Nick, Tiger’s perfect partnership endures in the Presidents Cup
Mention the name Tiger in a golfing context to any person and they would automatically assume the surname attached would be Woods.
But there is in fact another famous Tiger in golf, one much closer to home.
Tiger Lekhulene has been a caddie at Randpark Golf Club for over a quarter of a century and is known for his special affiliation with three-time Major winner Nick Price. In fact, the pair share such a close bond that Price has appointed him as the International team’s caddie captain for this year’s Presidents Cup.
Price will captain the International team at Liberty National in New Jersey in September.
“Nick phoned and invited me as his long-standing caddie. I am very proud he has chosen me to captain the caddies at this prestigious tournament. I have never been to New Jersey before and am looking forward to going to the United States,” says Lekhulene, 58, who is married with three children.
The two’s affiliation goes back to 1977 when Price used to practice at Randpark with fellow Zimbabwean Mark McNulty. Price won his very first tournament as a professional at the Asseng Invitational in 1979 with Lekhulene assisting him with advice and moral support.
The pair went on win the Nedbank Golf Challenge – known as the Million Dollar back then – in 1993, 1997 and 1998.
“I advise him where the wind is coming from, club selection, reading the distances. I make jokes to ensure a light atmosphere. We talk about life, golf and who is leading,” says Lekhulene, who also caddied for the late Simon Hobday, Sally Little and Ian Palmer.
“We have won over 15 tournaments together. Nick is a person that does not get angry on the golf course, when he hits a bad shot he always takes it well and asks me to please keep him focused. I have never seen him throw a golf club.”
Francois Swart, general manager at Randpark lauded Lekhulene for his achievements.
“We are very proud of his achievements as a caddie and are equally proud to have Tiger as a regular caddie. He has a calming and positive effect on his player often using the phrase ‘Trust your club and your swing’.”