Caddy for Life: The Bruce Edwards Story

by John Feinstein

Beyond golf's polished surface there lies a world not often seen by the average fan. The caddy sees everything - the ambition, the strategy, the rivalries, the jealousies - that occurs behind the scenes. Award-winning John Feinstein, America's favourite sportswriter, got one of golf's legendary caddies to reveal the secrets behind the most popular sport of our time.

Bruce Edwards was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease in January 2003, a progressive disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, but he dominated coverage of the 2003 US Open. This is a position not usually bestowed on a caddy, but Edwards was no ordinary caddy. In 1973, after forgoing college, Edwards walked on the course behind a young Tom Watson and never looked back. Watson would go on to win eight major titles with Bruce Edwards by his side. Edwards continued to do the job he had dedicated more than half his life to right up to his death in April 2004, aged 49. This is a moving, dramatic and thoughtful book about a life devoted to sports.

Genres: Sports, Biography, Nonfiction, Biography Memoir

308 pages, Paperback

Published May 9, 2005

About the author

John Feinstein was an American sportswriter, author, and sports commentator.

Reviews

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrific books about the relationship of a caddie to the golfing professional. It was very much relationship based and not too golf technical.

I really enjoyed it.

[Tom Gase · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the cover of this book you would think this book is about golf. It is, but more than anything it's about friendship, loyality and tradegy.

John Feinstein, one of the best sportswriters on the planet, has written a great book about golfer Tom Watson and his longtime caddy, Bruce Edwards. The book takes you through some of their greatest moments together during the 70's, 80's and 90's before Edwards is diagnosed with ALS, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Edwards is told he has 1-3 years to live, and in fact he does pass away after about a year.

It's a very sad, but uplifting book at the same time. The way Edwards handles himself during this very difficult time is very inspiring. During the last 50 pages or so, if you have a dry eye, you might not be human. I also have a lot of respect for Tom Watson (as if I ever didn't), knowing what kind of person he is as well.

This is a must-read for any golfer fan, and most non-sports fans will even like this. Just have that tissue ready by your side.

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book because I met Bruce Edwards and his wife, Marsha in 2003 when the Greater Hartford Jaycees gave a college scholarship in his name. I received that scholarship (and even appear in the book...See: 17 year old Bonnie Fewel who shrieked...or something like that) and found Bruce and Marsha to be wonderful people. Nearly ten years later, now an adult, learning more about his life and career was very special for me. The story was captivating and tragic. However, I found John Feinstein's writing to be, no pun intended, sub-par. It got to the point where I was actually rolling my eyes. Moments that Feinstein clearly intended to be "cliffhangers" were obvious and the delivery felt cheesey. It also felt quite repetitive at times, as if he didn't have enough material to write a whole book so he made up for it by just saying the same things over and over again. I swore that if he said "if there was any doubt that....., it was dispelled when...." one more time, I would put down the book. Clearly I didn't because, in the end, it's a powerful story. And it did give me a great appreciate for the game of golf, of which I have never been a fan. Overall, an enjoyable read I just hoped for better.

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read another Feinstein book last month and mentioned it to a friend. He recommended this one and said it would be ok to get a little wet around the eyes near the end. Bastard lied to me, I was only halfway through and had already gotten misty about three times already.

In 2003, I was working literally right down the road from the U.S. Open in Olympia Fields, and recall the pres making a huge story about Tom Watson's huge first day round, and the Bruce/Tom story. That episode is played up in the book, so that was kind of neat to re-live that period, but this time from the insider perspective.

Some of the "stroke by stroke, hole by hole" narrative got a little tiring, and towards the end I found myself skimming those parts to get right back to the personal story of Bruce, Tom and the families. That is really Feinstein's strength - telling the story of people who happen to be in sports. He brings the complexity of the sport, the nuances of the game to the non-sports fan, and keeps the story of the competitor in the forefront. More "sportswriters" need that skill.

If you're a golf fan or not, you might enjoy this book.

