In the world of golf, caddies often remain the unsung heroesโthose stalwart souls lugging bags the size of small refrigerators while whispering sage advice into the ears of their players.
Few have done it as long or as well as the legendary Northern Irishman David McNeilly. With a career that spans decades and includes partnerships with legends like Nick Faldo, Padraig Harrington, and Matteo Manassero, McNeilly has seen it all.
I had the pleasure of sitting down with him to discuss the state of golf, the emergence of LIV Golf, and the life of a man who has walked more miles on the green than most of us have in our shoes.
Dave, I hope you don’t mind me saying so but you’ve been around the block a few times and back again. What’s your take on the future of golf right now with the emergence of LIV Golf?
He chuckled, a glint in his eye. “That’s a hell of a question! It’s fascinating, really, what’s happening in golf right now. LIV Golf is making a huge impact on the tour scene that’s for sure.
The PGA Tour, the strongest tour in golf, is losing its playersโespecially their superstars. It’s similar to what’s happened with the European Tour, where the top 10 players are siphoned off every year.
The tours are losing their strength, and the public doesn’t get familiar with the players because they’re constantly changing.”
So they’re losing not just the young ones coming through, but the established stars as well? I pressed.
“Exactly, Take Rory McIlroy, for example. Hypothetically, if he went to LIV Golfโand I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesโit would be massive.”
Do you think he would? I asked, raising an eyebrow to his response.
“Yes, I do. They’re professionals, and if he gets offered a substantial amount of money, it’s his life and his choice. He’s shown great loyalty to the PGA Tour, but perhaps he feels it hasn’t been fully reciprocated. If Rory decided to go to LIV Golf, I wouldn’t see it as undeserved behaviour.”
That would be significant, I mused, imagining the headlines if this does come to fruition.
“Exactly. The future of golf is extremely volatile. If Rory were to goโagain, hypotheticallyโthe PGA Tour would lose one of its key players.
Tiger Woods was the man they relied on, but he’s no longer in his prime. Rory is the person they’re hanging their hat on now.
If he leaves, players like Scottie Scheffler are there, but while Scottie’s achievements are phenomenal, Rory is the big draw in the public eye.”
I think the pressure might be off Rory if he did go to LIV Golf, I suggested. “Financially, there’s no reason not to, but I personally can’t see it happening. He’s spoken about the prestige of playing for the PGA.”
“True,” McNeilly conceded. “The PGA Tour has history, tradition, and familiarity. You play on courses where legends have won before. LIV Golf doesn’t have that substance yet.
But the fact that we’re even discussing this possibility indicates the challenges the PGA Tour is facing. They can’t let top players leave without trying to do something about it.”
I hope the greatest players in the world come back together again, I said earnestly.
“That’s what everyone hopesโfor the top players to play together, not on split tours. Something has to happen to unify the sport.”
“General fans want this sorted out,” I continued. “They want all the big players playing together again, in whatever format.”
“Exactly,” he affirmed. “It’s one of the reasons why the majors are so brilliant now. The Open Championship was spectacular. The dynamics, like Bryson DeChambeau from LIV beating Rory from the PGA Tour in the U.S. Open, add more spice to the competitions.”
From what I gather, there are too many tournaments on the PGA Tour, and fans can’t keep up. It’s lost a bit of its edge.
“I agree. Something’s going to happen. The impact that LIV has had is divisive, but ultimately, it might not be a bad thing. It’s stirred the pot.
At first, when players were leaving, others questioned their loyalty. But now that LIV is established, people realise that, given the opportunity, they might now wish they had done the same.”
From a neutral perspective, I love watching the PGA for its prestigious tournaments, I said. With LIV, it needs time to gain prestige, but it’s nice seeing different players winning events. The team play offers a different perspective and brings players together.
“It does,” McNeilly agreed. “You start rooting for teams as well as individuals. It’s an added dimension which gives spectators that added excitement.”
How do you feel about the music during LIV Golf events? I asked. Is it a good or bad thing?
Pausing thoughtfully. “Maybe I’m too old-fashioned, but I remember when golf and even cricket were played in reverent silence. Constant noise can be distracting.
While crowd reactions are essential, there should be times when players can concentrate in silence. However, perhaps players adapt to it.”
I did see McNeilly’s point of view but I’ve been to PGA and DP tournaments where people shout things, and sometimes that music can drown out the hecklers.
The addition also seems to be bringing in a younger generation of golfers for LIV.
“Yes, and when they go to places like Australia, it’s a big party atmosphere, attracting large, young crowds.”
