Student Testimonials: 2015 Honda Classic Pro-AM
Here we have two testimonials from Keiser University College of Golf & Sport Management student volunteers – Web Tuck and Steven Wall – who participated in the 2015 Honda Classic Pro-AM:
Web Tuck and Steven Wall
From student Web Tuck:
When we were asked to caddy at the 2015 Honda Classic Pro/Am golf tournament, I was a little apprehensive yet excited about being able to take part of an event as large as the Honda. I have been playing golf many years, attended many professional tournaments and have worked security for 3 professional events. But actually being part of the event, walking alongside a tour professional and watching how he manages a golf course was one of the most unique experiences I have been a part of. I arrived at PGA Resort nearly 2 hours early. I wanted to make sure I was there and checked in to be sure I would be one of the first student called to go out. When we were called and given our amateur player, we were also told who the professional would be. Our group was paired with Ernie Els.
Excited as I was about being able to walk with Ernie Els, I had to take a step back to remember why I was there, caddying for the amateur partner. We were given instructions about how to handle ourselves, where to stand, how to hold the flag, and keeping up with the group were stressed. Being a student of the game and having the knowledge I have learned during my time at Keiser University College of Golf, I wanted to be able to show off my knowledge and be able to help my player perform to his best but again I had to step back and not give any advice unless asked.
I was very lucky with drawing the player I did. Although he was a 20 handicap player, he played very well for most of the round. Once he learned I was a student at Keiser, he was comfortable enough with me to ask advice. I was honored to be able to help him with reading greens and aligning his shots and he seemed to be appreciative of my assistance.
As we worked our way around the golf course, my player as well as others in the group were asking about the College of Golf and what we planning upon graduation. I was pleased that these highly successful individuals were interested in what we were studying and how we liked the curriculum. This made the day enjoyable.
Being a student at the College of Golf has given me many opportunities to work with Special Olympics, Kids Golf, 3 national club professional events and caddying in the LPGA Wilkinson Cup but being able to be part of an event this large was an experience I will remember for a lifetime.
From student Steven Wall:
I was fortunate to get the opportunity to caddy in the 2015 Honda Classic – Pro Am tournament held on the 25th of February. I was paired up with Retief Goosen’s group who were representatives of the Bic Corporation. The amateur golfer I caddied for was Emmanuel from France who had been playing golf for five years. This was the first time I had the opportunity to caddy in a major event and found it extremely enjoyable. My player had a great time and felt very appreciative to have a caddy to judge distances and wind direction, read greens and assist in club selection. He thoroughly enjoyed getting the “tour pro” experience. Having graduated from Keiser University College of Golf with an associate’s degree and the course work I’m currently taking in their Bachelor’s program I was very prepared for this. The coursework here had given me extensive knowledge in the rules of golf, golf etiquette, tournament operations, and many other aspects of the golf industry.
Retief Goosen and his caddy were the nicest guys you could meet, assisting the other players throughout the round, joking with the players, making them feel at ease. It was refreshing to see a player and caddy, at their level, being so approachable and “real”. For me, it gave me a real appreciation for what these pro caddies go through, carrying loaded down golf bags for up to 7.5 miles a day for 5 days, week after week. I just did it for one day and needed to soak my feet all night because they were so sore. All-in-all it was a wonderful experience and I would do it again in a heart-beat.
Contact us today!
