Do golf caddies get medals at the Olympics?

Caddies play a crucial role in their golfer’s success, providing invaluable advice and support as they navigate the course. Despite their contributions, caddies do not receive an Olympic medal when their golfer wins a medal at the Games.

Golf made its Olympic debut at Paris 1900 but did not become a regular fixture in the Games due to insufficient entries. After more than a century, the sport was reintroduced at Rio 2016, where Great Britain’s Justin Rose clinched the gold medal. This reintroduction sparked discussions about whether caddies, who significantly influence their golfer’s performance, should also be awarded medals.

USA’s Xander Schauffele, who won gold in Tokyo, demonstrated his appreciation for his caddy, Austin Kaiser, by gifting him a golden ring adorned with the US flag above the Olympic rings. “They knew it meant a lot to me, too,” Kaiser told the Associated Press after the opening round at Le Golf National. “I didn’t get my own medal, and they wanted to do something special for me.”

The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee, in 2009, introduced the “Order of Ikkos,” which allows medalists to honor a team member by gifting them a medallion. Matt Kuchar’s caddy, John Wood, experienced a similar gesture when Kuchar won bronze at Rio 2016, bringing Wood to tears as the medallion was placed around his neck.

Kaiser also admitted to feeling overwhelmed by emotion due to Schauffele’s thoughtful gesture, highlighting the deep bond and mutual appreciation between golfers and their caddies.