Killer, Gorgeous and Burnt Biscuits are just three of the colorful nicknames bestowed on some of the loopers to pass through the PGA Tour caddie yard over the years.
Some are self-explanatory such as Squeaky or Growler or Bones while others require a bit more backstory. Tommy Bennett was an Augusta National caddie who burned his leg as a kid trying to steal his grandma’s freshly baked biscuits while another ANGC caddie, Willie Poteat was known as Cemetery because he woke up in the morgue after surviving a knife fight in which his throat was slashed by a jealous rival.
“It’s almost like you haven’t made it in the caddie world until you’ve got a nickname,” says Mike “Fluff” Cowan, and he couldn’t be more right.
Here are some of our favorites:
Best caddie nicknames explained
James Anderson
Nickname: Tip.
Late caddie at St. Andrews’ Old Course, known for his expert “tips,” helped Arnold Palmer win twice there.
Nathaniel Avery
Nickname: Iron Man.
Longtime Augusta National caddie, Avery was on the bag for Arnold Palmer during all four of his victories at the Masters and according to Ward Clayton’s book, “Men on the Bag,” Avery bought a new car the day after each Masters victory. With Palmer losing his grip on the lead late in the final round in 1960, Avery famously asked, “Mr. Palmer, are we choking?” The King answered with two birdies and walked off with another green jacket and a new car for his sidekick.
Andy Blaydon
Nickname: Rod Stewart.
Some say he’s a spitting image of the “Maggie May” singer, especially the hair.
Tommy Bennett
Nickname: Burnt Biscuits.
Augusta National caddie burned his leg as a kid trying to steal his grandma’s freshly baked biscuits.
Todd Blurch
Nickname: Top Gun.
Named for clubbing his player wrong and buzzing the TV tower.
Joe Bonica
Nickname: Einstein.
Move over, Bryson, this brainy LPGA caddie had the nickname first.