Caddy aligning players

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By andy r

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  • 19 Replies
  1. andy r

    andy r
    Cheshire, CT

    I was wondering how everyone felt about the practice of caddies standing behind players when players are preparing to hit tee shots, getting their stance alignment perfect on each shot. I know it is more common on the LPGA but for a pro on any tour I think it should not be allowed.

    Big difference between having a caddy give a read on a putt or help pick a club. Thoughts?

  2. Gabriel G

    Gabriel G
    Cedar Park, TX

    Military
    I am with you Andy, I think it leads to over thinking and tension. No problem with a caddy reading the putt, heck the golfer is doing that anyway. Might as well get some encouragement. Same with picking out a club, no problem.
  3. Ski & Tee Dave

    Ski & Tee Dave
    Philadelphia, PA

    I didn't have any issues seeing a caddie help align a player. I don't see any rules being broken in either letter or spirit. It is available for any player to do. I have no doubt that there are some players on tour who like their caddie to do it and there are others who don't.
  4. Bomber3

    Bomber3
    Lake St Louis, MO

    Military
    I have no problem with it, as long as what they are doing is within the rules. If you think about it, a caddy does more for his player than just read a putt and help select a club. Virtually all the information a players needs for a shot is provided by the caddy (yardage, wind, elevation change, pin location, etc....), so why should it matter that they assist their player with lining up for the shot.
  5. Don O

    Don O
    Madison, WI

    Agree whole-heartedly. It's a significant reason LPGA tournaments take too long to play. That is a skill the player should be required to use unassisted. At any level, it should not be allowed, it's just that we don't use caddies every day.
  6. Doug E

    Doug E
    Urbana, MD

    I could make an argument for both points of view, however, I think if I had to pick one, I would say, IN COMPETITION, like any other outside alignment aid, it should not be allowed. On the other hand, if caddies can give any and all other information and opinions to their players, then helping them make sure they are in proper alignment should be allowed too, I suppose. Guess I'm kinda on the fence on this one.
  7. Matt B

    Matt B
    Columbus, OH

    The caddy is the only person that is allowed to give the player advice on the course and it could get tricky on trying to regulate what advice the caddy is allowed to give or not. I agree that it looks bad, especially given all the time they have to practice.
  8. Chris Hatem

    Chris Hatem
    Boston

    Well everybody has the option so it is fair. I think that as long as the group is keeping up with the one in front of them, there is no issue. A caddie is half of the team. Not just someone who carries the bag.
  9. Paul P

    Paul P
    Rochester, NY

    Chris Hatem said:

    Well everybody has the option so it is fair. I think that as long as the group is keeping up with the one in front of them, there is no issue. A caddie is half of the team. Not just someone who carries the bag.

    I agree with you Chris, caddie is half the team.
  10. Chris Hatem

    Chris Hatem
    Boston

    Chris Hatem

    Well everybody has the option so it is fair. I think that as long as the group is keeping up with the one in front of them, there is no issue. A caddie is half of the team. Not just someone who carries the bag.

    Thanks Paul!
  11. Jonathan K

    Jonathan K
    Advance, NC

    I'm not a big fan of caddies aligning players to their target line. I personally believe this is a critical element of the game and wish there would be a rule change addressing this practice, however; it is legal so I don't think you can fault those who do this.
  12. Chris M

    Chris M
    Grindelwald,

    On the one hand I agree that pros should be able to align themselves right. On the other hand they still need to make the shot themselves, so aligment is only part of the game
  13. I never liked the "girls" doing it and I certainly don't like the "guy's" doing it. It looks unprofessional. steve b
  14. tdogg21

    tdogg21
    Chambersburg, PA

    Honestly, other than speed, I can't see why this wouldn't be allowed? Should they be able to align themselves? Sure. But shouldn't they also be able to read a green themselves? Judge the wind themselves? Pick a club themselves? Carry the bag themselves? It's not like the caddies are physically moving the players feet and shoulders into the correct position. He hear it all the time when a player and caddy are talking, they pick a spot they want to aim at. I don't see why the caddy couldn't them verify they are lined up correctly.

    I know in my life there have been times I've had trouble with my alignment. I think I'm aimed one way, but in reality, I'm off a little. If a player is in a funk like that, I don't see why the caddy couldn't help them.
  15. John G

    John G
    Napa, CA

    I don't like it. It adds time to take the shot, and it should be the responsibility of the player. If you go to a course that allows caddies, sure they help you read the greens and offer suggestions on clubs. But when have they ever offered to line you up on your shot?
  16. Dan D

    Dan D
    Los Angeles, CA

    I think that as long as the group is keeping up with the one in front of them, there is no issue. Caddies are part of the team. I've asked mine to do the same on a couple instances in tournaments. I think it can go both ways...it can create tension, and doubt as well, almost as if you are practicing while playing, and that sometimes doesn't mix. If its not slowing play, and a that's the players & caddies plan, I wouldnt mind it. I would almost like to hear their conversations more during tv coverages when it is done so hear them discuss & gameplan.
  17. Cole W

    Cole W
    Winter Garden, FL

    I don't have a problem with it as long as it falls within the rules and time constraints of the shot.
  18. Jim S

    Jim S
    East Point, GA

    I think lining yourself up is a part of the game that you should learn.Having someone line you up slows the game down.I am not a bi.g fan of it
  19. Jim S

    Jim S
    East Point, GA

    I am against caddies lining players up. I think lining up is part of the game. It also slows the round down.
  20. Sawyer Nix

    Sawyer Nix
    Belton, SC

    They are on the clock, so if they choose to spend the time using the caddy so be it. It is within the rules, so why not use the advantage. The tour guys have such consistent swings, that slight misalignment could let to not only shots off target, but swings that aren't with in line with their eyes.

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