OSHAWA -- Oshawa's Scott Vail has had quite the ride over the past two years as the caddy for PGA golfer Brandt Snedeker. Last year, Vail helped the 27-year-old Nashville native earn top rookie honours after he finished 17th on the tour's money list with $2,836,643 in earnings. This year, Snedeker has already surpassed the million mark in earnings and played in the final group at the Masters, the first and arguably most revered of golf's major tournaments.
Recently, Vail answered our 10 Questions.
1. How did you become a caddy?
I started enjoying it when I played junior golf about 10 years ago and would work the occasional amateur event for friends. It kind of snowballed from Canadian tour events to Nationwide tour events and then onto the present PGA tour.
2. What is a typical week like?
Monday is a travel day/practice day. Tuesday is usually an 18-hole practice round followed by practice. Wednesday is an 18-hole pro-am. Thursday to Sunday is tournament rounds with warm-ups an hour before and usually a good hour or two practice session following each round. Usually there is a group of us that will partake in dinner each night. It's almost like a fraternity feel out there with great camaraderie amongst us of all.
3. What sorts of things do you talk about during a round, besides golf?
The women in the crowd, sports, movies, TV shows (more specifically Seinfeld, Rob and Big, and Two and a Half Men). I like to chat Leafs hockey but Brandt usually wants no part of that. Golf is never chatted about until its time to decide on our next shot.
4. How did you hook up with Brandt Snedeker?
I worked two events for him in Australia and New Zealand in 2006 because my normal player didn't get into the those tournaments, and then went back to working for my normal player before making the switch eight events into the 2006 season. We had immediate success, winning twice and losing in a playoff once on the Nationwide tour.
5. Can you describe what it was like to be in contention during the final round of the Masters?The entire week was such an overwhelming experience. Being in the final group on Sunday was so unbelievable, so surreal. Hearing all those people cheering us on and rooting for us even though things didn't pan out the way we would've liked. At the same time it can be quiet stressful because your mistakes are magnified with every decision made.
6. How many rounds do you get to play in a typical year?
A couple is enough for me. Too many aches and pains for more than that.
7. What's your handicap?
Golf. No, seriously I would say I would shoot in the 80s nowadays. When I was young and played a lot my handicap would've been about a 4 or 5.
8. Have you met Tiger Woods and, if so, what is he like in person?
Haven't met him personally but I have chatted with him briefly before. Nothing but good things could be said about him. He is incredibly focused when at the golf course but is respected by all those around him. He is just a regular guy who likes to have fun just like all of us.
9. What do you like to do away from the golf course?
I enjoy working out, hanging out with friends and family, travelling, watching Leafs hockey, and catching up with my black lab.
10. If you could carry the bag for any three golfers, past or present, whom would you choose?
Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and, of course, Brandt Snedeker.