Pilot hopes caddy gig helps take-off
GOLD Coast pilot Daniel Reid hopes a shock stint as caddy at the Australian PGA Championship will give him the experience needed to secure his own move into the pro ranks.
Reid accepted a late call-up from Victorian golfer Michael Choi to carry his bags at Royal Pines – his home club – because the player’s usual caddy couldn’t make it to the Gold Coast from his Perth base.
Reid plays off a handicap of one and has ambitions of pushing for a PGA of Australasia players card next year.
“Being around these guys and seeing what they are doing just confirms everything you are trying to do on the weekends and when you are practising,” Reid said.
“To see what level you have to be at to be competitive with these guys is great.
“I’ve never caddied anything this major before. I was surprised to get the opportunity but it was one I couldn’t pass up.”
The 28-year-old Burleigh resident became a sounding board for Choi, who went on to finish at one-over in the opening round yesterday.
“Hopefully I can help him out with some local knowledge, having played course a number of times.
“Michael’s home course is in Victoria where the greens differ slightly to Queensland but I’m sure with his skill we can post some good rounds and be here for the weekend.”
Choi conceded he was forced to grind his way through a wet Graham Marshdesigned course but declared he was still within range of making the cut for the weekend.
“If I can shoot anything in the 60s (today) that would get me right in there, I would imagine,” Choi said. the