[Caddy Story] Could It Be That You Forgot Spring Because of Golf?

① Wise Round

Editor's NoteA caddie is a companion on the course. They greatly influence the satisfaction of a round. Weekend golfers often do not know much about caddies and tend to look down on them. Stories about caddies serve as a guide to enjoying happy golf. Kim Young-mi, the representative of the Korea Talent Development Center and a pioneering figure in the caddie world, leads the way. Starting as a caddie, she has worked as a mid-level manager at golf courses, general manager and CEO of overseas golf courses. She shares the hidden behind-the-scenes stories she has experienced over nearly 20 years in the golf industry.

Kim Young-mi, Director of the Korea Service Expert Development Center.

During my caddie days, I still cannot forget a member I served one spring day.

The member carefully looked at a tree behind the green and said, "Oh, the buds are more swollen now. The flowers will bloom next week."

When I asked how he knew that, he said, "If you pay attention and quietly observe, you can see how the trees do their part according to the season. The green fee must include the price for enjoying such beautiful nature."

At the time, his words just sounded like comforting remarks. To me, who had worked as a caddie for a long time, the golf course felt more like a workplace than a beautiful place. My colleagues felt the same. Perhaps there is also a kind of monotony in the eyes; the awe I had when I first got the caddie job was gone, and I was just busy working.

As I got older and became a golfer myself, the member’s old words come to mind from time to time. Especially on days when I am so focused on the ball and get excited about bets, ending up emotionally upset. Is it right to focus only on the ball at such a precious place where I paid a lot of money and made time? I am trying not to fall into the mistake of being absorbed only in trivial things and failing to appreciate the nature around me.

Spring is coming soon. The season when all things revive and flowers proudly show themselves is just around the corner. I want to eliminate the monotony in my eyes and fully embrace the beauty of the golf course at every moment. So that when I return to the harsh reality, I can at least enjoy a wise round that serves as a source of comfort.

Kim Young-mi, Representative of Korea Service Expert Development Center