“Do you think the PGA Tour needs to do more on the entertainment side to attract younger fans?”
“Ultimately, we’re in the entertainment business, and we have to cater to what the audience wants.
Personally, I believe the tension created by silence during events like the Masters adds to the experience. The extreme silence contrasted with sudden loud reactions enhances the drama.”
It might be a generational thing as sometimes I struggle with it whilst out watching the LIV event, I added. Maybe I need to try playing golf with music blaring myself to see if it helps or hinders me.
He laughed. “Perhaps! But there’s evidence that LIV’s approach is attracting large crowds and young people.”
Speaking of which, as a caddie, would you prefer working on the PGA Tour or LIV, assuming the earnings are similar but with less work working for LIV?
“I’d go to LIV in a heartbeat if given the opportunity,” he said without hesitation. “I’m in the business to make money and have fun.
At LIV, the chance of winning a tournament increases due to smaller fields, and I enjoy working in an environment where winning is more attainable.”
Speaking of players, who currently would you love to caddie for?
“Believe it or not, Tyrrell Hatton,” he answered with a grin. “People often misunderstand him, seeing his behaviour as disrespectful or insulting.
But if you break it down, he’s passionate and often directs his frustration at himself. He’s entertaining and a great golfer.”
And I couldn’t have agreed more as I know from firsthand how my young son loves watching him purely because he’s genuine and shows his emotions and that’s what people want to see out there.
“Exactly. He’s not a robot; he’s authentic.”
What about past players? Anyone you’d have loved to caddie for?
“Working for Tiger Woods would have been the ultimate experience. Personally, I’ve worked with Nick Price, who was a dream to caddie forโtalented, fun-loving, and made my job easy because of how well he played.”
And speaking of Tiger who I always presumed was an extremely serious character I asked as to whether he has a humorous side?
“Oh, absolutely. He loves banter. I remember once at Whistling Straits, as we were walking to the first tee, Tiger and his caddie Steve Williams were ahead of us. As they went down a dip, they both started joking around.
It showed a casual, fun side of him that people might not expect. But when he stepped onto the tee, he exuded charisma and focus.”
“It’s intimidating and awe-inspiring to watch him play. His abilities and mindset are on another level.
Interestingly, when you look at stats, Scottie Scheffler is achieving things even Tiger didn’t at certain points in his career.”
“Scheffler is crushing it. He might be on course to surpass some of Tiger’s records, but time will tell.”
“Indeed.”
How many wins have you had in your caddying career?
“I’ve had 37 wins,” McNeilly replied modestly. “It sounds like a lot, but players like Nick Faldo in the ’80s were dominating, so there were many wins with him. Then there was Padraig Harrington, who also had great success.”
Harrington is still phenomenal I said
“His passion for the game is incredible. He loves it as much now as ever. His energy and enthusiasm are unmatched.”
Who would you say is the nicest golfer in the sport?
“Matteo Manassero comes to mind. People might not realize what he’s been through. About three years ago, he lost everythingโhis game went into free fall.
He had the driver and putting yips. He dropped to the Alps Tour but fought his way back, and now he’s guaranteed a PGA Tour card.
Throughout it all, he remained a gentleman, never bitter, and always polite. It’s one of the most incredible stories in golf that many don’t know about.”
That’s an incredible turnaround. Success often changes people, but it’s great to hear he’s stayed grounded.
“Absolutely. He gives people time, has a great sense of humour, and hasn’t changed one bit.”
Is it a lonely business being a caddie?
“Honestly, I enjoy it. The rapport with the players and other caddies is something I’d miss the mostโthe banter and camaraderie.”
I don’t know how you handle carrying those heavy bags around. It must be tough on the back?
“You get used to it,” he shrugged. “I actually had prostate cancer about nine years ago.
During the CT scan, they noticed my spine had a significant kinkโprobably from years of caddying. But you adapt.”
You’re a tough man, David, I said, genuinely impressed.
He smiled. “Or just stubborn.”
As we wrapped up our conversation which I honestly could have sat for hours listening to David’s stories, I couldn’t help but feel a deep appreciation for the unsung heroes like McNeilly.
His insights into the game, the players, and the evolving landscape of professional golf are invaluable.
In a world where the spotlight often shines on the players, it’s refreshing to hear from those who walk alongside them, sharing in every triumph and setback.
David McNeilly’s career not only highlights his skill and dedication as a caddie but also underscores the critical role caddies play in the success of professional golfers.
His stories and experiences enrich the tapestry of golf history and culture, making him a fascinating figure for anyone interested in the nuances of the sport.
