A Wee Nip at the 19th Hole

Book excerpt: A masterful celebration of one of golf's great time-honoured traditions - the St Andrews caddie - written by the Caddie Manager at the historic St Andrews Old Course and a former caddie himself. For over 200 years caddies have been walking around St Andrews, the most famous piece of golfing land in the world, advising players of vastly different abilities not only on which club to take but also on the type of shot required and, most importantly on the Old Course, exactly the line on which to play. In his evocative and fascinating book, Richard Mackenzie reminds us how caddies first came to St Andrews, the way in which they have added so much to the folklore of the links and the great contribution which they have made and continue to make to the game of golf for those who visit 'The Home of Golf'. It's a remarkable treasure trove of intriguing insights into the social history of caddies interspersed with timeless anecdotes and vivid feature articles. With legendary characters such as 'Trap Door' Johnson, Stumpie Eye and 'Poot' Chisholm ('With good porridge and a wee nip, you're all right for life'), A Wee Nip takes the reader back to the roots of the game, reliving a host of cherished memories along the way.