Mark’s Kaddy Korner

Going to Work for Tom Watson

Stoic is the first word that came to my mind. Tom Watson is a stoic champion. Eight Majors that is all you have to say. In 1992 I was standing on the eighth green at Pebble Beach and looked towards the cliff. Tom was standing at the edge surveying his domain and the sun was setting behind him, very stoic. The straw hat and hands on hips created an awesome memory, now I get to work for him, what an experience.

My buddy Todd called last Monday asking if I’d like to work for Tom. That’s a dumb question; I’d caddy on crutches if necessary. He said my name was in the hat along with three others and Tom would get back to him with the decision. I liked my chances because the other guys already had jobs, and Tom knows me a little bit. He and Murph are good buddies and when Bruce Edwards was going through his ALS I talked with Tom occasionally. It was a difficult time for all of us.

I get to walk in Bruce’s footsteps alongside one of the all time top ten golfers. There is some anxiety, my stomach is churning a bit, but it’s that positive kind of nervousness, a lot like when I used to take the pitcher’s mound years ago. You weren’t ready unless there were a few butterflies swimming in your gut. Nervous tension helps you focus, concentrate on the job at hand, and block out any distractions. I’m going to need all that, Tom plays quick and he is demanding. My numbers and information better be right and expressed with confidence; no stuttering or stammering next week.

I’m Tom meeting around noon Tuesday for a 12:30 Pro-am. I’ve done all my homework the last few days via the internet and tomorrow I’ll walk the course with Todd and pick his brain. We’ve been around this course before; the 1996 Senior U.S. Open was played here. Dave Stockton won with Todd on the bag so they are reminiscing this week; that’s why I got the Watson job. Tom’s odd year caddy Neil Oxman has some health issues so Tom called Todd. Since he was committed to Dave I got the job by default. There will probably be a finder’s fee for Todd if Tom plays well. I really don’t mind at all.

The memories from Canterbury aren’t very good. Murph came into the week as one of the favorites, but on Wednesday afternoon disaster struck. Murph asked me to escort NBC announcer Bob Trumpy to his locker for some arthritis information. When I returned to the practice tee Murph’s bag had toppled over and clubs were strewn all over. The driver fell against the wooden name marker and the shaft broke. I was in deep trouble; the Callaway rep couldn’t build and exact likeness. All week long I heard, “I can’t believe we broke our f&%$#*g driver.” At least Murph was saying we, I didn’t get the full blame and lose my job.

This next week will be better, I can feel it. Murph will be there with NBC; hopefully he won’t bring the story up in front of his buddy Tom. I need all the positive vibes flowing.

There will be daily updates. Hopefully working for a legend will be as much fun for you as it will be for me.