Caddie Number Patches
Starting in 1941, Caddies were assigned numbers to help Patrons identify players (first winning number wore 30). It was made from a makeshift piece of paper taped to the back of the Caddie.
By: Matt Fernandez
Caddie Number Patches were first officially introduced starting in 1941. Caddies were assigned numbers to help Patrons identify players (first winning number wore 30). It was made from a makeshift piece of paper taped to the back of the Caddie. Back in the day, numbers, not names, we’re used to identify players.
Numerical Order
The numbers are passed out in numerical order (by who checks-in first) except for number 1– this is always reserved for the defending Champion— many of whom didn’t want to wear number 1 in fear of bad karma for the week ahead.
Superstitious Numbers
The two unlucky numbers? 1 and 13. Palmer rebutted this superstition by winning the Green Jacket twice with 13 (1960 and 1962).
The numbers 6 and 52 have been worn for the winning Caddies a record 3-time each.
Modern Times
Today, number and name patches are worn by each Caddie. The numbers are still handed out in numerical order, and there is still superstitions about which numbers are lucky, and which will bring bad karma to any golfer.
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