While for some, the word “caddy” conjures images of a large chrome grille, leather seats, and a geriatric Floridian behind the wheel, for golfers, the image of Steve Williams, “Fluff” Cowan, or Jim “Bones” Mackay are far more prevalent. In the realm of professional golf, caddies are in most cases more important than any piece of equipment found in the bag. The degree to which golfers rely on their caddies varies greatly, however, their crucial role in the success (or failure) of a golfer’s career cannot be denied.

At its most rudimentary form, the role of a caddy is to lug around his boss’ bag of clubs. Form the overwhelming majority of golfers, however, a golf cart has long since replaced that role. Bygone are the days romanticized (or satirized) role of the caddy portrayed in “Caddyshack” or “The Legend of Bagger Vance.” For the most part, caddying is a lost art form, found only on the various professional tours. Extraordinary individuals, such as the late Bruce Edwards, whose life and career were documented in the John Feinstein biography Caddy for Life, illustrate the highs and lows of playing second fiddle to a professional golfer.

On one of the professional tours, whether it is the granddaddy of them all, the PGA Tour, or even the “Hooters Tour,” a quality caddy could never be replaced by a golf cart. True, the fundamentals of a caddy involve lugging a bag, judging yardage, and helping read a green. However, a professional caddy also has to wear the hat of sports psychologist, cheerleader, and trusted friend (not to mention the stylish white jumpsuits they don at “The Masters”).

In recent years the once stoic and silent role of a caddy has been challenged by individuals such as the aforementioned “Fluff” Cowan. Fluff found himself carrying Tiger Woods’ bag during the mid 1990s as he rose to pop culture icon, and was able to reap some of the benefits himself. Although neither Cowan nor Woods have ever spoken as to the reason behind Fluff’s departure from Woods’ bag in 1999, many speculate it was due to the notoriety that Fluff had gained, including endorsement deals, commercials, and autograph sessions.

Still, however, the role of a caddy can be instrumental in the success or failure of a golfer. For some, such as the duo of Phil Mickelson and Jim Mackay, the relationship appears to be extremely crucial. Mickelson relies on his caddy as much, if not more than any other golfer on the tour does. Not only does Mackay have a say in club selection, and reading greens, but he also documents nearly every shot in a notebook to use for future reference. Some golfers may have the sheer talent to effectively nullify the importance of who is on their bag, but golfers such as Mickelson take full advantage of having a teammate on the course.

Although according to founder of the Professional Caddies Association, Dennis Cone, “the feeling is out there among some caddies that it is best to stay in the background,” it is clear that the recent surge in popularity of professional golf has also increased the importance of a caddy as well.