Ah, the life of a caddie—a mix of sage advice, heavy lifting, and occasionally witnessing the absurdities of the game firsthand. While golfers may grab the spotlight, caddies are the unsung heroes who see it all: the highs, the lows, and the downright ridiculous moments that make this game so entertaining. Today, we’ll dive into some of the funniest, most legendary caddie stories in golf history. Because behind every great golfer, there’s a caddie either shaking their head or laughing under their breath.

1. “That’s in the Lumberyard” – A Classic Ben Hogan Quip

Ben Hogan, one of the most legendary players in golf history, was known for his wit as much as his precision. During one round, a fellow golfer hit a wild, wayward shot into the woods. Without missing a beat, Hogan turned to his caddie and said, “That’s in the lumberyard.” The line was so perfectly timed and so Hogan-esque that it became part of golf lore, a reminder that even the best have their moments of humor.

2. Lee Trevino’s Snake Prank

Lee Trevino, the Merry Mex, was as much a joker as he was a golf legend. One of his most famous pranks happened during a round when he pulled a rubber snake out of his bag to scare fellow players. The caddies, of course, were in on the joke, and Trevino’s laughter echoed down the fairway as his prank successfully startled the group. It’s a story that’s been told for decades, proving that golf isn’t all about serious swings and quiet greens.

3. Jack Nicklaus and the “Three I Can Handle” Line

Caddies often double as therapists, especially during stressful rounds. Jack Nicklaus’ longtime caddie, Angelo Argea, once famously said, “Jack only hit three bad shots that round, and I can handle three.” The deadpan delivery and unwavering loyalty made Angelo a fan favorite and cemented his place in golf history. It’s a testament to the caddie-golfer bond and the humor that lightens even the tensest moments.

4. Steve Williams’ Quick Exit from Tiger’s Bag

Steve Williams, Tiger Woods’ caddie during much of his historic run, was known for his bluntness. When Tiger asked Williams to hold his putter as he switched clubs mid-round, Williams dropped it on the ground, saying, “I’m a caddie, not a valet.” While their partnership was legendary, moments like this added a touch of humor to their otherwise intense dynamic. It’s proof that even in high-stakes golf, there’s room for levity.

5. Rory McIlroy and the Forgotten Clubs

Caddies are responsible for carrying the bag, but even they can slip up. During the 2011 Hong Kong Open, Rory McIlroy’s caddie, JP Fitzgerald, accidentally left Rory’s clubs on a putting green. Rory, unaware, arrived at the first tee empty-handed, sparking a mad scramble to retrieve the bag. The incident turned into a running joke, with Rory poking fun at JP and fans applauding the lighthearted recovery.

6. Arnold Palmer’s “A Pitching Wedge and a Prayer”

The King himself, Arnold Palmer, had a knack for turning caddie wisdom into comedy gold. During one particularly tricky shot, his caddie handed him a pitching wedge and added, “And a prayer.” Palmer, with his signature grin, delivered the shot to perfection, later joking that the prayer must’ve worked. It’s one of those moments that encapsulates the humor and charm that Palmer brought to every round.

7. Phil Mickelson’s Backwards Shot, with Help from Bones

Phil Mickelson, the master of the short game, once pulled off a jaw-dropping backwards shot that left everyone stunned—including his caddie, Jim “Bones” Mackay. Before the shot, Bones quipped, “Well, this should be interesting.” The fact that Phil nailed it, with Bones shaking his head in amazement, made it an unforgettable moment in golf history and a highlight of their long partnership.

8. Seve Ballesteros and the Caddie’s English Lesson

Seve Ballesteros, one of the most charismatic players ever, once asked his caddie, Billy Foster, for the English translation of a Spanish phrase. Billy, ever the prankster, translated it incorrectly, telling Seve to say, “I love your hat” instead of “Thank you very much.” Seve unknowingly repeated the line to multiple officials and fans, causing confusion and laughter as Billy struggled to keep a straight face.

Caddies: The Heart of Golf’s Humor

Behind every incredible shot and every crushing miss, caddies are there to lighten the mood, offer advice, or pull a harmless prank. Their stories remind us that golf, for all its seriousness, thrives on moments of connection and laughter. So next time you’re out on the course, think of the caddies who’ve carried the bags—and the laughs—through history.

As a golf product reviewer, I’ve seen it all: the latest drivers, the most forgiving irons, and the fanciest putters. But while these clubs can certainly improve your game, there’s a whole other category of golf equipment that’s equally important: accessories.

The right accessories can make your round more enjoyable, more efficient, and even help you play a little better. Here’s a look at a few essential golf accessories that every player should own:

• A good rangefinder or GPS watch: Knowing the distance to the pin is crucial for accurate shot selection. A rangefinder is a great option, but a GPS watch can provide even more information, like yardages to hazards and layups.

I recommend the Bushnell Pro XE Rangefinder or the Garmin Approach S62 GPS Watch.

• Divot repair tool: It’s important to repair your divots and pitch marks to help keep the course in good condition for everyone. A divot repair tool is a small, inexpensive tool that makes this easy to do.

I recommend the True Linkswear Divot Repair Tool or the Callaway Golf Divot Repair Tool.

• Ball markers: These small discs are used to mark the spot on the green where your ball is before you lift it to repair a ball mark or putt. You can get ball markers in a variety of colors and styles to suit your personality.

I recommend the Titleist Pro V1 Ball Markers or the Callaway Golf Chevron Ball Markers.

• Tees: You’ll need tees to get your ball off the ground on most par 3s and some par 4s. There are different lengths of tees available, so be sure to choose the right ones for the course you’re playing.

I recommend the Callaway Golf Tour Tees or the Titleist Pro V1 Tees.

