Caddies lawsuit thrown out

By US District Court Judge

Words: The Brigadier Photography: Getty Images

"Rough old game son, nothing much in it for me. Why don't you just knock it somewhere up there?"

A class action group of 168 caddies filed a lawsuit last year against the USPGA. It claimed that they were effectively walking billboards, who were forced to wear bibs with sponsor logos without benefitting from any of the estimated $50 million a year in revenue. Stuff and nonsense.

Now Judge Vince Chhabria has found; 'the caddies overall complaint about poor treatment by the tour has merit but this federal lawsuit about bibs does not".

"Caddies have been required to wear the bibs for decades, so caddies know when they enter the profession that wearing a bib during tournaments is part of the job," Chhabria wrote.

"For that reason, there is no merit to the caddies' contention that contracts somehow prevent the tour from requiring them to wear bibs."

Chhabria also threw out caddies' claims of anti-trust and trademark violations and the notion that their contracts with the tour were signed under duress.

Naturally enough, the PGA Tour were happy with the ruling.

"We are aware of the ruling made in our favour regarding the lawsuit filed last year by caddies and are pleased by the court's decision," the statement said.

"We look forward to putting this matter behind us and moving forward in a positive direction with the caddies."

We know there is a different litigation culture in the USA versus the UK and Europe. But this really seems to be one big try on, with an unnecessary sense of grievance (NB: Caddies – the Brigadier's views are not representative of the entire GP staff. In fact, some of us think you have a point – Ed). They did know the score. It’s the sponsors that fork up the money, which creates the opportunity to potentially carry a winning bag. And we all know what they can be worth on a good. I'd say get over it!

Alternatively, I'd advise Caddies to move themselves up the food chain, by repositioning themselves. They’re not Caddies, they’re Golf Course Management Consultants. That should put a few $s on their bag. (True that – Ed)