a day in the life of a golf caddie
Gill Sherry
Lee McAllan has been a golf caddie for over four decades. Having fought cancer twice in the last five years, he is now learning to live life to the fullest, trying to enjoy every little moment and doing his best to get back to fitness and normality.
When not on the golf course, Lee likes to visit the Isle of Arran, take scenic walks, and spend time with his regular clients who bring him lots of joy.
Self-care is a priority for Lee and his role as a golf caddie plays an important part in both his mental and physical wellness.
How long have you been a golf caddie?
I have caddied for 41 Years.
What training did you need to do?
I trained by being sent out onto the golf course with older, experienced caddies and valuable members, learning how the weather affected the ball, local knowledge of the bounce of the ball, the contour of fairways and greens, understanding yardage, communication skills, how to rake bunkers properly, replacing divots, keeping clubs clean, gentlemanly conduct, and which clubs were appropriate for certain shots/clients. There’s lots of knowledge to gather to fulfil the role of a good reliable caddie as every client is different.
What do you like best about the job?
There is so much to appreciate such as working outdoors, the views, meeting nice people and also aspiring to caddying big tournaments which is the best part of my experience and job and so much more.
Do you dislike anything about the role?
To be honest I dislike the good old Scottish weather – dealing with 40-50mph winds with heavy rain where you have to shout to communicate with the golfer verges on insanity.
What time does your working day usually start and finish?
A typical day is 7am until sundown.
Can you briefly describe what a typical day involves?
Finding out the weather forecast first thing in the morning, then finding out what clientele I am paired with for the day which determines whether I am the professional tour caddie or a tour guide, or a sports phycologist, or whether we are all just out for a stroll along the course with a friend because sometimes that is all people require.
What is your own golf handicap?
When I played my handicap was 5. Due to ill health, I haven’t played in a few years but the urge is always to go back because of my passion for golf.
Have you caddied for anyone famous?
Through the years I have caddied for many famous people and I’ve made many friends in very high places! Some of these amazing people are: Donald Trump and his son Eric, Colin Montgomery, Davis Love, Ernie Els, Jean Van De Velde, D A Weibring, Ryo Ishikawa, Rickie Fowler and Sergio Garcia. Also, so many other golfers from tournaments including the ladies and the British senior opens. Plus, celebrities like Harry Kane and Lando Norris. There are so many other people that I feel bad to leave them out!
What advice would you give to someone wanting to become a golf caddie?
I would strongly advise to make yourself as knowledgeable as possible about golf and even learning to play yourself. This will certainly accelerate your caddying ability and knowledge moving forward so that you understand fully what is required for specific shots. I see a lot of new caddies not fully grasping the expectations that are set for them, so it’s important to remain positive on the information you give and don’t overwhelm your golfer with too many negatives before hitting a shot.
What would you be if you weren’t a golf caddie?
I would probably have joined the Armed Forces.
Caddying highlight so far?
I have had many highlights, but I will list three: Having the privilege of looking after Donald Trump’s son, Eric Trump. Being paired with Tiger Woods and Lee Westwood while I was caddying for Ryo Ishikawa in the 2009 British Open at Turnberry. Caddying for D A Wybring in the 2002 Senior Open at Turnberry and equalling the course record of 63 which was spectacular. I have a lot of precious memories.
If you had to sum up your role in one word, what would it be?
