Pro golfer turned caddie Michelle Simpson wants to see more women in the profession

SINGAPORE – When a medical issue caused by a parasite halted Michelle Simpson’s career as a professional golfer nearly two decades ago, she was handed a lifeline by LPGA Tour player Meredith Duncan, who asked if she was keen to be her caddie.

Simpson, who played on the second-tier Epson Tour from 2000 to 2006, agreed, initially seeing it as a way to stay in the game and mount a comeback.

That did not materialise as money was tight amid the 2008 financial crisis, and the American found a passion for caddying.

“I really enjoyed caddying because I knew what the girls’ dreams were, I had the same dream so I could relate to it and I felt that I could be of service,” Simpson told The Straits Times on the sidelines of the HSBC Women’s World Championship.

Nearly 20 years on, she has stayed the course, carrying the bags of players such as two-time Major champion Brittany Lincicome and now Angel Yin, who has won twice on the Tour.

Although she no longer fights to climb the leaderboard, the 45-year-old plays a crucial role in helping her players do so.

Caddying can also be competitive, with pressure coming in a different form – making the right call and to provide the support that a player needs.

On what she likes about being a caddie, Simpson said: “It’s just that – being a chameleon, being able to switch your colours and be what they need in that moment.

“Even though I’m not playing and hitting the ball, there’s still that competitive edge of making the right decision that could help or hurt the player.”

Understanding the golfer she is caddying for is important, with Simpson noting that some prefer to consult her about their play, while others are more independent