AmateurGolf.com Podcast: What happens when a pro becomes a caddy?
5/16/2025 | by Kyle Rector of AmateurGolf.com
Blaire McKeithen’s bold pivot, lessons from Inside the ropes, and why golf is bigger than you think
At first glance, Blaire McKeithen’s golf career looks like a textbook journey: junior success, collegiate experience, and years chasing the dream on the professional circuit. But just as the plot seemed to be unfolding along expected lines, Blaire made a decision that surprised even those close to him—he walked away from playing full-time and accepted a role as a caddy.
“I’ve been playing competitive golf since I was a kid. For the last five years, I was fully committed to it—traveling, competing, grinding,” Blaire shares. “But I hit a point where I needed a reset.”
That reset came in the form of Corey Shaun, a talented pro playing on the DP World Tour, who asked Blaire to join him inside the ropes—not as a rival, but as a teammate. It was a full-circle moment. And it changed everything.
Leaving the Spotlight for the Sidelines—On Purpose
For most players, the idea of leaving pro competition to carry someone else’s bag would feel like a step back. But for Blaire, it was an intentional pivot—one rooted in perspective, not resignation.
“There’s something powerful about seeing the game from 10 yards away instead of playing it,” Blaire says. “You notice different things. You learn how another player thinks. And you really start to appreciate the small decisions that add up to big results.”
As a caddy, Blaire isn’t just handing clubs—he’s reading lies, tracking wind, calculating yardages, and offering mental clarity when it matters most. The role requires trust, humility, and the ability to adapt to someone else’s rhythm.
Learning the Game All Over Again
One of the biggest revelations Blaire had? Watching how tour-level players manage themselves—not just their swings.
“You think it’s all about hitting it flush. But when you’re on the bag, you see how pros make decisions under pressure. When to go for it. When to back off. How they react to bad breaks. It’s a masterclass in emotional control.”
He reflects on how different that perspective is compared to the tunnel vision he had as a player—where the focus was on scorecards, cuts, and swing mechanics.
“I started realizing how reactive I was in my own game. Being a caddy, you’re more objective. You’re thinking about strategy and percentages. It made me realize I was probably getting in my own way a lot.”
From Caddy Bib to Camera Lens
Blaire’s journey didn’t stop on the fairways. When he’s not traveling with Corey, he’s telling stories through content—producing gear reviews, course vlogs, and experimental series for AmateurGolf.com and his growing YouTube channel.
“I love showcasing golf from different angles. Whether it’s reviewing irons, breaking down shafts, or just showing what it’s like to play a hidden gem, I want to make the game more accessible.”
That blend of inside-the-ropes experience and creative storytelling makes Blaire’s perspective rare. He’s not chasing clicks—he’s offering value, especially to younger players who are navigating the game with big dreams but little clarity.
A Golfer Reinvented
So, what really happens when a pro becomes a caddy?
In Blaire McKeithen’s case, it leads to reinvention. To rediscovering joy in the game. To understanding nuance. And to recognizing that your identity as a golfer doesn’t have to be tied to results alone.
“I’m still in the game,” he says. “Just in a different role right now. And honestly, I’ve never felt more grounded in what I’m doing.”
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