“It’s been a journey,”  admitted the Swedish pro as she came out candid on her current caddie, Shane Codd, during the 2023 Women’s Scottish Open. One can’t help but agree with Madelene Sagstrom, who is now partnered with a veteran looper who has been on the Ladies European Tour since 2004. And, as a result, the two have had some great results, with them tying for a T2 finish at the 2021 AIG Women’s Open.

However, the bagman hasn’t always been by the athlete’s side since day 1. They joined hands back in 2021, a while before the major championship in Carnoustie, before which she had been partnered up with the likes of Jack Clarke as well as David Buhai. Now, in 2024, three years after they joined hands, the bond seems to be still strong between the two as they dominate on the greens, throwing much curiosity at the looper, who hails from Ireland.

Meet Shane Codd, Madelene Sagstrom’s Irish caddie

The bagman finished his graduation from St Peter’s College in Wexford. He didn’t jump to helping out the professionals on the bag as soon as he finished college but instead went ahead to work as an Operations Manager at Rosslare Golf Club Burrow Course for two years starting in 1997. After that, he changed jobs to become a Sales Assistant at Kellys Bakery in Wexford in 2001, and then subsequently qualified as a PGA teaching pro to become an Assistant Golf Professional at the Rosslare Golf Club.

Subsequently, Sagstrom’s current looper gradually turned into a caddy for Rebecca Coakley, so he decided to accompany her to the LET Q-School. The decision to do so changed his life, as he became a full-time looper and Coakley’s husband two decades later. The couple got married to each other at a church in Abbey Leix, County Laois. It was followed by a wedding breakfast at Castle Durrow, which was attended by close family and friends, including former professionals Joanne Morley, Kirsty S. Taylor, and Carly Bridge.

Coming back to Codd, He has helped many professionals with the bags including Becky Brewerton, Caroline Masson, Mariajo Uribe, and Laura Davies, among others. Moreover, during his time as a looper, he also managed to head the Caddies Association on the Ladies European Tour. He has truly been a huge help to many on the greens as well as off it, leading to even Madelene Sagstrom dishing out praise for the Irishman.

Sagstrom’s caddie, the pillar of support for golfers

When faced with difficulty understanding how to play links golf, the Swedish professional turned to her looper, Codd, for help. He was extremely helpful, as the caddie went ahead to work with Sagstrom on the golf course, allowing her to become better over time. “It’s taken me a few years to figure it out,” confessed the 1-time LPGA Tour champ before adding, “Coming to Scotland, I hated it. I can’t hit it low, but I started working with Shane (Codd), my caddie; he’s Irish, two years ago, and we’ve been pushing it since and been able to be much more creative on the golf course. He’s helping me see the different shots now, so it’s really improved over the years. It’s been a journey.”

He was also able to help the other golfers whom he carried the bags for as well. During the 2010 Hero Honda Indian Open, he was able to help Laura Davies clinch a victory on the European circuit. He did so while the two were faced with nothing short of a setback when the golfer did not get her clubs until one hour before the first round’s tee time. Even so, they were able to emerge triumphant in the tournament with a score of 3-under 213 over the three days of play. This wouldn’t have been possible without the love that Sagstrom’s caddie has for the job that he has been doing for the past two decades.

Sagstrom’s bagman, Codd’s love for caddying

“Love the opportunity to travel, the people I’ve met, the friendships I’ve created,” divulged Codd when asked about what he likes while carrying his bags for the various professionals. Adding on, he mentioned how the feeling he gets while excelling in a tournament with the golfer he supports by his side (currently Madelene Sagstrom) is something he ardently loves: “Love… the adrenaline rush coming down the stretch when doing well in a tournament.”

It seems the Swedish pro has found herself a reliable Irishman as a caddie, who is gradually helping her rise through the ranks. Well, her fans would surely want that. They would want to see her come out on top at every tournament she takes part in, with the help of her Irish looper.