In a surprising shift from tradition at the British Open, caddies were handed the responsibility of raking bunkers during matches, a change that has sparked much discussion among players and caddies alike. For over three decades, from 1984 at St. Andrews, the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) provided a designated crew to manage bunker raking, ensuring consistency and professionalism on the course. However, at the current venue, Royal Portrush, this service has been discontinued, leaving caddies like Adam Hayes to manage this task themselves.
Hayes, who has been caddying for over 20 years, expressed disappointment at the decision, stating, “It’s one of the cool things about the Open, a tradition that for whatever reason they cut out. And I think they should bring it back.” The R&A’s new CEO, Mark Darbon, suggested that while the decision was a change, it was viewed positively, although he did not provide specific reasons for the alteration.
The decision has generated confusion, with caddies and players noticing a decline in bunker conditions. Tommy Fleetwood’s experience highlighted this issue when he encountered a poorly raked bunker, resulting in a challenging shot that contributed to a bogey. Fleetwood noted, “It wasn’t a great rake job… I thought it was odd [that BIGGA wasn’t reinstated].”
Jim Croxton, CEO of BIGGA, explained that with enhanced on-site greenkeeping teams and improved agronomy support from the R&A, the need for additional raking services had diminished. However, feedback from many caddies suggested that having professionals handle bunker maintenance not only helped maintain course quality but also expedited play.
Mike Kerr, another veteran caddie, remarked that the absence of BIGGA’s services has complicated the caddie’s job due to the need to balance bunker raking with strategizing for each hole. Current caddies, like Scott Tway, shared the sentiment that the change has upended what was once one of the highlights of participating in the prestigious tournament.
While tradition may have taken a backseat this year, there is hope that this decision could be reevaluated in the future, allowing for a return to the longstanding practices that ensure the British Open remains one of the most esteemed events in golf. The conversations sparked by this development may ultimately lead to improvements as stakeholders reflect on the best ways to preserve the quality and integrity of the tournament.