Xander Schauffele recently shared a candid, and somewhat humorous, story about a memorable moment on the golf course involving his longtime caddie and close friend, Austin Kaiser.
The incident, which took place during a challenging tournament, showcased the unique bond between the two – a relationship built on trust, camaraderie, and a healthy dose of banter.
During a tournament in Japan, likely the 2023 Zozo Championship where Schauffele finished tied for 38th, the reigning two-time major champion faced a tricky 15-foot putt.
Kaiser, his caddie for over a decade, confidently predicted the ball would break to the right. Schauffele, however, wasn’t convinced.
Despite his doubts, Schauffele decided to follow Kaiser’s advice, admitting that his middling position in the tournament left him little to lose.
But when the ball missed by two feet to the left, Schauffele couldn’t hold back his reaction. Turning to Kaiser, he declared, “That’s the worst f***ing read I’ve ever seen in my life.”
What could have been a tense moment turned into a classic example of their dynamic. Kaiser, initially taken aback and visibly embarrassed, later realized Schauffele was only half-serious.
The playful jab was Schauffele’s way of breaking the tension and keeping the atmosphere light despite the tournament’s pressures.
More than just a caddie
Schauffele and Kaiser‘s partnership goes beyond the professional realm. The two first connected as teammates at San Diego State and have since forged one of the most enduring player-caddie relationships in golf.
Over the years, their bond has been strengthened by countless shared victories, losses, and, of course, moments of humor.
Kaiser himself has a colorful history, adding to the unique nature of their partnership. One particularly memorable story dates back to 2016 during Schauffele‘s rookie year.
After missing the cut at the AT&T Byron Nelson, Kaiser found himself in the middle of a rainstorm, making “snow angels” in a cemetery after a night of heavy drinking.
Schauffele had to rescue him at 2:30 a.m., but instead of parting ways, the two laughed it off, cementing their friendship.
A relationship rooted in trust
Schauffele has never shied away from crediting Kaiser for his role in their success. From critical advice on tough lies to keeping things light during high-stakes moments, Kaiser‘s presence is a cornerstone of Schauffele’s game.
In one instance, during the 2022 Zozo Championship, Schauffele attempted to play from a difficult position near a tree root.
After two failed swings, Kaiser stepped in, insisting they take an unplayable. Schauffele listened, even though it led to a quadruple bogey. Moments like these illustrate the trust they’ve built over years of working together.
Reflecting on their partnership, the golf star has often described Kaiser as the best caddie in the game. Their relationship, filled with mutual respect and an abundance of humor, exemplifies how a strong connection off the course can translate into success on it.
Whether cracking jokes or navigating the toughest shots, Schauffele and Kaiser continue to show that the best duos in golf aren’t just about skill-they’re about trust, understanding, and shared laughter.