St Andrews caddie fundraiser is on course to hit its target

With courses closed down due to the coronavirus pandemic, the town’s caddies, crucial to the golf industry in the town, have found themselves out of work.

It’s through no fault of their own, and with times tight, caddie manager at St Andrews Links, Fraser Riddler decided to set up the fundraiser to help out.

At the time of writing it had already raised over half of its £20,000 target.

Mr Riddler said: “The closure of golf facilities as a result of the Covid19 pandemic has had a huge impact on so many businesses and people within the golf industry.

“Unfortunately, this is particularly true of the caddies who regularly stride the fairways at St Andrews Links.

“With no play possible for the foreseeable future and international travel set to be badly affected for the remainder of the summer season, caddie’s livelihoods are being seriously impacted.

“Many have sought alternative means of employment but a significant number have been unsuccessful due to the wider economic implications facing so many industries. Many people from across the global golf community have indicated they would like to offer help and support to the caddies during this difficult period so I have established a GoFundMe account where donations can be made.

“Myself and the caddies have been blown away by the initial response and would like to thank everyone of their support. All monies donated will help to ease concerns over financial hardship that might face many caddies in the coming weeks and months.”

There are traditionally 210 caddies working at the courses in St Andrews on an annual basis.

The cashraised will be awarded to caddies who apply for financial assistance. This process will be managed by Fraser.

Fraser, who has been caddie manager since February 2016, has amassed thousands of rounds himself at St Andrews in a career which included stints with bags on the European, LET and Challenge Tours.

If you would like to donate, visit www.gofundme.com/f/st-andrews-caddies


Please note that this account is being operated by Fraser Riddler as an individual and is not linked to St Andrews Links Trust.

• While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you. In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you - wherever possible and providing it is safe for you to do so - to also please purchase a copy of our newspapers; the Fife Free Press, Fife Herald, St Andrews Citizen, East Fife Mail and Glenrothes Gazette.

Inevitably falling advertising revenues will start to have an impact on local newspapers and the way we continue to work during this period of uncertainty.

The support of our readers has never been more important as we try to make sure that we keep you connected with your community during this time. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. We need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Our team of trusted reporters are working incredibly hard behind the scenes - from kitchen tables and spare bedrooms - to look at how we can do this, and your continued support of our newspapers across Fife will help to protect their viability in the days and weeks ahead.

For more details on our subscription offers please visit email [email protected] or call us on 0330 4033004

Thank you

Allan Crow, Editor, Fife Free Press