Now that the Paris 2024 Games have begun, golf is in its third edition of its return as an Olympic sport and 120 more players will be looking to secure a historic gold medal at Le Golf National.
Four world-class golfers have already etched their names in the history books following their successes in Brazil and Japan, respectively.
Justin Rose and Inbee Park returned home with gold after the Rio 2016 Olympics, while Xander Schauffele and Nelly Korda completed an American double at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Meanwhile, Henrik Stenson, Lydio Ko, Matt Kuchar and Shanshan Feng were on the men’s and women’s podiums respectively eight years ago, before Rory Sabbatini, Mone Inami, CT Pan and Ko (this time, bronze) followed them last time out.
Half a dozen more medals will be awarded at the Golf National next August, with the men teeing off first between Thursday 1st and Sunday 4th and the women at the same venue between Wednesday 7th and Saturday 10th.
The 18th hole of the Golf National
(Photo credit: Getty Images)
But what about their caddies? Do they deserve a medal, too? After all, the bag staff works with the players to help them hit most of their shots from about 70 yards and run the same route for four days while cleaning up after their player.
The short answer is no, caddies do not receive a medal if they are attached to a golfer who finishes on the podium. This question has been debated among golf fans for several years now, with proponents arguing that loopers are an integral part of any winning formula and opponents arguing that they are in fact an on-course coach, and that coaches in all other sports do not receive a medal.
The issue is even more complicated in rowing, with the coxswain (the person who shouts instructions to the athletes and helps steer the boat) collecting a medal as a member of the team.
But in the end, golf is one of 31 other sports at this year’s Summer Olympics, which doesn’t reward the player’s most loyal ally.
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As a result, 2020 Olympic men’s gold medalist Xander Schauffele took matters into his own hands last time out and gifted his caddie, Austin Kaiser, a gold ring — similar in size and style to the jewelry SuperBowl champions receive — with the Olympic symbol engraved on it.
It also had the words “United States Olympic Team” around the top edge with the American flag just above the Olympic rings.
How cool is this post from Austin Kaiser, Xander Schauffele’s caddie? (Via austin_kaiser/Instagram) pic.twitter.com/bUN19GvUz2December 31, 2021
In a similar vein, just before his crowning moment at the 2024 Open Championship, Schauffele made sure to wait for his caddie Kaiser to catch up with him before enjoying the cheers between the grandstands on either side of the 18th green at Royal Troon.
Speaking to Sky Sports about his gracious gesture, Schauffele said: “It’s pretty obvious (why). I mean, Austin, he’s one of my best friends, but it’s a team thing. I’m the one hitting the shots, but at the end of the day, it’s a team thing. It’s a team environment that I like to have for my team, I guess.
“I was scrolling, I was sitting there, just trying to focus, and I looked up and I saw these yellow leaderboards. In my head, I was like, you’re about to have your moment here. Nobody is better to share it than Austin, because he deserves it, too.”
