You don’t doubt Annika Sorenstam’s green reading ability, right? If the 10-time major winner was caddying for us recreational golfers, we would likely listen and soak in all the advice. And even if the results are not at par (pun intended), it’s more on us than on her, right? Well, not for everyone.
Not for young Will McGee, Annika Sorenstam’s 13-year-old son, who was a little bit frustrated with his mother’s green reading after a missed putt. Of course, the youngster has some leeway here, because the 10-time major champion is first her mother then a Hall of Famer. So, here is what happened as told by PGA Tour pro, Michael S Kim.
Sorenstam was caddying for her kid at a junior event. As was Charles Howell III for his son. Now hear from Kim, “At one point, Annika gave her son a read on a putt. Her son hits the putt and it misses high and her son says ‘I knew the read was too high!’ Charles took a chuckle and thought even the [Goat emoji] gets gripe about her advice by her kids.”
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USA Today via Reuters Dec 17, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; Annika Sorenstam (left) watches as her husband Mike McGee hugs their son Will McGee (bottom right as they approach the 18th green during the PNC Championship at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Hilarious, right? Your putting skill is ‘questioned’ even though you have 72 LPGA Tour titles to show for it. But how does a wholesome and funny story spark a debate? Well, it’s because of what Michael S Kim said next. That he is against kids having caddies. And most users agree with him on that.
Michael S Kim’s hot take puts Annika Sorenstam in a spot
Michael S Kim tweeted, “For the super young like 8 or under, having one adult scorer that can help out with certain rules is more than enough on a par3 course. I think having caddies can slow down a kids (sic!) golf development.” However, some users opined that having a caddie early on helps in course management. Learn the little nuances that only an experienced adult can bring.
Take this user, who wondered, “I never had a Caddie when I started playing but always thought it would have been interesting to have one to speed up the learning of course management.” Others, however, sided with Michael S. Kim on the matter.
It’s good to encourage the kids from outside the ropes. But their take was to let the kids be kids and learn from their mistakes. Even though lugging a bag might be difficult, it will inculcate great values and help them understand the tough job caddies have to do.
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Some believed having a looper early on in life can actually make them rely on others’ inputs more. And consequently, acquire the bad habit of blaming your caddy for a bad shot. One user tweeted, “Most competitive kids can be self-sufficient by at least 10. Parents can still hand them food and drinks but shouldn’t be allowed to caddy IMO (in my opinion).” Another seconded that. “No kidding, leave the kids alone and let um (sic!) have fun.”
Interestingly, parents have described caddying for their children as a fulfilling and rewarding experience. It’s something that helped them bond with their kids better. While that’s certainly a fact, some users believe that after a certain age (7-10), that should be stopped. Their advice? “The quicker you can get off their bag, the better.”
The major gripe for most average golfers was, by what logic can a PGA Tour have someone to carry his bag but not a 12-year-old kid? “Couldn’t disagree more. If a 9-year-old is good to carry his bag, I know 125 guys with cards who REALLY should be able to do so (just like the college kids),” wrote one of them.
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Kim explained that the pros do it for two dozen events a year, four days a week. And that’s their career on the line, whereas, for the young kids, it should be about learning on their own instead of relying on someone’s input. It didn’t convince everyone.
Notably, Tiger Woods caddied for his son, Charlie, last year before his comeback. But more recently, he has been a spectator rather than his looper. As for commoners, the debate is still ongoing. What’s your take?