SYLVANIA, Ohio — Whether you've known your caddie for two days or two years, their presence is a crucial part to a golfer's game.
Rogers high school alum Brandon Jackson has been a caddie for 16 years, but will be caddying for Auston Kim for the first time this week
"I'm always looking forward to meeting new people," he said. "It takes a lot of patience, I would say not trying to overstep the player and just kind of let them use their feels. There's a reason why they're some of the best players in the world and just kind of let them take the lead and whenever they need help just step in."
Responsibilities range from packing specific snacks, to knowing the right thing to say.
"Lot of snacks in the bag. Make sure they're hydrated and also sugar's right, and food and everything," Jackson said. "But range finders, some towels, rain gear. Stuff like tees, balls. All types of stuff."
On the flip side, Hadley Trenfield has been Maja Stark’s caddie for two years and said their best-friend-like relationship contributes to her game.
"I think respect both ways-you have to get along with each other, you spend so much time with each other, it's like a marriage," he said. "You have to know when your player is nervous and what to say, when to say certain things. Keep them calm and keep them in the moment. Just keep playing."
However, no matter how long the relationship the standard remains the same.
"People always say 'good job' when your player's shot 8-under, and really that's one of the easiest days you could ever have," Trenfield said. "But getting your player around when she's not quite on it and struggling, if you can still shoot 2 or 3-under and not over par, so then I would say good job."
He added that knowing where your misses are and the best places to set up helps as well.
The 40th anniversary of the LPGA Dana Open tees off Thursday morning at Highland Meadows Golf Club in Sylvania.
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