St. Andrews Caddie GoFundMe Project

GolfSpy Barbajo · April 22, 2020

I really hesitated before deciding to put this up here. There are a TON of people hurting right now, no matter what country you're in, and it's human nature to want to help out the people on the homefront first, so please take this in which the spirit it's being given...

Brett Murray was my caddie for two rounds at St. Andrews when my cousin and I made the trek over there last year, and getting to meet Brett was truly my good fortune. He was an excellent companion and an outstanding caddie who helped me shoot better than maybe I should have, especially during my second round. Anyway, Brett and I have kept in touch over the past year, and he emailed me this morning about a GoFundMe set up by Fraser Riddler, the caddie master and St. Andrews, to help St. Andrews caddies who've been out of work for nearly a month now. For most of these guys, it's their primary source of income and right now, it's dead.

Anyway, I get that there are plenty of worthy charities deserving of our help, and in no way am I suggesting this is more important than any others. But when you know a guy and can call him a friend, you want to help him out in tough times. Anyway, here's the link and the info:

(If you do choose to donate, the site is in British Pounds - right now 1 Pound is worth $1.23.

GoFundMe Link: CLICK HERE

The closure of St Andrews Links courses and facilities on 24th March, as a result of the Covid19 pandemic, is unprecedented in the modern era.

Unfortunately, the caddies who regularly stride the fairways at St Andrews Links are among the worst affected. Caddies have been part of the fabric of golf in St Andrews for almost as long as the game has been played here. There are references to caddies dating back as far as 1691 at the Home of Golf and through to the modern day they continue to make a meaningful contribution to the enjoyment of the game by golfers of all ages and abilities.

With no play possible for the foreseeable future and international travel set to be badly affected for the remainder of the summer season, caddie’s livelihoods are being seriously impacted. There is concern for the financial hardship many caddies might face due to the course closures. With this in mind, many have indicated they would like to offer help and support to the caddies during this difficult period.

Fraser Riddler, Caddie Manager has established this GoFundMe account where donations can be made to support caddies during these challenging times.

Any monies donated will be used to assist caddies who regularly work the fairways of the courses at St Andrews Links and who are in need or face financial hardship and who apply for assistance.

Please note that this account is being operated by Fraser Riddler as an individual and is not linked to St Andrews Links Trust.

100% of all funds raised will be distributed to St Andrews caddies.