Fanny Sunesson Host LET access
Fanny Sunesson, the most successful female caddie in modern golf history retired from caddying in October 2011, she has remained busy, developing her career as an all-round golf coach. Her knowledge and experience of working with world class golfers, such as Nick Faldo, Martin Kaymer and Henrik Stenson is legendary and inspirational to the young players who are just beginning their careers on the LET. In this interview, LET discuss her hands-on approach to the tournament and what she learned from 26 years as a top caddie on the men’s PGA European Tour.
What was your biggest lesson as a caddie?
In the first year, I learned that I would always say what I believed as a caddie and what I thought, even if it wasn’t the same as the player. One other thing that I realise now is that I paid a lot of attention to the state of mind of the player and I tried to help them stay in the best state of mind for performing. After taking coaching courses I realise now the importance of this but in the beginning I did it automatically by feel. Finding the right state of mind is an individual thing and so it’s through experience and getting to know the person that you find out what works for that player.
What was the highlight of your caddying career?
Three things: The Ryder Cup at Oakhill, The Open at St Andrews 1990 and the Masters 1990: those three were really special.
What was it like being a woman caddie in a man’s world? Were there any other women caddying on tour?
No; not many at all. Right now there is one girl on the European Tour: Janet, who caddies for Jeev Milkha Singh. It’s always been great. From the start no-one wanted me as a local caddie - but after I got my first bag, I didn’t have a problem getting a player to work for. There was one player, who, the sponsor didn’t want to have a girl caddie. That was the only time.
Would you recommend caddying as a career for other women?
It is a great career, so absolutely. I was very lucky and I got to work with some great players and met fantastic people, travelled to interesting places. I’m very grateful for a brilliant career. I worked hard but had a lot of fun. I would absolutely recommend it! How could I not when I enjoyed it so much?
Note: The Sölvesborg Ladies Open hosted by Fanny Sunesson is taking place at Sölvesborg Golf Club in Sweden on May 22-24. Source LET