As the final major of the year tees off tomorrow at Royal Portrush, it's clear that this tournament will demand more from caddies than almost any other. Here's what golfers who want to succeed—and caddies working alongside them—need to know:
🏌️♂️ What Type of Golfer Will Thrive?
- Links Specialists & Short-Game Masters – Royal Portrush rewards those who can negotiate firm, fast fairways and master the thick, unpredictable rough
- Smarter, Not Stronger – Low-scoring players will be the ones managing wind shifts, selecting safer lines, and trusting club yardages .
- Adaptable Competitors – With an ever-changing forecast—sunny patches one moment, heavy showers the next —flexibility is key.
🔍 Key Caddie Priorities:
- Precise Yardages – With firm conditions and "thicket" rough that can swallow balls whole, precise yardages become crucial
- Green Reading on Firm Surfaces – Run-off areas and slick, fast greens require calm, confident line-calling.
- Weather Tracking – With showers interspersed and gusts up to mid‑20 mph, caddies must stay alert, help golfers choose the right golf ball trajectory, and advise smartly
- Hole-by-Hole Strategy – From a treacherous 1st tee to “Calamity Corner” on #16, a caddie’s pre-round plan and course notes can save multiple shots
This week at Royal Portrush won’t just be a test of golfers—it’ll be a test of caddies. Your game plan, calmness under the pressure of swirling winds and dank rough, and ability to call shots accurately will make all the difference.
Good luck to every caddie and player stepping onto the Dunluce Links. Here’s to smart decisions, saved shots, and an unforgettable Open. 🍀
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