Where Have The Black Caddies Gone?

In the Jim Crow era between 1876-1965, Black caddies worked most of the country clubs, private and public courses. These venues did not allow African-Americans to have membership and the only way to be involved with the game was to work service-oriented jobs like cooks or caddies. Being a caddie was a common job for African-American men from the late 1800s to 1950s. The work was less physically demanding than jobs like working in a coal mine or picking cotton. And the pay was good. For more than a century, African Americans served as caddies at the nation's leading country clubs, as well as on the PGA circuit. Some were amply rewarded for their caddying services with a share of the lucrative purses from tournament play, and a few even managed to launch careers as professional golfers. Over 20 years ago, 85% of independent caddies were black, and even 10 years ago when they comprised about 15%. Why have the numbers dwindled? Partly because many country clubs contract companies to supply their needs instead of hiring independent caddies, and with the invention of the electric golf cart in the '60s, many country clubs don't have a need to employ caddies. African Americans had to deal with Jim Crow laws, the exclusionary practices of white-dominated country clubs and golf associations, and a torrent of slights and acts of humiliation. Most blacks were relegated to caddie quarters and earned minimum wages for maximum labor. A few gained the status of caddie master--middle management in title only. Others were employed by country clubs in various domestic capacities such as cooking, cleaning, and shining shoes. In fact, under United Golf Association rules that were put in place a century ago, blacks were allowed to carry bags for white golfers but not allowed to join clubs or compete in professional or amateur tournaments. Many blacks who had the desire to compete on a professional basis were forced to hone their skills elsewhere because of institutional racism. These men, however, were more than mere servants or bag toters. They were students of the game. A good caddie could be more important to a player than his favorite club. From the caddie ranks emerged some of the finest golfers the country has ever witnessed. The exploits of such white ex-caddies as Gene Sarazen, Walter Hagen, Sam Snead, Ben Hogan, and Byron Nelson have become legend. Less known are the achievements of black ex-caddies Charlie Sifford, Ted Rhodes, and Lee Elder. In 1896, John Shippen, at the age of 16, became the first African American to play in the U.S. Open. He started out as a caddy at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Long Island, New York. Sifford would not only break barriers as the first black golfer to play on the PGA Tour but the first black golfer to win a series of professional victories, including the Greater Hartford Open in 1967. Called the Jackie Robinson of Golf, he challenged the PGA's "Caucasian only" clause and won more than $1.2 million during his career. In 1975, another former caddie, Elder, would become the first African American to play in the Masters Tournament. Black caddies have also played an integral part in the history of the Masters Tournament. At the Augusta National Golf Club, golf legend Jack Nicklaus won his first Masters in 1972 with the assist of caddie Willie Peterson. And Carl Jackson caddied for the renowned Ben Crenshaw. In fact, before Elder played in the Masters 33 years ago, African American caddies could be found working the course full-time, providing valuable knowledge and assisting the players in their efforts to win the coveted green jacket. Non-Augusta caddies couldn't participate in Masters Tournaments prior to 1983. When officials lifted the ban in 1983, golfers began to bring regular tour caddies to the Masters. That's when black caddies began to disappear. Today, only a few black caddies regularly work the PGA Tour. During the 1980s, there were twice as many black caddies than white. Today, in addition to being replaced by golf carts and not being tapped for big-money tournaments, black caddies have been displaced by outfits like the Professional Tour Caddies Association. caddying has become more prestigious among whites, younger blacks have sharply turned against it, as they have a number of other menial jobs. Arnold Palmer in the early 1970s was one of first to hire college boys as caddies. Within 15 years, it seemed like black caddies were down to one out of 10.