Jump to content

CHAT WITH A TOUR CADDY! Mike Christensen, caddy for Kevin Streelman Friday 7pm ET!


HipCheck

Recommended Posts

[quote name='BMoores59' timestamp='1326424009' post='4075185']
[size="2"]Mikey,

Who was more nervous?... _You leading the John Deere Classic or _Streels leading the US Open?

A few more easy ones for you:

What has been your most satisfying/memorable event as a caddie?

What has been your most forgettable/embarrassing moment as a caddie?




Thanks,

Basically, your biggest fan![/size]
[/quote]

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 99
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic







Thanks Biggest Fan! My best memories as a caddie always come when he has a chance to win. I never thought it would be this way, but being in the hunt, even as a caddie, is a thrill. That first win for Kevin is going to be the most memorable- and soon!

Forgetting to put the flag back in the hole at the Barclays in 2010 is a moment I’d like to rewind... wow. And I don’t get nervous. (kidding btw)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='ragin cajun' timestamp='1326428396' post='4075605']
Mike, as well as his boss, is among my favorite people on Twitter.

1. It seems that the trust factor between a player and his caddy can never overstated. Is it easier to build that trust if your friends, or does it make it more difficult?

2. Players tend to be different in what they want from a caddy, some want you to tell them what shot to hit while others just want you to confirm the shot they want to hit. How do you determine when a player wants a particular approach without telling you?
[/quote]

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Great question.




I know it helped that Kevin and I had played so much golf together before I caddied for him. There are times that I am wrong, but like one veteran caddie told me- ‘if they continue to ask for advice after a mistake, it means they still trust you. if they stop, time to look for a new job"




I really feed off of how he is feeling and how I think his instincts are that day. He is a great athlete and if he is in that zone where his distance control and reads are perfect, I become a ‘yes’ man. The days he is a little off or the pressure is cranked up, that is when it takes the patience and ability to re-direct him.




Link to comment
Share on other sites

Apparently I have been butchering how to reply to these questions.... won't mention my GPA at Duke.

Got it now. As much as I would like to take certain weeks off, it all comes down to what I think is best for Kevins energy level. One line a player said to me once that stuck- it takes confidence to take time off during the season.
I gave him a wrong yardage at Riviera his rookie year and he hit a perfect shot that landed on the green, 40 feet short of the hole. He was a little upset, but then made the put. Problem Solved.

We have a ton in common. We are constantly laughing and telling stories.

]Mike - First off - thanks for doing this and giving us another "inside the ropes" perspective. A few qu
1) When Kevin takes some tournaments off to rest and get away, do you feel the same or would you rather just keep playing and get another week in at another event (especially if you see Kevin is in a groove and playing well & cashing )

2) What's the bigest "boo boo" that you did with Kevin during a round and how did he handle it?

3) Certainly not all the talk during the round is about golf - what do you and Kevin chat about (or are interested in) that help keep the two of you "fresh" and focused for each shot?

Best of luck this year - I wish you both huge success.

Greg
[/quote]


Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='Dscvrr St Louis' timestamp='1326475266' post='4077801']
Okay...couple of questions?

1. After the range session on the way to the first tee, you notice Kevin is either a club longer/shorter than usual...but he is concerned with striking it and hasn't mentioned that he noticed...do you let him choose his first club and then correct him and tell him why...or....do you just hand him his first iron and if he questions then explain why?
SO I guess are you more proactive or reactive on course.

2. How good is Kevin at reading greens..really, you can tell us, we KNOW...you read them all and he just listen's right??? LOL!!
a. You don't help at all
b. you read them all and when Kevin misses you tell him he mis-hit it.
c. you both read, agree and then he hit's the putt
d. none of the above...WTH???

Thanks for your time, looking forward to your answers to all the questions we can think up!
Thanks to Golfwrx for making something like this happen for us to get an inside look at Tour life...seems to be happening regularly around here and I love it!!
[/quote]


Greg is helping me 'properly' use this chat format.

I have worked so long for Kevin that if his distances are that off, we know it is swing or club related. But there are always adjustments based on weather, elevation, etc.
I help him on all of the reads, but he is an incredible green reader. The only time I completely disagree is when I think he has a line that there is no possible speed to make that putt. Like all of us, there are days when he sees the line and days where he doesn't.


Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='Late4ttime' timestamp='1326500282' post='4080061']
Thanks for taking the time to join us.

What is your preferred method to get specific yardages for your book?

Do you ever get to play the courses before the tourney starts or are you essentially "on the clock" and always doing caddy duties?

