An American Caddie in St. Andrews: Growing Up, Girls and Looping on the Old Course

by Oliver Horovitz

St Andrews, known around the world as ‘the home of golf’, is legendary, and its history and traditions are deeply embedded in the local community that has kept it going for centuries. The caddies on the Old Course are a font of knowledge and an institution in their own right. Into this venerable institution steps Oliver Horovitz, a young American Harvard student – and keen golfer – on a gap year at the University of St Andrews. During this year, his most important discovery – by far – is that everyone at St Andrews plays golf – including very cute girls. When term ends, Ollie joins the St Andrews caddie trainee program and spends the summer awaking at 4.30am to line up at the caddie shack, looping two, sometimes three, rounds a day. After months of struggling to gain acceptance from the notoriously gruff, perpetually hungover veteran caddies, he finally earns his full caddie stripes. Full of life and drama, this is a warm and insightful view of the vibrant characters who inhabit this world, along with all their idiosyncrasies; it is also a tale of growing up and finding one’s place in the world, against the brilliant green backdrop of the Old Course, and will appeal to golfers up and down the UK.

Genres: Sports, Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Biography Memoir, Travel, Book Club

338 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 2, 2012

Reviews

[Brian DiMattia · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I'm being honest, and brutally so, Oliver Horovitz is not a great writer. His chapters are short and choppy, he tells a fairly brief story and then drops it. There's no...continuity. Reading this book was like listening in on a conversation at a party for 5 minutes, then wandering away, and coming back for 5 minutes.

But I have a hard time being really critical of the book, mostly because it's just likable. Most likely I mean that Horovitz is likable. Seriously, it's basically a book about a millenial/Harvard Student talking about how much he loves golf, women and drinking with buddies (usually in that order), and I actually read the whole thing. That must mean that I was genuinely interested in how his story would turn out.

Of course, it could also be that the book has good atmosphere. It's filled with the things and people of Scotland, and that drew me to it immediately. It's filled with people who don't just golf, but truly love the game and it's history. And it's filled with a young man trying to find his place in the world, but not whining about it.

While there is no evidence of true wordsmithing going on here, I enjoyed reading it. I enjoyed hearing Horovitz' stories about his Uncle Ken and Ken's dear friend Henry. I enjoyed the moments where he introduces us to people who truly love the game of golf in a world of men in shorts just looking for an excuse to show off and drink. I loved getting to experience the joys of Scotland once again (and appreciate that Horovitz mentioned such staples as rock buns, but didn't feel the need to mention the noxious Lucozade!).

In the end, I probably won't remember this book forever. But I'm glad I read it and I wish Oliver Horovitz well.

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

Superb

This exceptional book is very personal, lifelike, and often humorous look up what it is like to be part of the Caddy community at Saint Andrews in Scotland.

Is full of tremendous antidotes and credibly well written.

I highly recommend to all who enjoy the game golf.

[Matt Woodward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oliver tells his story about graduating high school and taking a gap year before starting at Harvard. During the summers he lives with his lovable old great uncle in St. Andrew’s and caddies at one of the oldest golf courses in the world. Enjoyed hearing the stories of college mixed in with the characters that were the caddies at St. Andrew’s. Gruff seems like a fitting word to describe his coworkers at the golf course.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to golf more after this book. Basically a journal of this guys life during his twenties, as he bounced from undergrad at Harvard to caddying summers at St. Andrews. I was quite jealous of his life, it sounds like such a cool way to spend college summers. Importantly the star of the book was his ADORABLE, giggly Scottish great-uncle Ken. I truly could read an entire novel about Uncle Ken’s gardening club.

[Wren Wagenbach · Rating 3 out of 5]

idk why I read this

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The reasons why I ended up liking this aren't numerous (and yes, I am quite surprised that I ended up liking it). Just for context, I picked up this book in a hostel in Newcastle - it had a book exchanged (and I must admit I cheated, because the host said I am exempt from leaving my signed copy - I'll just have to stop by there again to return a book at some point :) ).

