Rose triumph ends English drought
Lessons in leadership
Psychology of the caddy role in golf
Justin Rose became the US Open Golf Champion in the early hours of this morning, bridging a 68 major gap since Nick Faldo last won one for England.
It was a tight finish to the tournament with Phil Mickelson, runner up for the sixth time, the closest challenger before finishing two shots back.
The same two players had highlighted the sportsmanship of golf at last year’s Ryder Cup when, despite the tension of a close match and the raucous passion of the fans around them, Mickelson displayed grace and smiles each time his playing companion sank a big putt.
Last night’s closing round also had a valuable lesson for business in the role of caddies as the wind and rain rose for a vital spell in the closing stages.
Time after time, the trusted assistants showed no hesitation in coming forward to make suggestions on club selection and distance, sometimes breaking the pre shot ritual of their ‘boss’ but always being listened to carefully.
It was a fine example of how this most individual of sports can actually display so many of the characteristics needed in a managerial relationship.
This role of golfer and caddie has been subject to a substantial amount of academic research, pointing out the technical and psychological importance of the relationship. One of the most important aspects is in the boosting of short term confidence and another element to be applauded is the lack of blame when a decision is taken that proves to be wrong or poorly executed.
In case any trusted lieutenants are reading this with a growing sense of their own importance however, it is also worth noting that over reliance can become a problem and that players often record an improved spike in form after switching to a new caddy after a long term relationship.
Rose’s caddy Mark Fulcher has been with him since 2008 having previously worked with World number one women’s golf star Laura Davies.
Rose dedicated the US win on Fathers Day to his own Father Ken who died of cancer in 2002 having played a prominent public role in the early stages of his sons career.
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