Sawgrass

**JulieW** · 26-08-2008, 01:02

Hi,

Has anyone been to Sawgrass?

We've booked 2 nights accom at the resort and will be playing Dye Valley and Stadim courses.

Just looking for any hints and tips...like what does the Forecaddy do and how much should we tip them?

Thanks
Julie

**MarkJan** · 26-08-2008, 13:34

A forecaddy doesn't carry the bag, thus giving golfers the best of both worlds: a leisurely ride around the course in a cart with the expertise of a caddy.

After describing the hole to the golfers on the tee, the forecaddy runs - literally - about 150 yards ahead, waving his white towel to signal that it's all clear to hit.

If the ball lands safely in the fairway, he gives the baseball safe sign. If it lands in a bunker, he'll point down. If it's lost in the woods, he'll point to the right or left.

During a typical four-hour round, a forecaddy will provide a wealth of information: the precise distance from your ball to the center of the green (168 yards, not "about 170"), how much break golfers can anticipate on their putt, whether any hidden dangers lurk, such as water or sand.

A forecaddy also cleans clubs and golf balls on each hole, tends the pins and repairs ball marks on the green.

"What do you want when you golf?" asks Brian Connor, director of sales and marketing at TPC Boston. "You want to have fun. We feel forecaddies help you play better, which makes your experience here more fun. And being a PGA Tour course, we can also, with a forecaddy, offer you the same experience that the pros have."

The forecaddies employed at TPC Boston are, in fact, pros - not high school students making a few bucks over the summer.

Take Ed Rollo, for instance. At night, he works at Sysco Inc. in Norton. In the afternoon, he coaches the baseball team at Oliver Ames High School in Easton.

But mornings, he dons the white jumpsuit and does a "loop" - a round for a group of players - for which he is paid by the course, as well as a gratuity, usually $20 per golfer.