20 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JUNE 11-17, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com Pebble Beach had become concerned with the consistency of the program. There were clothing or behavior problems on a few occasions. Cummings believes Pebble Beach’s caddie liaison board could have addressed the issues before it came to a new format. The employee model allows Caddiemaster to provide training and set quality standards. Already the caddies have received employee handbooks. The company is also performing random on-course quality checks at Pebble Beach courses. “We should have set higher standards for ourselves,” Cummings observes. For Benson, all of this goes against a caddie culture dating back decades. A corporate mindset is antithetical to the nature of the job—one of independence, where quality control is up to those footing the bill. “I worked for the golfers,” he says. Noting that a series of private equity firms have held majority shares of Troon Golf, Caddiemaster’s parent company since a 2015 acquisition, raised further suspicions among the caddies. “When caddying became a business for people other than caddies, that’s when things started going wrong,” adds veteran caddie Mike Lahotta. “Private equity is putting the profession of caddying in jeopardy.” Caddies are not required when playing Pebble Beach. But over the long walk, they provide golfers with suggestions for which club to use in a particular situation, how a putt will break and other tips. They also might share stories or point to the location where some of the game’s most famous shots were made. But it can be a strenuous job. Caddies carrying a single bag weighing up to 24 pounds hoist it over their shoulders. Those tasked with two bags can push a cart—now at over 50 pounds. The steep climb to the 6th green at Pebble Beach or the rolling fairways of Spyglass Hill wear on the body. But their primary task is more mundane: raking sand traps, filling in divots and cleaning golfers’ gear. “I want to emphasize that we’re not complaining about the job,” Malokas notes. “It’s always been a great job. We want to have a say in it.” Phil Mickelson, then part of the PGA Tour, stood on the 18th green at Pebble Beach Golf Links with a silver dollar in his hand. He had just won the 2019 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and his eyes welled with tears, although not because of the accomplishment. As he held out the coin for all to see, Mickelson explained that his grandfather had been a caddie at Pebble Beach. One-hundred years earlier, that coin had been a tip to his grandfather after a round in the now-famed golf links’ inaugural year, and Mickelson carried it throughout the tournament for good luck. If the caddies are united in a sentiment, it’s their commitment to their role in the game. Flexible scheduling is just part of the appeal. Over five hours on course, they get to know many of the golfers, who reward them not only with a gratuity, but also drinks at The Tap Room or hats from the pro shop. “We love the game, we love the exercise, we love the outdoors, we love the networking,” Benson says. “No matter what the vote is, I’m going to work on June 19.” “I want to emphasize that we’re not complaining about the job. It’s always been a great job. We want to have a say in it.” For more information: www.ci.marina.ca.us REDUCE waste by bringing reusable bags to grocery shop. PREVENT wildlife from getting caught in sixpack rings by cutting them up. PLANT native gardens to save water, reduce pesticide use. RECYCLE at your home, business and school. PICK UP after your dog and dispose of waste in the trash to help prevent water pollution. VOLUNTEER for beach clean ups and storm drain stenciling. The City of Marina Storm Water Program invites you to help PROTECT our COASTAL COMMUNITY Your simple actions can have a positive effect for future generations! THE OSIO THEATRE RETURNS The Osio Arts Foundation is restoring this beloved venue as a home for film, music, art and live performance. Support the Restoration OSIOARTSFOUNDATION.ORG Scan to Learn More g Before The Vision INTEREST IN BUILDING OUT AND OPERATING OUR ATTACHED CAFÉ? We are actively seeking a restaurateur with experience and the highest ethics to bring our vision to life. Contact Brant Wilkinson through our website for additional information.
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