Vince “Q” Quattrocchi - Bandon Dunes
What is your full name?
Vince “Q” Quattrocchi.
Where are you from?
I was born in the Philippines, and I live in Bandon, Oregon.
When did you first start playing golf?
Senior year in high school.
When did you start looping?
I started looping in March of 1999. I did it because they needed caddies at the resort. I thought, 'I like golf, why not give it a try?'
Do you remember your first loop?
My first loop was in March of 1999. I don’t remember it really or who it was. I realized it was harder than I thought it would be.
How long have you caddied at Bandon?
14 years and was the caddie master for 9 years.
Have you caddied anywhere else? What is different about all of the courses you’ve worked at?
I have only caddied at Bandon Dunes. I have caddied at local tournaments in the state before.
Of all the Bandon courses, which do you like working at the most and why?
I like working at Sheep Ranch because the views are breathtaking. Bandon Dunes, the OG, is also right up there.
It’s a seasonal job in some places - Does your current course have a busy season and slow season? Or is it pretty steady year round?
The busy season is May through November. December through March is on the slower side. When it comes to carrying more bags or less bags. Bandon Dunes really only has 3 weeks where it is slow and then it is busy again.
Do you live close to the course you loop at? Can you take us through your mornings when you arrive at work?
Yes. I only live 10 minutes away. Once I get to work I check in the caddie shack. I walk into the office and chat with the caddie team. I check in with the new caddie master who used to be my assistant, and was elevated to my position. She is doing an awesome job. I board the shuttle and head to the golf course I am assigned to that day. I will chat with caddies on the shuttle or the caddie I am working with on the job.
What are the conditions like at your course? Is it super hot, super windy, rainy? How do you deal with the elements out there?
The conditions in the summer time are very mild except for some wind. We can average 15 to 25 miles per hour and gusts up into the 30’s. It can also be 70 and winds could be only around 5 miles per hour. The summers on the Oregon Coast are not bad at all. I am used to it growing up. The super windy days are a grind and it sucks for guests. The mental and physical fatigue on those windy days are real.
Has caddying improved your own golf game?
Yes, caddying has improved my golf game, especially reading greens.
What are some typical things that players do that drive you nuts?
Get wasted from the very start of the day until the end of the day. Challenging everything you do especially when it’s their first time at the resort.
What are some typical things that players do that you love?
When we work together on every shot and when they read their own greens. Basically when they keep it simple. This is how far it is and hit this number.
Are there any indicators that a golfer will be a good player or bad player?
To me I don’t really see it until they play the first couple of holes. I then know what I am dealing with.
Are there any indicators that this will be a good loop or a tough loop?
Really don’t know until you get on the first few holes.
Do you have any one-liners you like to use on the course?
Honestly, I am not one of those caddies who uses one liners a lot.
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve found in a players bag?
An engagement ring he was about to give to his girlfriend.
How do you help your players play better? How do you help them have a good time?
I try to keep them as relaxed as possible. Staying engaged throughout the round with them as well as the group.
Overall, what is your favorite part about looping?
I like to try to balance both sides of the social aspect and the golf side of caddying. I feel the more well rounded you are the better the caddie you become. It is not always about the golf. I grew up here so I know a lot of history and started from day one. I also have a lot of info since I was a Director with the resort for 9 years. It also helps that I have built relationships with other departments and staffers to where I have a good understanding of the resort.
Do you have a favorite caddy story?
One of my favorite stories is when a guy asked me to hold an engagement ring the whole round until we got to the signature ocean hole at Sheep Ranch. I took a million pictures and it was really cool I was part of a memory that will last forever for two guests. Not going to lie, I checked my pocket every time I set the golf bags down. LOL!!
Have you gained/learned anything from caddying?
You learn a lot about people when you caddie. You also learn a lot about other caddies and how they do the job. Most importantly you learn a lot about yourself and how you interact with people. The number one job is to help the guest have the best experience during their stay on the golf course. Friendships are created out there. There are not a lot of jobs where you meet hundreds of people everyday and help make memories.
Feel free to add anything else
I think every golfer needs to lower their expectations on every golf trip they go on even if it’s not Bandon Dunes. Also just because you are paying for a service you need to realize caddies and staffers are people too.
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