Anyway, I digress. I chose it because it was the only title that I could *kinda* relate to. The common denominator is, of course, St Andrews. To this day I have lived there for 4 years and I have yet to play a round of golf (putting doesn't count). But I was surprised at the honestly and humour of this memoir. Not very heavy on technical stuff (thankfully), it makes sure the story flows. The characters are quaint and adorable (because senior St Andeans) genuinely are, and the anecdotes are very candid (I also have a Jerry DeGroot-related story). It's a small town. It would not surprise me to have met Oliver at some point. Anyway, good travelling read.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read about this book in the Boston Globe and as a golfer and one who has had the privilege to play St. Andrews, I thought it might be interesting to read. Interesting....it was fantastic. My expectations of what this book would be like were far exceeded. If your a golfer, if you've played St. Andrews or hope to some day, do yourself a favor and read this book. You will not be disappointed.

[Peachy Macauley]

I am biased because I have a signed copy of the book and met the author. Nonetheless, having experienced (and "played" the links in the Old Course), this is a quick read, honest book, almost coming-of-age story worth the read. Very entertaining!

[Karli Eller · Rating 3 out of 5]

A super fast read about a Harvard college student who spends his summers caddying on the Old Course at St. Andrews every summer. Anyone who likes golf and desires to play the Old Course just once in their life will enjoy and appreciate this book.

[Joseph Barresi · Rating 5 out of 5]

An American Caddie in St. Andrews is a fascinating read. Oliver Horovitz details his experience caddying on the most famous golf course and going to the most famous university. Horovitz’s story begins when he gets a call informing him that he’s been accepted to Harvard, but is being forced to wait a year. He makes the unique choice to spend his gap year to attend the University of St. Andrew’s in Scotland. His goal is to try to work as a caddy on the Old Course.

Horovitz gets to do two things that most people can only dream about. He’s able to attend Harvard University, arguably the most prestigious and storied college in America. In addition to that, he also caddies on the Old Course - arguably the most prestigious and storied golf course in the world. This is one reason the book is so compelling. You can live through someone whos experienced some of the most impressive feats. Hearing him casually discuss going to school with the sons of the Heineken owner, Albania’s UN ambassador, and the Goldman Sachs CEO is extraordinary. He also mentions his experiences caddying for Larry David, Rory Mcilroy, and Huey Lewis something very few people can discuss. His passages discussing caddying and being in the Caddyshack at St. Andrews are extremely intriguing.

An American Caddie in St. Andrews is a coming-of-age story. Horovitz goes across the pond at eighteen. He wakes up every morning at 4:30 am and caddies two eighteen-hole rounds; sometimes three. Horovitz is also forced to try and gain the approval of the veteran, no-nonsense St. Andrew’s caddies. He also lives in Britain alone in his formative years, getting a true taste of what living on your own is like. This entire experience unsurprisingly makes him wise beyond his years in security with himself. It motivates him to not follow his Harvard friends to Wall Street and follow his passion to be an author and filmmaker - and also to continue caddying. Personally, I enjoy reading coming-of-age stories as I find it reminds me of how I navigated my own problems and that everyone can get through hardship.

The book is also very amusing and entertaining. The town of St. Andrews has the highest club per capita in the entire United Kingdom. As a college student, at a University with a 70:30 female to male ratio, the combination takes him on many adventures. Horovitz is also a very funny writer. One of my favorite quotes is, “It’s clear to me that there are two kinds of love: the love you feel for your 86-year-old great-uncle, and the love you feel for your French girlfriend. Two very different types of Haggis.” He has a very dry sense of humor which fits well with the famous settings. Another great example is when he says I watched so much golf that I could tell you what Viagra and Lipitor were by age 12. You also learn very funny vernacular that the St. Andrews caddies use, such as a duffed tee shot is a ‘Bon Jovi’. Another very entertaining section of the book is the discussion of his documentary creation. It’s very cool to hear him talk about different things that go into its making. The subject is also interesting. His coworker, Jimmy Bowman who has caddied at the Old Course for thirty years and never swung a golf course. The conversations amongst the caddies are incredibly funny.

In sum, this book is a fascinating read for golf fans. The book details a college student experiencing growing up while caddying on the most storied course in golf history. An American Caddie in St. Andrews offers readers a funny, coming-of-age tale at Harvard and the Old Course.