[Gigi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was good on a couple of levels. It was a very bittersweet story of one man's struggle with a terminal illness and his love of golf. It was also a very interesting behind the scenes look at the pro tour and some of the major players. I really enjoyed it, even though it was a true and sad story.

[Pablo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feinstein is an excellent sportswriter, my favorite, in fact. As an avid golfer, familiar with the PGA TOUR and many of its' players and their stories, this book is a compelling read. Tom Watson and Bruce Edwards are epitomal gentlemen in the gentleman's game, and the author tells this story with humanity and grace.

[Bradley Pearce · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not just a good golf book, it is also a good glimpse into the life of what seemed to be a good man. Any golf fan will enjoy the recounting of big rounds and crucial shots but what was even more powerful was the clear bond between Tom and Bruce. There was plenty of humor and emotion to make you feel all sorts of things over the course of reading. The only drawback for me was the writing and telling of some stories felt repetitive at times but it was otherwise a beautiful story of friendship and facing adversity.

[W.T. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Feinstein is rarely a disappointing read, but this is too by-the-numbers.

It's a compelling story, but it's so straight (journalistic) that it's more of a chore to read than it should be.

Golf caddy Edwards is a tragic and heroic figure, but Feinstein misses opportunities with him, instead focusing too much on the rather ordinary - but pleasant - family and friends.

Even the famous golfers whose lives Edwards touch add little to the story. Their interviews with Feinstein contributed easy and trite comments that suggest little real emotional attachment to Edwards and his plight.

It's unfortunate that this story gets short shrift here. In fact, Feinstein hints in the preface he didn't have time to do a great book about Edwards, and it comes true.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great look at caddy Bruce Edwards life, his contribution to professional caddying in the PGA, and his diagnosis of ALS. The book was wonderful from the perspective of the personal access the family and his longtime boss, Tom Watson, gave to describe Bruce Edwards as a man and their struggles with his diagnosis. I'm biased somewhat against the author, Feinstein, mostly because growing up in Maryland I've always felt his ego shines through a bit too much -- I saw that in this book (does he not think highly of Tiger Woods?). Even with that said, he is a good author, and I certainly enjoy his books and plan to read more soon. I think this is a great read for anyone, and a somewhat emotional book.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband is a golfer, and loves to watch golf. So with that being said, I spend some time with him either driving the golf cart or watching it on TV. I enjoyed watching Tom Watson and Payne Stewart playing years ago. And then Payne died in 99 and Bruce died in 04. I actually just read this book last year for the first time and cried so many times during the book. A lot of it was like going back in time and then remembering the tournaments all over again. I still love seeing Tom play, but I know each time he does, it must tug at his heart just a little, as it does mine and I don't even know them. Thank you John.

[Sean Weber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I loved how the author wrote it in more of a story narrative format as he described many memorable golf tournaments. I also liked how the author had a balanced mix of information, quotes, and story-telling. I also felt that the book was organized very well in a chronological order of Bruce's caddying career. If you are interested in the history of golf, then I would certainly recommend this book.

[Sarah Agresta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really got to me. It was such a wonderful story of two best friends, and so sadly, Bruce Edwards gets Lou Gherig's. It was a really great book, but you have to be able to read about golfing. I enjoyed it.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

An inspiring and a detailed story about a special friendship between golfer (Watson) and caddy (Edwards) and Edward's struggle with ALS.

[David]

Bruce Edwards was a High School classmate of mine.We were teammates on our Varsity Basketball team

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

A touching true story of an untimely death, from a caddy who lived his life to the fullest.

[Keith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but sad book about friendship and loyalty (with some golf).

[Barry Kirsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

tear jerker... golf fan or not, you will feel good to be a human being... read it when you are down on your life, it will show you how lucky you really are.

[Steve Reid]

Awesome story of a big-time PGA Tour caddie. Sad at the end but still an amazing description of the relationship developed over the years between Watson and Edwards.

[Darius Murretti · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxNQJ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkuRq...