• Golf balls: This might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s worth mentioning. There are a variety of golf balls on the market, so it’s important to choose ones that are right for your skill level and swing speed.

I recommend the Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls or the Callaway Chrome Soft Golf Balls.

• Sunscreen and a hat: Spending hours in the sun can be dangerous, so be sure to protect yourself with sunscreen and a hat. A wide-brimmed hat will help to keep the sun off your face and neck.

I recommend the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 100 or the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat.

• Sunglasses: Sunglasses will help you to see the ball better on a bright day. They can also help to reduce glare, which can make it difficult to line up your shots.

I recommend the Oakley Flak 2.0 XL Sunglasses or the Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses.

• Comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking a lot during a round of golf, so it’s important to wear comfortable shoes. Look for shoes that are designed for golf, with good traction and support.

I recommend the FootJoy Pro/SL Golf Shoes or the Adidas Tour360 XT-SL Golf Shoes.

• A comfortable glove: A golf glove will help you to grip the club better and prevent blisters. There are different types of gloves available, so be sure to choose one that fits you well.

I recommend the Titleist Players Golf Glove or the Callaway Golf Tour Glove.

• Towel: A towel is handy for drying off your clubs after you hit a shot from the wet grass or sand. It can also be used to wipe sweat from your brow on a hot day.

I recommend the Titleist Microfiber Towel or the Callaway Golf Microfiber Towel.

These are just a few of the essential golf accessories that every player should own. By having the right gear in your bag, you can make your round more enjoyable and help yourself play your best golf.

In addition to the essential items listed above, there are a few other accessories that can be helpful depending on your individual needs. For example, if you tend to get cold easily, you might want to consider investing in a hand warmer or a rain jacket. And if you like to listen to music while you play, a portable speaker can be a great way to add some enjoyment to your round.

Ultimately, the best golf accessories are the ones that help you improve your game and have more fun on the course. So experiment with different products and find the ones that work best for you.

I hope you found this article helpful!

In addition to the above essential accessories, here are a few other items that you might find useful:

• Headcovers: Headcovers help to protect your clubs from damage during transport.

I recommend the Titleist Headcovers or the Callaway Golf Headcovers.

• Ball retriever: A ball retriever can be a lifesaver if you hit your ball into a lake or pond.

I recommend the Ram Golf Ball Retriever or the Callaway Golf Ball Retriever.

• Sand wedge: A sand wedge is a specialized club that is designed for playing out of sand traps.

I recommend the Callaway Golf Jaws Raw Wedges or the Titleist Vokey SM9 Wedges.

• Pitching wedge: A pitching wedge is another specialized club that is used for short approach shots.

I recommend the Callaway Golf Jaws Raw Wedges or the Titleist Vokey SM9 Wedges.

• Golf bag: You’ll need a golf bag to carry your clubs and accessories.

I recommend the Callaway Golf Org 14 Cart Bag or the Titleist Players 4 Plus Stand Bag.

With all of this great gear in your bag, you’ll be ready to take your game to the next level!

I would also like to add that I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned in this article. I am simply providing my opinion on what I believe are the best golf accessories available.

I hope this article helps you choose the right golf accessories for your needs.

In our journey through the rich history of golf in the series “Tales from the Greens: Chronicles of Golf Through the Ages,” today’s installment celebrates the pioneers who have shaped this noble sport. These trailblazers have not only mastered the game but also influenced its development, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire generations. Let’s honor some of these influential figures and their indelible impact on golf.

Old Tom Morris: The Grandfather of the Green

Old Tom Morris, born in 1821 in St. Andrews, Scotland, is a figure synonymous with the early days of professional golf. Morris was a four-time winner of The Open Championship during its nascent stage. More than just a player, he was instrumental in designing courses, crafting equipment, and nurturing young talent, including his son, Young Tom Morris, who was also a golfing champion. His contributions to course design, especially at St. Andrews, helped mold the very arenas in which the game evolved.

Bobby Jones: The Gentleman Golfer

An amateur who competed against the world’s best professional golfers, Bobby Jones left an indelible mark on the world of golf. He co-founded Augusta National and The Masters Tournament, creating a stage for golfing greatness. His sportsmanship and commitment to the amateur spirit of golf earned him a revered place in golf history.

Arnold Palmer: The King of the Fairways

Arnold Palmer, known affectionately as “The King,” brought golf to the masses. His charismatic personality and aggressive style of play won him a legion of fans known as “Arnie’s Army.” Palmer’s approachable persona and business acumen helped turn golf into a sport accessible to all, and he played a key role in the commercial growth of golf during the television age.

Annika Sörenstam: Redefining Women’s Golf

Annika Sörenstam, a dominant force in women’s golf, pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible in the women’s game. With 10 major championships and 72 LPGA Tour wins, her precision and consistency set new standards. Sörenstam also played a pivotal role in raising the profile of women’s golf globally.

Tiger Woods: A Modern-Day Legend

Tiger Woods’ impact on golf is profound, transcending the sport itself. His unparalleled career includes 15 major championships and numerous records. Woods brought athleticism to the forefront of golf, influenced countless with his competitive nature, and broadened the sport’s appeal across diverse audiences.

These pioneers have not only shaped the way the game is played but have also influenced how it is perceived around the world. Their stories are not just of personal achievement but also of advancing the sport to new heights.

As we celebrate the legends who have shaped golf, it’s essential to also recognize emerging talents who are poised to leave their mark on the sport. Among the promising new stars, Collin Morikawa stands out as a future legend in the making.

Join me next time as we explore how golf’s major tournaments have evolved into the global events they are today.

Thank you for tuning in to our exploration of golf’s greatest pioneers.

Warm regards, Robert Greenfield