Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/1492979
Caddies Creating Wonderful Experiences At The Pete Dye Golf Course We had a chance to talk more with our caddie, Tim Walls, following our round at The Pete Dye Golf Course about his experiences as a caddie---and I also followed up with him on the phone to get more details. I was impressed with Tim's infectious enthusiasm and sheer joy to be out there with us on this incredibly challenging and beautiful golf course, and I wanted to know more about being a caddie at French Lick Resort and what it takes to be the best. Tim is from French Lick, Indiana and went to French Lick Springs Valley High School, so he is a wealth of local knowledge about French Lick's history---as well as being an avid golfer himself, and a caddie at the Pete Dye Course for the past 13 years. Tim also happens to be the caddie with the most years currently working at the Pete Dye Course. He has been there since the first day the golf course opened in the spring of 2009. So how did Tim become a caddie? A friend of Tim's -- Dave Harner (currently Director of Golf Operations at French Lick) told Tim about the resort's interest in starting a caddie program at The Pete Dye Course. He was told to show up with others who were interested. He did and got the job! At that time, there was no formal caddie training program, and he was told to get out there and "learn on your own". Tim worked hard and learned by the "school of hard knocks." Tim played golf and knew golf etiquette, so that was a plus. Tim indicated that having local area knowledge, being an avid golfer himself, as well as knowing the golf course, its history, and golf etiquette in general, helped him excel as a caddie. Tim also told us that he likes to watch the golfers at the driving range warming up before they tee off. That gives him an indication of what type of golfer they are and how they may play the golf course. He knows that some players are good, and others are not; however, each golfer comes to celebrate a special event or to experience the beauty and challenge of this magnificent golf course. Many have never played the course before. He is the "concierge" of the Pete Dye Golf Course, and he is there to cater to the needs of his golfers as well as create a personal experience and special memories for them. He also said that he gives advice on the course if he sees you are struggling with the same bad shot or bad direction. He offers his help and wants you to have fun. Also, if you continue to hit your shot right or left and it continues to find the fescue, it makes for a long round for both him and the golfers! GOLF NOW! Chicago 57