True friendship is rare and those who find it are truly lucky

[Barbara Beimann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last year, my 68-year-old partner was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease also known as ALS. Speaking and swallowing were two of his challenges. His collapse was swift and catastrophic, and neither Standard treatments like riluzole and high dose B12 did very little for him. He would not have survived if our primary care physician hadn't given him attentive care and attention, as the hospital center didn't provide any psychological support. His fall was abrupt and catastrophic. His hands and legs gave way to weakness in his arms, he used different supplements that didn't work, so last July, he tried the ALS/MND protocol—the best decision ever! His symptoms eased, his energy returned, and he sleep soundly. He feels like a new man, and he can walk and exercise again. We got the ALS/MND protocol from ww w. limitlesshealthcenter. com or google Limitless Herbs Center

[Paul Lyons · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good account of the life of Bruce Edwards: a kind, humble man, who loved sports, and whose heart was laid bare on golf courses across America, shouldering the bag of his muse, mentor and friend: PGA champion golfer Tom Watson. "Caddy for Life: The Bruce Edwards Story" offers up an opportunity to meet and to get to know a beloved soul, who touched many people's lives through his friendly manner, humility, and generous spirit.

The oldest of four children from a wealthy East Coast family, Edwards eschewed what was expected of him from a very early age, and struck his own path. He found his calling on the golf course, and the PGA tour, not as a player, but as a caddy. Though the book doesn't address it enough, Edwards found it more gratifying being part of the action of the sport, rather than being the action itself. In other words, Edwards was a pure sports fan whose love of the game was enough to fill him with joy. He didn't need to play it, Edwards just wanted to be a part of it.

As fate would have it, Edwards ran into PGA hopeful Tom Watson early in his career, offered to caddy for him, and never ever looked back. The team of Watson and Edwards was a force to be reckoned with in the world of golf, win or lose. When Watson was losing, he never complained, and always stayed strong, sustained by Bruce Edwards' unshakable positive attitude. When Watson won, there was no happier person other than his loyal caddy Bruce Edwards.

As author John Feinstein so candidly expressed in "Caddy for Life: The Bruce Edwards Story," golf is a a highly unpredictable sport. Sure, there can be players that have won this or that tournament, like an Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, or a Tom Watson. Yet what those same players do TODAY can be a whole different story. Weather, course design, attitude, concentration, and choice all play a role in deciding who wins and who loses. Tom Watson won a number of Masters, British Opens, and one U.S. Open, yet he lost a lot as well.

For the uninitiated, golf can be an agonizingly slow and dull sport, especially compared to the pace of American football and basketball. Thankfully, John Feinstein takes you through golf tournament after golf tournament walking through each tee off, chip, birdie, bogey, drive, and putt as if it were a fast-paced boxing match, insuring the drama involved with each play. This is the book's strength, but it is also its weakness.

Although "Caddy for Life: The Bruce Edwards Story" was written with the full cooperation of Bruce Edwards, his friends and his family, John Feinstein misses the hole in terms of depth and detail of who Bruce Edwards really was. For example, as mentioned earlier, much is made of Edwards as a sports enthusiast, yet little is made of Edwards as sports participant. Did he enjoy playing sports, especially golf? If so, how did it inform Edwards as a caddy? Also, what was Edwards' life on the road really like? Where there wild times?

Instead, John Feinstein spends the bulk of his book telling Bruce Edwards' story through Tom Watson's career history, from tour to tournament to tour. Many golf games are chronicled in a play-by-play fashion, with Edwards's fate completely intertwined with how Tom Watson played golf that day. Yes, its true that when Watson did well in tournaments, so did Edwards in terms of their relationship, and in terms of money...so the outcome of each game was indeed important to the both of them. Yet after a while, the game (and the book for that matter) becomes repetitive. More to the point, a person's life story can not fully explored by game alone.

