Caddy becomes golfer
Eric Nyathi, a former caddy and caddy master at Hans Merensky Golf Estate, explains how being a caddy changed his life to eventually becoming a golfer himself.
“A great caddie is more than a mere assistant.”
These were the words from Eric Nyathi, retired caddy master who caddied at Hans Merensky for over 20 years.
Nyathi caddied for ten years, from 1974 to 1984 at Hans Merensky golf course before becoming a caddie master in 1984 to 1996. He then decided to play the sport himself.
He said that in his time as caddie he learned valuable life skills that made him who he is today.
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“A great caddie is a guide, friend and an expert of the course when it comes to helping golfers play a good game. Not only was it my job to carry and shine the golf clubs, but I had to help players enjoy a day on the course,” said Nyathi.
He said the highlight was when he caddied for Ernie Els, South African golf legend and former world number one, at Hans Merensky.
“We used to caddie for a lot of professional players in the time when the course was managed by PMC. To caddie for Els was a great moment and I cherish the memories,” said Nyathi.
“Surprisingly, this is where I learnt to speak English,” he continued.
“When I was a caddie master, my caddies were all disciplined and excelled at school,” stated Nyathi.
Caddies are independent contractors and can be hired by anyone player. There is no formal training, but what is required is golf course etiquette.