[John Matthew IV · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful coming of age book about Oliver working and living as a caddie in St. Andrews.

It is at times very funny, very poignant and very sad. I did cry. This is more than just a golf book.

Uncle Ken lived at 4 Howard Place.

p. 10: Course #1: Old Course - taking a caddie here is absolutely essential
Course #2: New Course - tighter, tougher
Course #3: Jubilee Course - toughest golf course in St. Andrews
"Caddies don't like working the Jubilee Course. The rough is jungle-thick, so anything less than a good golfer makes life on the Jubilee distinctly unjubilant.... Worst of all, there's no food cart." (p. 159)
Course #4: Eden Course - calendar-pretty, which is not often worked for caddie rounds
Course #5: Strathtyrum Course - short, straighforward
Course #6: Balgove Course - wee nine-hole

p. 30: "What's the difference between a Canadian and a canoe. A canoe tips."

p. 293: Course #7: Castle Course - "the most brutal course to caddie on that I have ever seen"

p. 131: Gin House

p. 139: "And then I kiss her [Emily], and as we stand up, I know this will be the last time we'll ever see each other."

p. 131: Grill House

p. 231: "I think we all have some inner belief, deep down, that whenever we leave a place, everything just stops until we return. That when we leave a small town, or a country, life just ... pauses. It's a nice thought, but of course, it isn't true. Life keeps moving. People get older."

p. 271: Oliver does tequila shots with Paula Creamer on her 21st birthday.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved and hated An American Caddie In Saint Andrews by Oliver Horowitz.

Oliver is an eighteen year old boy of privilege, jetting off to the University of Saint Andrews for a gap year when Harvard needs to delay his admission. A self professed golf junkie, he takes to caddying in the summers at the Old Course, and visiting his darling, giggling Uncle Henry for tea and gardening stories.

He is desperate to fit in - at Saint Andrews, at Uni, and at Harvard- and the language is disappointing. He uses his caddying opportunities to meet models, which, honestly could have resulted in a hardship to his fellow (read professional) caddies. In spite of seeing the hardscrabble life of his fellow caddies, the author opts for a film degree from Harvard, which, unsurprisingly, results in limited working opportunities and continued caddying. He's kind of a Peter Pan, but with wealthy parents who can probably help him along.

The best part of the book is his developing relationship with his octogenarian uncle and the uncle's friends. That's the gem here. He builds a relationship with his great uncle and learns from them.

[Tom Anstett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This account is a narrative about the author's life between his winter studies at Harvard and his summers as a caddie at St. Andrews in Scotland. The narrative weaves back and forth as do the seasons of the year. At times refreshing, at times eloquent, at times choppy, most of time entertaining. Lovers of golf, especially those who have had the honor of playing the Old Course, will find the descriptions of the holes through a caddy's eyes compelling and enjoyable. Horovitz entertains the non-golfers by interjecting his development as a person and as a student in the pressure environment known as Harvard. Brief love affairs and poignant relationships with other caddies and a lovable uncle highlight the golf scenario. Not a well-written book, but as mentioned, mostly entertaining. The ending leaves one wondering where his life is going, but Oliver's persona satisfies readers that his life will be fulfilling in some way.

[phil mcveigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. I'm not golfs biggest fan and I'm a very average player myself but I understand enough about the game to understand some of the golfing language used.

You will like this book if you like golf but for anyone not into golf, it's the stories about his life in America and Scotland with his Great Uncle, University life and his life away from golf that you will probably find more interesting than the caddie stories....although some of them are entertaining to any reader.

I like the way the book is written. It isn't by an experienced author but by a 'normal' everyday person and that comes across in the way the book is written.

Well done Ollie, very entertaining.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Oliver Horovitz's account of his years as a caddie on the iconic Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland. His stories are fascinating and give a peek behind the curtain of caddie life on a golf course - and not just any course, but perhaps the most famous course in the world.

Unfortunately, the writing leaves a bit to be desired. The short, choppy sentences and sometimes repeated text could have used a bit of editing. But I'm always hesitant to throw stones, since I probably couldn't have done much better myself! On the positive side, the subject matter is so interesting I overlooked the memoir's flaws and am glad I spent some time reliving Horovitz's unique past.