Bruce Edwards did indeed live a full and rich life, with many interesting highs and lows. Sadly, his life was cut short by the horrible ALS disease, which crippled him during the last year of his life. John Feinstein does go into great detail about ALS, and Edwards' struggle with it. Edwards' immense suffering was only matched by his unyielding strength, and courage...which kept him on the golf course by Watson's side long after the disease had taken over his body.

Perhaps it was the intention to publish the book while Bruce Edwards was still alive, I am not sure. Yet good intensions aside, "Caddy for Life: The Bruce Edwards Story" has a gaping hole in it. The story ends in November 2003, with I think might be Tom Watson's final tournament with Bruce Edwards as his caddy. I'm still not sure. You see, the book ends there, and leaves out everything that happened afterward...namely, the last five months of Bruce Watson's life before he died in April 2004. How can you call a book "Caddy for Life: The Bruce Edwards Story" and NOT finish the story with what happened in the last five months of Bruce Edwards's life??? Very disappointing, especially after taking the time to learn about such a good man, and the interesting life he had.

Aside from the abrupt and incomplete ending, I really enjoyed "Caddy for Life: The Bruce Edwards Story" much more than I thought I would. It gave me insight into a life and a world I knew nothing about, and held my interest more often than it did not. Better still, John Feinstein instilled the book with heart, as expressed by the many, many people who admired Bruce Edwards, and loved him.

[Shane Sturtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've ever read. Inspiring. Sad.

So well written. I always knew about John Feinstein, and he was before my generation, but it was sad reading this book knowing he recently tragically passed away.

And yes, I know this book came about years ago, but such a good read like I already said. Next up for me is to watch some of the moments, interviews, and highlights mentioned in the book on YouTube.

I always knew about the older Tom Watson, so it was fun to learn more about his greatest moments with Bruce.

Again, what a good read from the Intro to the Afterword. So many good people throughout the book, starting and ending with Bruce. And Bruce's family. Tom and Bruce's bone was nothing short of amazing.

The final moments - from days to weeks to months - for Bruce and his family hit home for me. Really tugs at the heartstrings.

If I haven't already said it, a heartbreakingly beautiful story that I didn't want to end.

[John Findlay · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid golfer, I was certainly aware of Tom Watson and the story of his caddy, Bruce Edwards, who died of ALS almost two decades ago. But this book brought home the warm friendship between the two, and the love between them as Bruce fought for his life. In a sense, the book is a dual biography of Tom and Bruce. It also provides insights into what the world of a tour caddy is like. Bruce was actually one of the first caddies who traveled from tournament to tournament to work for the same pro, a genre which is commonplace today. He comes across as a very likeable guy, who was also excellent at what he loved to do. He took the job of caddying to new levels and was an immense help to Watson. Needless to say, it was heartbreaking when Bruce is diagnosed with ALS just after proposing to his second wife. Both Tom and Marsha were stalwarts for Bruce during the last months of his life as they sought to raise money for ALS research and also to make Bruce's life as enjoyable as possible. Others have complained about the mediocre writing in this book, and I can agree with them to a point, but for me the power of the story overshadowed everything else. I would certainly recommend this book to any golfer who enjoys reading.

[Gregory Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Good Read Enjoyed

Feinstein holds the mantle as the today's best narrator of golfing stories. However, this story of Bruce Edwards life and battle against ALS, falls outside the usual terrain of behind the scenes tournament drama.

He was initially reluctant to take on the task of writing this book but, in a moment of inspiration, saw the narrative as a three part love story - between Bruce and Tom Watson, Bruce and life on the PGA tour, and Bruce and his second wife Marsha.

In the photo section, and described late in the book, there is a picture of Bruce and Tom walking off the 18th green at Olympia Fields after shooting an opening round 65 at the 2003 US Open, with Bruce tipping his cap to the gallery. It is a wonderful image as you can see the look of pride/admiration/love on Tom's face. Watson being Watson, he also understood that leading the field would also give him a bully pulpit to promote awareness of the disease and the need for funding to help find a cure.

Bruce's family wanted him to go to college and pursue a more traditional path. Instead he chose a journey that delivered him a job he loved; a boss and working relationship of mutual respect and admiration; and, just in time, a woman who was his soul mate. Not a bad trade off.

