Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Pebble Beach and Northern Trust Practice

Last week at Pebble was perfect. I want to thank Harry and Margaret Robinson for once again inviting me into their home for the week. It's always special when I'm able to stay with friends and on top of that, the weather was perfect. I could not have asked for a better week.

As everyone already knows, Kevin shot five under for three days (73, 68, 69) and missed the cut by a shot. He continues to play solid but failing to take advantage of the scoring opportunities. I feel most of it is due to not making putts. It then carries into the short game and eventually into the iron game. Confidence is a strong thing and when it's not around, even the best will struggle.

As for this week, we both spent Sunday traveling from Pebble to LA. I left Harry's house Sunday morning and took the six hour drive down the coast and arrived mid afternoon. JT (Kevin's instructor) also flew in on Sunday night so we all met Monday to start our prep for this week. Our focus this week was on the wedge game, short game and putting. Tuesday we played a practice round with Lucas Glover, Scott Brown and Andres Gonzales. Then today was our normal Wednesday practice day. Since we tee off Thursday at 6:40, we decided to get our work in early today so Kevin could rest up for the early start tomorrow. 


Sunday, February 8, 2015

Caddies vs PGA Tour lawsuit

I am sure by now that everyone has heard about, read about, and most likely formed an opinion about the lawsuit that was filed by caddies against the PGA Tour last week. Since I am part of this lawsuit, I feel it is best that I do not say too much about it, however, I do want to clarify a few things and I hope this answers any questions.

About a year ago, the caddie association (APTC) had a meeting and we asked our board to look into a few areas that would help all the caddies. These areas were 1) better/more consistent facilities each week. Pressing issues included; a bathroom with running water, timely shuttles when required to park off site, shelter during storm delays for all caddies and their families. 2) check on healthcare and retirement plans.


As our board moved forward with our request, they were continuously met with empty responses from the Tour. They told Tour executives the caddies wanted an opportunity to fund a retirement and healthcare plan and the caddie bib was the best avenue to raise these fundsThe Tour said NO. So we asked for a small portion of the bib. This would give us an opportunity to sell space on the bib to raise much needed money to fund these plans. In exchange, the caddies would continue to wear the bib and happily help promote professional golf, allowing the caddies to secure retirement and healthcare and fund it while wearing the bib. The Tour once again said NO..."the bib is off the table". This didn't seem right. We feel like the Tour is taking advantage of the caddies and requiring caddies to serve as human billboards without compensation, therefore, preventing caddies from entering into endorsement contracts of our choosing. So, after numerous meeting and hard work by the APTC, it has become clear the Tour is not willing to work with the caddies.


This brings us to where we are today and it needs to be known that the caddies have no intention to involve the players. The player retirement programs and weekly purses will not be affected in any way by the funding from the Tour of any program to support caddies. The caddies simply want the right to fund needed healthcare and retirement plans.


I hope this helps with any questions. Thanks in advance for respecting my position.