Page 29 - Westchester Magazine - 2020 Golf Guide

Jason DiNunzio
Winged Foot GC
Who would ever hire a caddie named Blind J? A golfer who wants a looper with deep experience and an aggressive, can-do attitude, that’s who. The nickname, it turns out, came about because DiNunzio was one of four Jasons at Winged Foot GC, and caddie manager David Zona needed a way to distinguish them. DiNunzio had come from Blind Brook CC, so “Blind J” became his moniker.
DiNunzio, now 44, started as a 12-year-old at Pelham CC, and his 32-year career has included stints at Siwanoy, Golf Club of Purchase, GlenArbor, Deepdale, Blind Brook, and now Winged Foot.
He’s honed his skills and seen many changes over the years. “When I first started caddying in the ’80s, the motto was ‘show up’; ‘keep up’; ‘shut up’,” he says. “You were just spotting balls and raking bunkers. Caddies weren’t treated well. But everyone wants to feel needed and appreciated.”
Today, DiNunzio prides himself on several things, but first on the list is his 4-year-old daughter. Close behind is his knowledge of the game, the golf course, and his golfers. “From the moment the caddie picks up your bag, it’s
a trust system,” he says. “The last thing I want is for you to have a bad day. You’re probably a weekend player, so when you get to the golf course, you just want to relax and have a nice round.”
Jamie Goldberg
Fenway GC
Jamie Goldberg, 28, got started as a caddie for a good reason. “I come from a pretty big family. I have six siblings, so if I wanted spending money, I had to earn it.”
He’s been earning it at Scarsdale’s Fenway GC for 15 seasons, but now his motivations are more complex. “I love golf, but I’m not good enough to make a living playing or teaching, so this lets me stay around the game. It’s my favorite thing in the world.”
And, while he gets a great deal of satisfaction helping his clients enjoy their games at Fenway, Goldberg says there’s a drawback. “Working six or seven days a week means I don’t get much time to play as much as I want.”
How Much?
Caddies are typically independent contractors who work for the golfer, not the club, so there is no standard caddie fee. Minimum fees in Westchester range anywhere from $80 to $150, depending on the club, and exceptionally good caddies deserve a generous tip. If you’re riding a cart and the caddie doesn’t carry your clubs, the fee will be somewhat lower.
If you’re a guest at a club, it’s always a good idea to check with the caddie manager or starter and ask what’s expected. They’re used to answering the question!
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