The Impact of a Professional Caddie: Insights from Grant Horvat’s Experience

Have you ever wondered how much a professional caddie could enhance your golf game? In December, golfer Grant Horvat explored this question through an insightful video featuring a full round with Ted Scott, renowned caddie for Scottie Scheffler. While you might expect the usual advantages like accurate yardages and precise club selections, Horvat’s experience offers a glimpse into the nuances of having a professional caddie assist in every decision throughout a round.

Although it’s unlikely that Scott provided the same level of detail as he does for Scheffler in major championships, the value of this video lies in Horvat’s reflections on his game and how subtle changes in decision-making can significantly affect outcomes.

Key Takeaways from Horvat’s Experience with a Professional Caddie

1. Caddies Focus on Decisions, Not Mechanics
   A notable aspect of Scott’s approach is what he avoids—swing mechanics and technical advice. He never attempts to alter Horvat’s swing. Instead, Scott emphasizes decision-making, working with the player’s existing game to choose the best shots. His strategies include:

   • Adjusting targets away from pins
   • Identifying playable misses
   • Selecting clubs that minimize short-siding
   • Planning shots based on potential execution errors

   This method highlights that the real value lies in preventing small mistakes from escalating into larger issues, allowing golfers to concentrate on making informed shot choices rather than getting bogged down in mechanics.

2. Green Reading: Commitment Trumps Technique
   Throughout the round, Horvat mentions his struggles with reading greens. However, it becomes evident that his main hurdle is trusting his decisions rather than his actual read. Scott helps Horvat by:

   • Narrowing the read to a single, clear line
   • Explaining slope and grain influences
   • Reinforcing the desired putt appearance at impact

   Many golfers experience doubt during their strokes, which can lead to poor execution. A caddie’s encouragement removes hesitation, enabling greater confidence and, ultimately, better results on the greens.

3. Adjusting Expectations: Focus on Hole Strategy
   One of the most compelling insights from the video is the way Scott reframes expectations. Rather than discussing whether a hole is a birdie opportunity, the focus is on avoiding trouble and keeping the hole manageable. Key aspects include:

   • Positioning on the proper side of the green
   • Maintaining the correct tier or shelf
   • Avoiding short-sided misses
   • Making decisions that minimize the risk of high scores

   By focusing on positioning rather than merely pursuing the best-case scenario, golfers can approach each hole with strategy, mirroring the thought processes of top players like Scheffler.

Final Thoughts

While it’s unlikely that most golfers will have the opportunity to play alongside a professional caddie, the insights gained from Horvat’s experience can be invaluable. Golf is not solely about executing great shots; decision-making plays a crucial role in lower scores.

Horvat managed to shoot two strokes lower than his average during this round with Scott. Although it’s unclear how much of that improvement can be directly attributed to having a professional caddie, it’s worth noting that even minor enhancements can lead to significant results. By implementing the strategies discussed, you may very well find yourself achieving better outcomes on the course.