One sentence summary:
“Who’s Your Caddy?: Looping for the Great, Near Great, and Reprobates of Golf” by Rick Reilly is a captivating and humorous collection of stories about the author’s experiences as a caddie for some of the biggest names in golf.
Book genre:
Non-fiction, sports, humor
Main topic of the book:
The book focuses on the author’s adventures and misadventures as a caddie for famous golfers, providing an insider’s perspective into the world of professional golf.
Key ideas:
- The importance of caddies in the game of golf and their unique relationships with the players.
- The big egos and outrageous personalities of some of the world’s top golfers.
- The glamorous yet often bizarre and hilarious experiences that come with being a caddie for the rich and famous.
- The behind-the-scenes insights into professional golf, including the politics, rivalries, and controversies.
Main parts of the book and a short summary:
- Fore!: The Pimply Years – The author’s introduction to the game of golf and his early experiences as a caddie at his local country club.
- Player’s Caddy: On Tour with the Best – Reilly’s time as a caddie for big names like Jack Nicklaus, David Duval, and Hale Irwin, and the lessons he learned along the way.
- Tour de Pants: Outrages on the Road – The author’s wild and bizarre experiences as a caddie on the tour, including encounters with strange fans, extravagant parties, and even a trip to jail.
- Caddie for Lemming: Stars and Total Saps – Reilly’s entertaining accounts of caddying for celebrities and non-golfers, such as Donald Trump, George H. W. Bush, and Sylvester Stallone.
- Loopin’ for the Ladies: Caddying for the Fairer Sex – The author’s experiences caddying for female golfers, including some of the LPGA’s top players.
- Leaving on a Jet Plane: Portfolio – A collection of stories, anecdotes, and insights from Reilly’s caddying days, providing a humorous and unique perspective on the world of golf.
Key takeaways:
- Caddies play a crucial role in professional golf, and their relationships with the players can range from business-like to highly entertaining and even contentious.
- The world of professional golf is not as glamorous and perfect as it may seem, and behind-the-scenes there are plenty of dramas, controversies, and outrageous personalities.
- Being a caddie for the rich and famous can provide both incredible opportunities and hilarious experiences, but it also requires patience, thick skin, and a sense of humor.
Author’s background and qualifications:
Rick Reilly is a well-known American sportswriter and author, best known for his work with Sports Illustrated and ESPN. He has covered major sporting events such as the Olympics, Super Bowl, and Masters golf tournament. In addition to “Who’s Your Caddy?”, Reilly has published several other books, including “Missing Links”, “Shanks for Nothing”, and “Commander in Cheat”.
Target audience:
Anyone interested in golf, sports, or humorous non-fiction would enjoy this book. It may also appeal to readers who are curious about the behind-the-scenes world of professional golf and the relationships between caddies and players.
Publisher and first publication date:
Published by Doubleday in 2003.