Late-
[/quote]

No playing for me on the course the week of unfortunately. But I do sneak in a shot #7 at pebble every year.
The books are very accurate with their yardages. I double check them with a Bushnell if needed.


Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='Themikeruz' timestamp='1326501089' post='4080185']
Anything new in the bag this year?
[/quote]


I am pretty sure everything is close to the same other than the Driver. He has been messing with a few, but not sure if he has made the final decision. I will find out for sure next Thursday! ha
He is working with a golf label company that is pretty cool. Check out their website- mygolfclublabel.com

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='chicgolf19' timestamp='1326500931' post='4080159']
Which Rookie on the PGA tour this year do you think will do the best, or win a tournament?
[/quote]

I have heard there are some really good young players. The guy I think is going to have success is Edward Loar. Left hander from Texas who is a friend of mine. It took him awhile to get out there, but the guy will win.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='tbomb' timestamp='1326493159' post='4079379']
Mike,

Welcome to WRX and thanks for the time.

1) What kind of hours do you and Kevin logged on the range during a practice week/tournament week/major week?
2) Do you ever look at a shot and think, "I could make that shot" while Kevin lays up? (lol ala Tin Cup reference above)
3) Some have mentioned you have some game, so lets hear of a low round or handicap


Take good care and good luck to you both in 2012.
[/quote]

Kevin has more confidence in my game than I do. He has adjusted his practice so that most of the 'work' during the season is during the off weeks. Major weeks always tend to be amped up, but I think we have realized how important it is to keep a consistent routine. Usually he will practice a bit Monday, play 9 and practice for 2-3 hours Tuesday, and then Pro-am Weds.

If the moment is right, I will give him a jab if he hits a shot that I think I couldve hit better. It doesn't happen often anymore. I have had a couple of 60 and 61's, but I can throw up an 80 as well. I am a plus 2 or 3 handicap.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='INTOTHEVOID' timestamp='1326501836' post='4080279']
Thanks for chatting with us. What is Kevin's wedge setup?
Thanks!
[/quote]

For the past several years, he has been a 48, 54, 59 degree set up. He has been working hard on his distance control in the off season. The best two wedge players I have ever seen- Stricker and Luke- are scary good with their dc.


Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='mikeychr' timestamp='1326502298' post='4080357']
[quote name='pga43' timestamp='1326498823' post='4079903']
How close did you hit it on # 17 at the Players Championship last year?


Greg
[/quote]

I hit it to about 30 feet which felt like a success! I hit it in the water the year before. Never thought a 125 yard shot could be so tough.
[/quote]

I was video taping your swing on that shot and never did see where it ended up.

[b][size="4"]Did Streels put any cash in the jar to bet on you?[/size][/b]

GolfWRX.com
twitter @gdm43pga

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='mikeychr' timestamp='1326502030' post='4080317']
[quote name='INTOTHEVOID' timestamp='1326501836' post='4080279']
Thanks for chatting with us. What is Kevin's wedge setup?
Thanks!
[/quote]

For the past several years, he has been a 48, 54, 59 degree set up. He has been working hard on his distance control in the off season. The best two wedge players I have ever seen- Stricker and Luke- are scary good with their dc.
[/quote]

Thanks. Good info.

What does a typical range warm up session look like for Kevin? Also what would you recommend for the average golfer to get ready for a round?

Thanks!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='GolfGuru ALId' timestamp='1326498102' post='4079841']
You ever hit any shots during a practice round to remember???
[/quote]


I do remember a shot that his old instructor hit. We were playing the famous 16th at TPC Scottsdale, with the bleachers up, and he (to be remain nameless) hit it over the grandstands to the left. Wish I had it on video.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='pga43' timestamp='1326502375' post='4080375']
[quote name='mikeychr' timestamp='1326502298' post='4080357']
[quote name='pga43' timestamp='1326498823' post='4079903']
How close did you hit it on # 17 at the Players Championship last year?


Greg
[/quote]

I hit it to about 30 feet which felt like a success! I hit it in the water the year before. Never thought a 125 yard shot could be so tough.
[/quote]

I was video taping your swing on that shot and never did see where it ended up.

[b][size="4"]Did Streels put any cash in the jar to bet on you?[/size][/b]
[/quote]

Yes. Like I said, he has more confidence in my game than I do. He gets more bummed out than I do if I don't hit a good shot.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='INTOTHEVOID' timestamp='1326502462' post='4080393']
[quote name='mikeychr' timestamp='1326502030' post='4080317']
[quote name='INTOTHEVOID' timestamp='1326501836' post='4080279']
Thanks for chatting with us. What is Kevin's wedge setup?
Thanks!
[/quote]

For the past several years, he has been a 48, 54, 59 degree set up. He has been working hard on his distance control in the off season. The best two wedge players I have ever seen- Stricker and Luke- are scary good with their dc.
[/quote]

Thanks. Good info.

