ST. ANDREWS, Scotland – Fraser Riddler called the opening round of the AIG Women’s British Open over the Old Course farcical. As the longtime caddie manager of St. Andrews Links, Riddler has seen his share of challenging conditions and Thursday’s, he said, was among the worst he’s seen.
“That’s as difficult of conditions that any tournament golf has been played – men, women, it doesn’t matter,” said Fraser. “That was brutal out there.”
For LPGA veteran Jenny Shin, having Riddler by her side was somewhat of a secret weapon in her opening round of 3-under 69. She trails only former No. 1 Ruoning Yin by a stroke. A total of four players broke par in the morning wave, when the winds were consistently blowing 30-35 mph with gusts up to 39 mph. Linnea Strom and Georgia Hall both shot 1 under.
“Some of our shots, if it had any side spin on it, would go straight 30 yards right and look like a legitimate shank,” said Shin, who had such a stunner on the par-3 11th from the tee with a 5-iron. On any other day, what would’ve been an embarrassing shot was just part of the experience.
Shin changed her entire setup on the greens for two weeks of links golf, trying to position herself lower to the ground.
“If anybody remembers, Michelle Wie tabletop, that’s basically what it feels like to me, “ she said, “and it has helped.”
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The first time a 20-year-old Shin played the Old Course in 2013, she remembers thinking she’d rather be anywhere but here. She doesn’t even remember finishing tied for 17th that week, but she does recall being unable to sleep at night with the sun going down so late.
This time, a more mature Shin returns to the Home of Golf with a much greater appreciation. Part of that is age and experience, and part of it is the history lessons that come with having a local caddie like Riddler.
“Jenny executed everything just fantastic,” said Riddler. “I just had the best seat in the house to watch it, simple as that.”
Photos: 2024 AIG Women’s British Open at St. Andrews
Sixteen years ago, Riddler drew the name of an American player named Stacy Lewis for the 2008 Curtis Cup. Lewis leaned on the Old Course caddie like her game depended on it and went 5-0 in the U.S. victory. Things went so well that Riddler offered to quit his job in St. Andrews to come caddie full-time for Lewis on the LPGA. Only Lewis didn’t have any status on tour at that point and was reluctant to let Riddler move his family – including an infant son – with so much uncertainty.
When the LPGA returned to the Old Course in 2013, Riddler came back to walk a practice round with Lewis, who went on to become only the second LPGA player to win a major over the Old Course, joining Lorena Ochoa.
Riddler eventually made it out to the LPGA, quitting his job at St. Andrews to work for Shin beginning last April. His family is still based in Arbroath, about a 35-minute drive from St. Andrews. His youngest son, Sonny, who was pushed around in a carriage in 2008, is now 17 years old and caddying full-time close to home at Carnoustie.
On Monday, Riddler had a nice dinner with Lewis and her family, and they reminisced on their early success together. Lewis even brought her yardage book from 2008 with her this week.
The weather in 2013 was so tricky, in fact, that play was canceled on Saturday due to wind. Riddler noted that the R&A’s sensible hole locations on Thursday gave them something to work with, though he wondered several times if play should’ve been stopped.
“I think there were a couple of times that it was definitely borderline,” said Riddler, “the girls were really struggling to stand up. I think when it gets to that scenario, that’s unfair.”