Freddie & Me: Life Lessons from Freddie Bennett, Augusta National's Legendary Caddy Master

by Tripp Bowden

Though he was born and raised in Augusta, Georgia, home of fabled Augusta National and The Masters, as a child Tripp Bowden was too young and too removed from the game of golf to realize what Augusta National really was, what it meant to his town and the world and the sport; its history, nostalgia, prestige and secrecy. All the ten year old Bowden knew about golf was that it was a stupid game that took up too much of his father’s time, and that he’d much rather kick around a soccer ball or stay home and read a book. But all that changed once Bowden’s father, a renowned local doctor, introduced him to one of his patients, Freddie Bennett, the legendary Augusta National caddie master.

Though Bowden was a white child of considerable privilege and Bennett was an older black gentleman of more modest means, the two formed an unusual bond. It was Bennett who introduced Bowden to the game of golf, a sport that would one day earn him a Division 1 golf scholarship and lead him to the final stage of a British Open qualifier. But it was the lessons Bennett taught the young Bowden off the course that had their profoundest impact on his life. Through Freddie and his particular brand of homespun wisdom, the author learned invaluable lessons about personal responsibility, hard work, and respect for others regardless of age, race or religion. He also learned that there’s much more to life than just playing golf.

Like the bestsellers Tuesdays With Morrie and Seasons of Life before it, Freddie & Me is a heartwarming tale of two unlikely friends and their uncommon bond forged through sport.

224 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2009

Reviews

[Baxter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short read (though a bit choppy in style). An interesting account of Freddie Bennett's wisdom as Caddy Master at Augusta National Golf Club from late 60's (when the author, a ten year old, first met Freddie) until Freddie's retirement in 2000 and passing in 2006. A very caring and strong gentleman who ruled the roost at Augusta. Chapter 30, "Eighteen Lessons", was the most interesting in that Freddie takes Tripp (the author) on a drive through each of the 18 holes, describing every nook and cranny, grain of the greens, bunkers and hazards to respect and/or avoid. A must read for anyone contemplating playing the course sometime in their life.

[Alan Kaplan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Feel good book about the first white caddie at Augusta National. Poignant story of the son of an MCG surgeon and the black caddie master at the Masters.

[Jack Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well worth the read. Bless you Pete Axthelm, once a caddie.

For anyone who has the experience of loving mentor and has spent some time, any time, in the caddie yard. Bless you and thank you, Tripp Bowden!

[Larry Cornelius · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will not be disappointed if you respect the game of golf and respect humanity.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing stories and insight into the life of a Caddie and Caddie Master. oh, and Augusta National too.

[Liza Robertson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's mainly about golf at least to me and also life revolving around golf and a caddy master.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me wrapped from the start! Such a lovely story and if you have any love for the game of golf, this is the book for you.

[Biff · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun read if you are into golf and can appreciate the Masters Tournament. This seems like an authentic story with a boatload of embellishments.

[Davey · Rating 3 out of 5]

NF - Tripp was Augusta caddy, learned life lessons by caddy master Freddie Bennett

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, entertaining and touching read in which the author recounts his special relationship with Freddie, the August National caddy master who teaches him golf, caddying and, most importantly, wonderful life lessons.