CADDIES' VIEWS

Sir:
Gee, two pictures and two pages on the U.S. Women's Open (Storms,
Quakes, Fumes -- And Golf, July 21). As a part-time caddy for the
women professionals, I have spent a few weeks watching these players
practice and compete for meager winnings. I have great respect for
their talents and fortitude, especially when I look at the difference
between the money available to the men and that awarded to the women
(as of mid-June, 50th place on the PGA money list was just about
equal to 8th place on the LPGA list). I hope in the future you can
give a little more space to some very deserving athletes.
JAY HILL
Indianapolis
Sir:
I believe something should be said on behalf of the American tour
caddie. In Frank Deford's article on Tom Watson's duel with Jack
Nicklaus in the 1977 British Open at Turnberry (The Best Against The
Best, July 14), it was suggested that compared with Alfie Fyles,
Watson's caddie at Turnberry, the American caddie is more like a
pinsetter in a bowling alley. This is a bit much. The guys who work
40 weeks a year as full-time PGA tour caddies are, like Fyles,
professional and proud to be part of the tour.
LINN STRICKLER
Clearwater, Fla.