[Susan Dyson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a book which has a mix of parts to it. There is an irritating bit with his experience of growing as a teenager and behaviour to women, a tat childish. The characters of Uncle Ken and Henry and his relationship with them was lovely. The major part is of course his experience as a caddie at St Andrew’s. Some of the caddies are snobby with their manners towards the golfers belittling perhaps justifying but I know that for most golfers the chance of playing St Andrew’s is an ultimate and I wonder if they forget this. He talks about the film he makes as part of his degree and I think I’d like to see it simply to hear Uncle Ken’s giggle! Not a difficult read but a little bitty.

[Anthony Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like golf, St. Andrews Old Course, or both then this is a must read. Most of the book focuses on the caddying experience, but there are little bits that focus on his life outside the course. I found that the non-golf tidbits helped to keep things from just running together. Enjoyable, quick read that was a great insight in to a historic course and a job that requires great skill to be good at

[Bryce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just good fun. The people are vivid and the experiences are great. If you love golf, if you're interested in Scotland, or if you just enjoy reading about people doing interesting jobs, this is a great book.

If I had to nitpick I would say that of the three parts of the subtitle (Growing Up, Girls, and Looping on the Old Course), the "Girls" content didn't add much to the story. But, in total it was a fun, easy read that I enjoyed.

[Eric Hawes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome book. Ollie’s confrontation with becoming an adult and hanging onto childhood passion is a true david & Goliath. The child in him won. Yes the book is mainly golf & amazing stories from his time looping but it felt more coming to age, I felt a wild sense of nostalgia reading it, somehow remembering odd memories from my own childhood facing that similar confrontation on the path to coming of age.

[Paul Szydlowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

I believe there are golfers and people who golf. Ask the latter how they hit and they'll likely answer, "Don't ask." Ask a golfer and by the time they've finished recounting their entire round stroke for stroke, you'll wish you hadn't. I have a feeling golfers would enjoy this book more than folks like me, who merely golf.

[Teanna]

I’m glad I finally got around to reading this. Though it's mostly about golf and that is something that I don’t love or know a lot about I still found it really interesting. The writing style kept me engaged and the stories were fun. It really did capture the spirit of St Andrews and brought me right back home to the town.

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would have been fantastic if it were 100 pages shorter. The book is incredibly engaging when discussing the caddy lifestyle and the goings on around the course. Also his Uncle Ken is a treat.

But the writing is sophmoric, the story becomes all over the place, and it's boring when he talks about his parties and flirting fails and flubs.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An American Caddie in St. Andrews, a must read.

A fun fast read! The book transports you to Scotland and puts you behind the scenes at St. Andrews. A must read for any golfer or anyone who has ever caddied.

[Thomas Wailgum · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun, breezy and informative read. As a golfer, the "inside baseball" stories on St. Andrews, caddying life and golfing were enjoyable. Ollie's relationship with Uncle Ken was heartfelt and warm. Well done!

[Todd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parts of this book were very entertaining. Others, boring minutiae that should not have been included. This book needed an editor really bad. Should have been a lot shorter.

In my list of places to play. Was cool to hear all about the courses and the culture there.

[Doug Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely incredibly well written and meaningful book. If this book does not hit home for you, then you sadly don’t understand the power of the game of golf. Must read for any person who has once caddied or visited St Andrews.

[Jason Farrow · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s not a bad read but I’m left wondering if caddies really hate golfers this much did they make a bad career choice? The book captures the charm of St Andrew’s golf but then it’s lost when you learn more about the behind the scenes action.

[Carianne Carleo-Evangelist · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this a lot more than I expected. I wasn’t sure how I’d relate to an early 20s Harvard kid, but Ollie was more relate able than I expected. Loved uncle Ken and Henry as much as he brought the Old Course to life.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

warm and funny, even if you don't play golf.

[Bob Grinnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun beach read.

Wish I had read this before playing St. Andrews this Spring. Kenny was my caddie at Kingsbarn. What a treat that was!