On the bag: Andrew Dearden

Passionate about his job as Tour caddie “for the girls”

Although we only really had a glimpse of the women golfers in the Olympics on television, it was fascinating to see that a Russian golfer, who had been the talk of Rio all week with her stylish hats and elegant mini-dress golf ensembles, shot a remarkable round of 62 on the closing day. It reminded me that the very same Maria Verchenova, who was the first full-time Russian golfer to play on the Ladies European Tour, had also graced the fairways in Amsterdam during the 2015 Deloitte Ladies Open playing under her married name of Balikoeva.

There was a familiar face on Maria’s bag in Amsterdam. One of the character caddies on the ladies Tours: Andrew Dearden. The Englishman had already helped bring LET tour winner and Holland’s number one player, Christel Boeljon to the top. Their partnership peaking at her triumphant Solheim Cup debut in 2011. It was Andy’s sixth Solheim.

At ‘Golfing Inspirations’ we’ve dug through our archives for a radio interview we had with the trusted bagman last season. It was on the practice ground, at the end of day one of the Deloitte.

Golf seems to flow through the blood in his family. So perhaps it comes as no surprise that he is so passionate about his work. He reflects with Wendy Hoad on his time with Christel and looks forward to the new challenge ahead. So how’s life back in Europe with his new player? Does she go bananas after a bad shot? What about Tiger Woods? How’s his own golf? Does his wife play? (She sure does!) An insight into the life of a caddie on the Ladies European Tour.

Andrew Dearden: unpredictable, charming and direct, as always!

“There are some very, very good golfers on this Tour. It’s inspiring …”

“Confidence is massive in golf …”

ENGLISH radio interview 5 min 18 secs (part i)

“Don’t go chasing birdies when something bad has just happened …”

“I really love caddying! The buzz is brilliant!”

ENGLISH radio interview 4 min 49 sec (part ii)

PICTURED: Caddie Andrew Dearden at The International GC, Amsterdam (June 2015). Above left: With Russian player Maria Verchenova. Above right: ‘Changing of the guard’ – Andrew Dearden (right) with Christel Boeljon’s new caddie (in red).