They are always seen, rarely heard and almost never recognised with honours, but last weekend HSBC made a bold and welcome move by staging its first ever awards night for caddies during the HSBC Champions Trophy event at the Sheshan International Club in Shanghai, China.
"Caddies play an integral part in a player's success," said Giles Morgan, the Head of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship at HSBC.
"We wanted to acknowledge the great work that they do and have a bit of fun at the same time - that was the idea behind the awards evening and it was a great success."
The main winner of the evening was Steve Tilston (pictured), who carries for England's Simon Dyson and was voted Caddy of the Year by his peers and the players. He took home the Harry Pithouse Trophy as the award's first winner - named in honour after one of golf's longest serving caddies, who died earlier this year.
A host of big names joined the caddies at this new showpiece event, which was hosted by Sky Sports presenter Robert Lee. Colin Montgomerie made a speech and he was joined at the ceremony by the likes of Luke Donald, Paul Casey, Ian Poulter, Thomas Bjorn, Padraig Harrington and Michael Campbell.
HSBC CADDY AWARDS - WINNERS
Caddy of the Year - Steve Tilston (Simon Dyson)
Best Dressed Caddy - Andy Prodger (KJ Choi)
Drop of the Year - Steve Williams (Tiger Woods)
Mystery of the Year - Gareth Lord (Robert Karlsson)
Most Dedicated Caddy - Dave McNeily (Niclas Fasth)
Longest Suffering Caddy - Craig Connelly (Paul Casey)
Alarm Clock of the Year - Mick Donaghy (Ian Poulter)
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