What does a typical range warm up session look like for Kevin? Also what would you recommend for the average golfer to get ready for a round?

Thanks!
[/quote]


Kevin's warm up is pretty similar to most. After a stretch in the fitness trailer, he gets to the range an hour before the tee time. He works through the bag, wedge, 8, 6, 4, hybrid, 3w, Dr, and then hits two Sw's before doing 5-8 minutes of pitching and 10 minutes of putting. Kevin Stadler gets to the range about 12 minutes before his time.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='slicktry' timestamp='1326496630' post='4079703']
how do you prepare for the day, both in the practise rounds and during the tournament?

Going to be watching this thread closely for any tips, lol. Have caddied for the likes of Steve Marino and David Mathis, always looking to help the next pro make it to the bigs...

God Bless
Jer
[/quote]

It really does become a routine. My job, especially on tournament days, is to make sure everything is organized and ready to go. I get to the course 2 hours before the round and check hole locations and make sure the clubs and bag is ready to go. I never want him to feel rushed at any point.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Our picks

    • 2024 Valspar Championship WITB Photos (Thanks to bvmagic)- Discussion & Links to Photos
      This weeks WITB Pics are from member bvmagic (Brian). Brian's first event for WRX was in 2008 at Bayhill while in college. Thanks so much bv.
       
      Please put your comments or question on this thread. Links to all the threads are below...
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 31 replies
    • 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #1
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #2
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #3
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Matt (LFG) Every - WITB - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Sahith Theegala - WITB - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Cameron putters (and new "LD" grip) - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      New Bettinardi MB & CB irons - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Custom Bettinardi API putter cover - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Custom Swag API covers - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      New Golf Pride Reverse Taper grips - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 15 replies
    • 2024 Cognizant Classic - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #1
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #2
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #3
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #4
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Brandt Snedeker - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Max Greyserman - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Eric Cole - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Carl Yuan - WITb - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Russell Henley - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Justin Sun - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Alex Noren - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Shane Lowry - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Taylor Montgomery - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Jake Knapp (KnappTime_ltd) - WITB - - 2024 Cognizant Classic
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Super Stoke Pistol Lock 1.0 & 2.0 grips - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      LA Golf new insert putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      New Garsen Quad Tour 15 grip - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      New Swag covers - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Jacob Bridgeman's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Bud Cauley's custom Cameron putters - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Ryo Hisatsune's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Chris Kirk - new black Callaway Apex CB irons and a few Odyssey putters - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Alejandro Tosti's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 2 replies
    • 2024 Genesis Invitational - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Monday #1
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Monday #2
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #1
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #2
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #3
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #4
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Rory McIlroy - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Sepp Straka - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Patrick Rodgers - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Brendon Todd - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Denny McCarthy - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Corey Conners - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Chase Johnson - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tommy Fleetwood - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Matt Fitzpatrick - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Si Woo Kim - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Viktor Hovland - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Wyndham Clark - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Cam Davis - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Nick Taylor - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Ben Baller WITB update (New putter, driver, hybrid and shafts) – 2024 Genesis Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Vortex Golf rangefinder - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      New Fujikura Ventus shaft - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods & TaylorMade "Sun Day Red" apparel launch event, product photos – 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods Sun Day Red golf shoes - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Aretera shafts - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      New Toulon putters - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods' new white "Sun Day Red" golf shoe prototypes – 2024 Genesis Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      • 22 replies
    • 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put and questions or comments here
       
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open - Monday #1
      2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open - Monday #2
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Ben Taylor - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Garrick Higgo - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Billy Horschel - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Justin Lower - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Lanto Griffin - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Bud Cauley - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Corbin Burnes (2021 NL Cy Young) - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Greyson Sigg - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Charley Hoffman - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Nico Echavarria - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Victor Perez - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Sami Valimaki - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Ryo Hisatsune - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
       
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      Jake Knapp's custom Cameron putters - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      New Cameron putters - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Tyler Duncan's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Greyson Sigg's custom Cameron putters - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Sunjae Im's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Ping's Waste Management putter covers - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Vincent Whaley's custom Cameron - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Odyssey Waste Management putter covers - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Super Stroke custom grips - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Cameron putters - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Zac Blair's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Bettinardi Waste Management putter covers - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
       
       
       
       
       
       

       
      • 12 replies

×
×
  • Create New...