INSIDE THE ROPES

From Caddie Corner
By Laura Drumm and Dennis Cone
The PCA Story from the 1999 PGA show

Whenever a group gets together and embarks upon a new venture that has never before been tried. It takes time; energy, guidance, hard work and endurance before you start realizing that your mission is successful. History was truly made for Caddies Worldwide at this years PGA Merchandise Show. It is not every day that good dreams come true. This group is on the move and getting into the golf "Loop"      The PCA realizes this and after three years in existence has seen the fruits of its hard work and determination recognized at the 1999 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, FL. The PCA grew from 200 members a year ago to over 1000 at the end of 1998. The Organization has programs in place for Caddies on all four US tours, and for caddies at the club level. The PCA has put together an insurance program, which brings affordable health care and discount services to its members. And has raised over $7000.00 for its foundation (501-c-3). The PCA has completed the first stage of its Caddie Certification program an Apprenticeship course available to adults for self-study and for juniors in a module program.      What the PCA is most proud of is the recognition the golf industry is giving Caddies and their association. The PGA TOUR has for the first time allowed co-branding of its merchandise with an outside organization, the PCA. It is the first time the player and caddie are represented on the same piece of merchandise. But the PCA is not stopping here they are looking for other co-branding relationships with other manufactures. Proceeds from the sale of these products will go to fund the associations many programs scholarship funds and Foundation.      Malcolm DeMille has designed and created the new logo for the PCA, which represents the long-standing history and tradition of the Caddie in the game of golf. Malcolm has over twenty years of experience in creating fine jewelry and sculpture for the sporting world. Over a decade ago he turned his skill to golf and created pieces for the PGA Championship, the Masters, Ryder Cup and the USGA to name a few. It will be the mark of the caddie and will be recognized as a symbol of the stewards of the game.      The PCA announced its sponsorship of the Francis Ouimet and caddie Eddie Lowery life-size bronze statue by Bob Pack to be placed in the Pioneer Section at the World Golf Village, in St. Augustine Florida. Any former caddie can have their name immortalized in the PCA Caddie Hall of Fame for only $100 Tax deductible gift. The PCA will be holding the inaugural ceremony for the first ever Caddie Hall of Fame at the World Golf Village PGA Tour Stop on Wednesday March 24 @ 7:00pm during the Week of TPC. The PCA Caddie Hall of Fame will be inducting, 10 caddies from the past and present and is planning on developing mobile unit that will be touring on all four tours collecting memorabilia and educating the public at the events on the history of the Caddie.      The PCA is growing, moving forward and looking for your help! They are looking for manufactures to get involved to help Caddies, their families and others improve the quality of their life, your donations; sponsorships and support are welcome. Anyone who has ever played with a caddie or the game of golf or is interested in helping others is invited to get involved