Book Review: "Who's Your Caddy?" by Rick Reilly

"Who's Your Caddy?: Looping for the Great, Near Great, and Reprobates of Golf"

by Rick Reilly

Originally published: May 2003
Paperback: 272 pages


In "Who's Your Caddy?: Looping for the Great, Near Great, and Reprobates of Golf", Sports Illustrated columnist Rick Reilly chronicles his attempts at caddying for PGA and LPGA players, celebrities, and high stakes gamblers. Reilly, with no prior caddying experience, relates his journey from terrible novice caddy to terrible somewhat-experienced caddy in his signature lighthearted and humorous style. Each chapter of "Who's Your Caddy?" is comprised of a story about Reilly's experience caddying for a specific golfer, including such notables as John Daly, David Duval, Donald Trump, and Bob Newhart. In addition to the narrative of the loop itself, Reilly provides just enough biographical and background information in each chapter so that even a non-golfer can understand the context of each individual story.

"Who's Your Caddy?" is by no means an important piece of golf literature in the same category of works such as "The Greatest Game Ever Played" by Mark Frost. It is, however, an extremely humorous and occasionally informative look at one of the often overlooked and important facets of the game - the caddy. I enjoyed the chapter on the LPGA in particular. However, I will refrain from re-telling any of the anecdotes in order to avoid spoiling the fun. And thanks to Reilly's witty storytelling skills, there is fun to be had. (On the other hand, I can't even look at John Daly in the Winn Grips commercials after the "bratwurst" story . . . [shiver!] )

The inspiring chapter on Casey Martin, current University of Oregon head golf coach and former Supreme Court litigant in a landmark case that granted him the right to use a golf cart in PGA tour events under the "American's with Disabilities Act of 1990", is worth reading for its important content. Even if you've already formed an opinion on whether Martin's lengthy fight with the PGA Tour was shameful, heroic, or much ado about nothing, Reilly's descriptions of the effects of Martin's disability warrant consideration before assessing the merits of Martin's claims.

"Who's Your Caddy?" is one of my favorite golf-related books, and it is a quick and easy read even for golfers not normally inclined to read anything longer than a scorecard or the beer menu at the 19th hole. Pick it up.