Reversing Time: Senior Play and Caddies

I’ve been playing golf for more than 60 years. During certain periods of time, I played probably four times year, while others three times a week. I’m probably a classic case of a lifetime casual golfer. At one time my handicap was 18, and now I’m happy with breaking 100. My love of the game centers more on its social aspects than athletic accomplishments. I’ve played rounds with friends I remember fondly, and the laughter of great memories remains, not the particular score. I’ve played with my children, now grown, and who are still my favorite playing partners. 

My wife plays, and she and I have solved any number of family issues on the golf course. I’ve played with business contacts and enjoyed the atmosphere as well as the success a round of golf facilitates. Golf is an activity I would be very sad to give up, so my goal now is to keep playing even though I sometimes ache or become tired. I have found a way I can minimize the ravages of time and increase my playing time. The answer is quite simple. Find a way to expend less energy, conserving it for the important aspects of the game while avoiding the tiring ones which get in the way.

Here’s how it started. I was playing golf with my adult grandchildren who took it upon themselves to rake all the bunkers I went into, search in the woods for the balls I hit, or fish my errant shot out of the water. I could not believe how much energy I conserved and how much better I felt after nine holes.  So much so I suggested they keep up their helpful activities and we play 18 holes.  And we did.  

We sat around enjoying a drink after our game discussing what a special day it had become. We were together for a longer period, I felt less tired, and truth be told, I felt younger. One of the boys commented, “Pop, get yourself a caddy when we aren’t with you.” I thought about that and decided to give it a try. I did and found with all the tasks a good caddy performs I felt better, hit the ball farther and enjoyed the game much more.

​Gone was having to repair a divot.

​Gone was raking a bunker.

​Gone was retrieving a ball from the water.

​Gone was searching for a lost ball.

​Gone was wiping down a club.

Additionally, a caddy can advise you of the best way to navigate a hole, follow your ball for you, and read a green for you. All these things will improve your score, but who would have thought a caddy could slow time and make it possible for you to play more golf and for more years of your life?  

I’m a believer! 

-Cabot Jaffree Sr.