‘Molly’s Dad,‘ and ‘Jessica’s Husband’ are some monikers you would definitely come across written on the bibs of caddies at the 2025 Valspar Championship. Well, unlike the regular PGA Tour events, which focus on enhancing the golfing experience. The team at Valspar Championship has found a way to increase the enjoyment of the audience as well. Even with the eventual Snake Pit that the golfers will need to face in the Copperhead course, the event officials have found to keep things light-headed with certain gimmicks that have been a tradition at this event. Even for the 2025 edition, the tradition continues!

Until yesterday, the mysterious withdrawal of the golfers had sent fans on a spree of worry about the PGA Tour’s future. But after the beginning of the first round, things changed as everyone was left with smiles, looking at the different names written on every caddy’s bib. For a tradition that has been followed for years now, not many are aware of its significance. So, to shed light on it, Tracy West and Ronde Barber joined for a discussion at the GOLF’s Subpar podcast.

The tournament director at the Valspar Championship, West shared how the idea of mimicking something similar to MLB’s color jersey and using nicknames in them, was pitched by Andy Pazder, the tour’s chief tournaments and competition officer. She said, “‘It makes sense because you are at the most colorful PGA Tour tournament in the world.’ He charged us with coming back with some fun, cool ideas.” That’s how the idea of creative names was born. With numerous activities and events from the title sponsor, the event has lived up to the theme of the most colorful event. One of them is the colorful caps that are crowned to the caddies. Even Aaron Erter, former senior vice president at Valspar, said earlier, “We’re going to live up to our theme ‘The Most Colorful PGA TOUR Tournament in the World’.”

However, the idea was not picked up instantly as in the first year, only 10-15 caddies wore the nicknames. But, 6-years down the line, it was followed by half of the caddies. The way of knowing caddies better along with the golfer has been beneficial for the fans as well. Even the caddies use their names to represent their identity or personality on the course. With this year’s edition, the golfers have been using their creativity. Take the example of Adam Hadwin, who was featured in the Netflix Full Swing, season 3, along with his wife, and has also chosen to showcase her identity. The caddie’s bib for Hadwin read, “Jessica’s Husband.” Even Jessica Hadwin has been posting about other pros’ bibs on X. Though, this tradition also has a certain regulation, caddies are allowed to put either a nickname or social handle on the back of their bibs — just no marketing of other goods. This keeps the tradition fun and authentic without any commercialization.

The initiative of knowing the caddie has also been an integral part of the event’s charities. In 2017, the “Caddie Bib Auction” where fans can buy bibs signed by the caddie and golfer. This unique way of raising funds helped with $50,000 for charity. Now, it has become a ritual to follow, keeping the stressful course difficulty aside.

Not only this, but this also creates a fantastic opportunity for caddies to roast their fellow golfers.

Valspar Championship roast through bib

This year names like Gilmores Caddie, Big Ship, Koala, the other JT, and others might be trending, but nothing can beat the 2023 edition name on Max McGreevy‘s caddie bib. That year, the bib wrote ‘Mr. 89,’ the name which left most of the world confused.

Everyone was guessing whether it was his lucky number or if he was a fan of Caroline Panthers’ legend, Steve Smith. But with more interrogation and study, it had a deeper and wittier meaning to it. The 27-year-old at that time featured the event after his performance at the PLAYERS Championship. To note, the golfer didn’t have the ideal finish at the PLAYERS Championship second round. He, after finishing 69 in the first, dropped to 20 strokes, resulting in an 89-stroke finish for the second round. Teasing for his finish and round score, the duo added the nickname Mr. 89, which left the golf world in laughter.

The unique way of taking on golf and using it for better connection with fans and charity has become a tradition that the Valspar Championship has followed. With great initiative, what are your thoughts on it? Share with us in the comments below.