Georgia Golf Hall of Fame Announces Reynolds Caddie Medal Recipients

Two former caddies were bestowed the Reynolds Caddie Medal by the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame. The medal, presented in memory of John and Frances Reynolds, honors a caddie or caddie-master in recognition of their game knowledge, excellence, perseverance, wisdom, friendship and all that these characteristics imply.

Alfred "Big Rabbit" Dyer was one of the original African-American caddies on the PGA Tour. Rabbit grew up in New Orleans, and his first occupation was as a caddie. Rabbit looped for Gary Player from the early 1970's on and was one of the original "Big 3" caddies on the PGA Tour; the other two were Angelo Argea who worked for Jack Nicklaus, and Creamy Carolan, who worked for Arnold Palmer. Dyer is a 2000 inductee into the PCA Caddie Hall of Fame and a world Ambassador for the Caddie Foundation-PCA.

"Rabbit" received his Reynolds Caddie Medal award from Dr. John Reynolds during the 8th PCA Caddie Hall of Fame ceremony at the 2008 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Fla., following a dynamic speech of the history and importance of the caddie to the game. This is only the second time the medal was presented to a caddie outside the state of Georgia.

The other recipient is Brian Paine. A native of Tacoma, Wash., who now lives in Augusta, Paine has caddied periodically throughout his life. A low-handicap player in his own right, Paine is a retired U.S. Air Force veteran and a language expert who worked as an Arabic linguist and intelligence operative. Paine divides his time as a caddie at Reynolds Plantation Greensboro in Georgia and Augusta National Golf Club. He exemplifies all of the desired historic and traditional characteristics of a caddie.

Paine, who received his medal January 12th in Augusta from Dr. Reynolds, summarized his philosophy thusly: "Have fun and take care of my golfer. It is a never-ending learning curve. You're learning about people, about the golf course, how various people respond to the golf course, how a caddie responds to a player and how a player responds to the caddie. Getting the job right is important. But so is approaching the task with humility and enthusiasm."