Former World No.1 Ernie Els is often called "The Big Easy", owing to his massive stature and his relaxed yet powerful swing. But even he has had his fair share of issues on the course. Colin Byrne, one of his former caddies, even left him mid-round following a rift.

Els was looking for a caddie with a calm disposition and decided to hire Byrne. While they shared a respectable relationship, at the 2013 Arnold Palmer Invitational, Els had been directing sharp criticism at Byrne through the 15th hole, causing the veteran bagman to quit the course.

“We all have a line, and Ernie happened to cross it on that occasion,” Byrne said.

Even the experienced caddie had his limits. Byrne finally reached his breaking point and left Els to carry his own clubs at the tournament.

“You know, given the nature of the caddie/player relationship, it’s important that you don’t spend too much time with each other.” Byrne added.

The rift, however, healed soon. Byrne also stated that Els “loved me staying at his place because we’d play tennis at night.” 

Another of Els’ former caddies, Cayce Kerr, had described the South African in an “two bears wrapped in one: a teddy and a grizzly.”

Byrne seemingly encountered the “grizzly” that time in Florida.

Byrne’s career has been illustrious as he partnered up with the likes of Retief Goosen, Alex Noren, Edoardo Molinari, Paul Lawrie, Rafa Cabrera-Bello, and, most recently, Louis Oosthuizen. 

As Oosthuizen shifted to LIV in May 2022, Byrne’s life transformed for the better. 

How LIV Golf Changed Everything For The Caddies

LIV Golf has its critics, but the way they’ve treated their caddies is second to none.

Caddies were granted access to business-class flights and grand hotels on the rebel tour.

More importantly, they are now a part of the clubhouse and the locker room. The players and the caddies even share the same dining area.

Veteran caddie Billy Foster outlined the facilities that were made available to caddies by LIV Golf.

“You’ve worked all week, miss the cut so you get nought. Then flip it to the LIV Tour, where your flights are paid for, your hotels are paid for, you eat with the players and you’re not treated like a rat tied up outside the clubhouse, which I’ve had for most of my career.”

LIV Golf’s future might be uncertain, but the league has completely transformed “the earning ability” of its caddies.

What is your takeaway from the rift between Els and Byrne? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Written by

Avishek Sarkar

Edited by

Surjo Ray