[Caleb Lattin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was ok. I liked it a bit because it was about golf and it is a pretty amazing story. Bruce had ALS and had to endur a lot to be able to caddy 18 holes and carry a 40 pound bag while his muscles were deteriorating. Bruce Edwards was a caddy for star golfer Tom Watson. He was so tired at the end and he had slurred speech because that is one of the symptoms of ALS. He and Tom Watson had hand signals one gestures so that Tom could understand Bruce.
The book is pretty boring until about halfway through. At about halfway throught the book, Bruce learns that he has ALS . Tom Watson soon learns that Bruce has ALS and he is heartbroken. He and Bruce have a relationship that is closer than a brother. Bruce still caddies for Watson, even thought it is hard for him to walk 18 holes because his muscles are deteriorating.
I think anyone over 6th grade should read this. It has a very wide range of vocabulary, and sometimes it words things that make it difficult to understand. It is very descritive, and you do have to know the basics of golf or you won't really like or understand this book.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read many of John Feinstein's books - and since I've been playing golf for the last almost 60 years (and by now you'd think I'd have it figured out but ....) I enjoy reading about the inside stories of a life I have watched from the other side of the tube.

But this isn't about golf - yeah, golf plays a role - a big role - in the story, but it's about friendship. No, it's about love - between two professionals and friends, and soulmates in sport. And an insightful look at both the horrors and the glory of Bruce Edwards' life and ultimate early demise, a victim of the wasting disease ALS/Lou Gehrig's.

Feinstein paints a fine, delicate, and realistic picture of his life, and the on and off again (but mostly on) relationship with Tom Watson, while exploring the various sidebars and sidetracks of Edwards' life. And handles the ending of his story with respect and honorabilty as it and he deserves. Not enough to make me cry - but enough to make me have a good sized lump in my throat. And that even on re-reading it.

I heartily recommend it.

[Gerald Matzke · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a life-long golf fan, I was aware of the Bruce Edwards story. He was one of most respected caddies on the PGA tour, working mostly for Tom Watson for almost thirty years. His struggle with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, was very public. However, John Feinstein weaves a thoughtful account of the relationship between Watson and Edwards as their professional lives grew and how they handled the diagnosis of ALS. Watson used his position as a top golfer to employ his bully pulpit to raise awareness among the public about ALS research. While the book was written in 2004, the human interest aspect of this story is touching and the tales from the PGA and Champions Tours were enjoyable for someone who has followed golf in those years.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the saddest books I have ever read. I picked it up because I like John Feinstein and knowing his style figured it would be about what life is like as a caddy on the pro tour. Well, it was about that and a lot more.

This books follows the story of Bruce Edwards, a PGA caddy who worked primarily for Tom Watson throughout his career. The first half is happy and upbeat but then a tragic event turns the story to a more somber tone. Reading it I felt like I was watching a movie as some of the stuff that happened seemed to be right out of a movie script but it all was in fact true.

A remarkable story, a remarkable book.

[Jared · Rating 3 out of 5]

I decided to read this book because I love golf, followed the Bruce Edwards story closely as he wrapped up his caddying career with Tom Watson, and I like John Feinstein's writing.

I thought Feinstein did a nice job telling the story and bringing in the more personal nuances of Watson's and Edwards' relationship. I also loved some of the descriptions of the different rounds of golf and can remember watching those holes live on TV.

If you are a golf fan and want an easy summer read, this is a good choice.

[Varun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book because I love golf,also because I like the way that John Feinstien writes. This book isn't just about golf its about friendship,loyalty, and tragedy. During his life Bruce Edwards was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease.This book explains how he went through the disease and still caddied for a life long friend Tom Watson.Before he caddied for tom Watson Edwards caddied for one of the best golfers in the history of the PGA, his name was Greg Norman. I liked this book because it showed that even through hard times, Bruce Edwards was loyal to his friend.