woosnam eventually finished third. He fired Byrne two weeks later.
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