Safe too Say, No Hope of a Medal For You!!!

Should Caddies Receive Medals at the Olympics 

Men’s golf has just finished, and Scottie Scheffler, the number one rank golfer in the world, is the Olympic Gold medalist. As the title goes, No Hope of A Medal for you Jon Rahm…Just because I am not a fan of LIV golf.  However, this read is not about Scottie or the contest. It’s all about the “behind the scene” folks. The caddies and coaches. We certainly do not have a lot of Olympic Golf memories to fall back on. As the 2024 Paris Olympic games are only the third competition in modern times. But, as it’s two predecessors, 2016 and 2020(*2021), we are asking…should caddies be awarded a medal if their golfer wins? 

Resounding Mixed Bag 

Some discussions and debates can be simplified and said there are only two sides. You favor one side of the coin or the other. This discussion/debate looks more like a Dungeons and Dragons Die. When a team, or individual, at the Olympics places in the top three in their respective event, they win a medal. What you may not know is that is where is ends. Coaches do not receive medals. So, it would only seem fair to follow suit, and not give them to caddies either.  

Where do you Land in the Discussion 

You are correct. Caddies do not receive “awards” of any kind for their players achievements. They do not have a green jacket hanging in their closet, or a Claret Jug on their mantel. But they are paid, thus being rewarded for their golfer doing well. With any Olympic sport. Athletes are thanking their coach who helped get them to where they are. So yes, a coach, or caddie, has those eternal bragging rights.  

Order of Ikkos  

Say what!?!? It’s been established there are no medals beyond the athletes. However, the US Olympic Committee established the Order of the Ikkos This is a medal that Athletes may present to their coach as a “thank you” of sorts for helping them achieve an Olympic medal. There is no indication that Xander awarded, or was given the opportunity to award, this medal to his caddie four years ago.  

Writers Opinion on the Subject  

This is the point of the article where I am injecting my thoughts and opinions on the subject. I think that all caddies and coaches should be awarded a corresponding Medal to the athlete or team they coaching/representing. Just like the golfers, the caddies are preparing for the event in the same manner they would any tournament. They are studying the course layout and conditions. They walk the course making note to all its attributes so they can be best prepared to assist their player. They review weather conditions so they can make adjustments accordingly. You are correct, they are not swinging the club, or making a pass, or spiking the ball, just like all the other coaches are not “doing anything.” That thought in and of itself just sounds absurd to me. If we are really saying they are not directly involved in the outcome so do not deserve the medal, why is it when teams, golfers, don’t perform up to speed, it is the couch that is almost always the first to go.  

Possible Offering

Perhaps the IOC offers the winning coaches a winners medal. It is not a gold, silver or bronze matching their team or athlete. But, simply, a coaches recognition award. They look the same for all coaches and caddies. Just a way of saying “way to go.” Your knowledge and assistance help make all the difference in your athlete and teams success.

No Right nor Wrong Answer 

There are only two options to the question. Should they, yes, or should they not, no, receive the medal. But I do believe there are numerous reasons both pro and con to the question. I for one agree with arguments on both sides, but truly believe that their work and preparation for the Olympic Games is no less valuable then the athletes.