Golf: Cousins spot a market to get caddies shacked up

CaddieHire was formed last year by Ratho Park member Scott Walker and his cousin Craig Galloway, who plays at Harburn.

Both professional caddies - Walker works for Jamie McLeary and Galloway for Scott Drummond - they set up their own company after spotting an opportunity.

"We realised there was a gap in the market for caddies looking for work and golf clubs and visitors to Scotland looking for caddies," said Walker, pictured, right, below with Galloway, who plays off one and lives in East Calder. "We provided 30 caddies for the Scottish Hydro Challenge Pro-Am at Macdonald Spey Valley in Aviemore last year and this is something we would like to do more of in the future.

"We simply ask golf clubs to direct golfers looking for caddies to our website where they can book their requirements online.

"We take care of all the arrangements directly with the golfer. This is a free service to golf clubs and we have received some very good feedback from the clubs using our service."

Lothians-based McLeary, one of the five players on the new 'Team Scottish Hydro', is helping Walker and Galloway with their Masters event at Dalmahoy on Sunday, April 10.

The Challenge Tour pro will give a clinic ahead of an 18-hole Stableford competition, which will see every player provided with a caddie as part of their entry fee.

"Players will get range balls before play and there will be a 'beat the pro on a par-3' competition," added Walker, who worked in the golf industry before starting CaddyHire.

Galloway, who plays off three, also hails from East Calder.