FanNation

She really is.

Six years ago, I worked part time as the starter at a golf course less than two miles from my home. It was my weekend and summer job. Six bucks an hour to stand around for 8-10 hours a day. Then I met the caddymaster at Somerset Hills Country Club who happened to be playing at the course where I worked. I had heard that Somerset was one of the best courses in New Jersey (and the U.S. for that matter) so I asked him what I had to do to play that venerable course. It was a Sunday. He goes, "What are you doing tomorrow?" To which I queried, "Playing golf at Somerset Hills?" And so began my second life as a caddy as that next day I would not only play Somerset, but would also be asked to caddy there.

Now years later (and another fine course as well), I still caddy on weekends and full time during the summers. Overall, I love it, but it's very physical work.

I'll never forget the day after my first "loop" at Somerset. I was driving the 45-minute ride home when I called home to tell my "better half" that her knight in shining armor (yeah right) was returning back from the field of battle. She lamented the fact that it was such a long commute. "You're crazy for making that ride," I clearly remember her commenting when I got home. Then I told her how much I made. "In that case, can you go around twice?" was her reply.

Only on rare occasions do I have the opportunity to do so (and the strength). Carrying "doubles" for one eighteen hole round is a full day's work to be sure. Every so often, however, I get a chance (like tomorrow) to "forecaddie." Forecaddying is the nirvana job for all loopers. Basically, a forecaddie walks along with his group (while they ride in a cart with their bags in the cart) carrying each player's putters. Usually, we "walk forward" to spot their shots (so they don't lose their balls) and read greens. It's the best gig in the caddy business and tomorrow I'll get the chance to rest my shoulders. Oh don't worry for my wife, though. The pay is exactly the same as if I were carrying.