Caddies are honored for dedication at Worcester Country Club banquet

WORCESTER — The top caddies of Worcester Country Club were recently honored at the annual Caddie Banquet, showcasing their dedication and hard work. Trevor Xenos received the esteemed title of Caddie of the Year, Cooper LeBlanc was recognized as the Most Improved Caddie, and Jarret Shays earned the title of Rookie Caddie of the Year.

During the summer of 2023, these young caddies had remarkable experiences that shaped their time at the Club. Xenos, a university student and member of the golf team, saw his handicap decrease as a result of his work as a caddie. LeBlanc, a junior at Bancroft School, became a sought-after caddie who offered invaluable advice and demonstrated expertise in reading greens and selecting clubs. Shays, a sophomore at Burncoat High, embarked on a learning journey in the sport and discovered a passion for the atmosphere of the golf course.

The awards were decided by the golf staff and the Club’s membership. The winners received cash prizes and pro shop gift cards in recognition of their outstanding performance. Xenos, expressing his love for the job, successfully convinced several friends to join the caddie program as well.

LeBlanc praised the supportive community at the Club and the flexible hours that the job provided. His experience had honed his skills in managing multiple bags and reading the course effectively. General manager Troy Sprister highlighted the benefits of having a caddie, including an assistant to share the workload and shorter waiting times on the course.

Shays, initially unfamiliar with golf, dedicated himself to learning the game and excelling as a caddie. He diligently studied the Club’s caddie manual and sought guidance from instructional videos. His hard work paid off, and he discovered a deep appreciation for the club environment. Shays plans to use his earnings to fulfill a lifelong dream of visiting Universal Studios in Florida.

Assistant golf professional Tyler Henning remarked that over 100 potential caddies participated in extensive training sessions, with 75% of them committing to daily work at the Club throughout the summer months. Caddies at Worcester Country Club are ranked in three categories, with varying base fees and gratuity opportunities based on performance. They also have the privilege of playing at the historic Worcester CC for free on Mondays.

The presence of caddies is deeply embedded in the Club’s history, dating back to the 1925 U.S. Open, as evidenced by framed photos in the clubhouse. Head professional Andy Lane brought back the classic caddie uniforms, adding a touch of nostalgia to the Club’s ambiance. Additionally, caddies have the chance to apply for the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund, which provides need-based aid for college expenses.

Being a caddie at Worcester Country Club is not only a summer job but also an opportunity for personal growth, skill development, and building lifelong connections. The winners of the Caddie of the Year, Most Improved Caddie, and Rookie Caddie of the Year awards exemplify the dedication and passion exhibited by the caddie community at Worcester Country Club.

—Contact Jay Gearan at [email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @tgsports.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Caddies are honored for dedication at Worcester Country Club banquet