Caddying for Nicklaus is dream job

SANDY — Jim Herrmann is an affable guy. He bubbles over with enthusiasm on almost any subject but having caddied for Jack Nicklaus is a topic that really excites him. Of course that would be the ultimate dream of anyone who has ever seriously approached the game.

Nine years running Herrmann has packed the clubs for Nicklaus when he has come to Utah to golf. Johnny Miller's Championship Challenge held at Thanksgiving Point a few weeks ago was the latest time that Herrmann served as Nicklaus's caddie.

"He is just a great guy," said Herrmann.

"Monday is the Pro Am day when I can walk around and spend five or six hours asking him all the questions I want to ask."

He says Nicklaus is very amiable and will answer all questions that he is asked.

"Although he really likes to talk about his family," said Herrmann, "and he always asks me about my family."

Herrmann says he has asked him about the Masters, St. Andrews and other fabled courses in Great Britain. However, said Herrmann, on Tuesday when the competition begins, Nicklaus turns very serious and focused on his golf game. "He didn't get to where he is without being competitive."

All questions are then saved for other occasions. Miller's tournament provides abundant social opportunities including fishing trips, dinner events and lunches. Herrmann has socialized with Nicklaus at all these events and has met his son and his wife who has come out on occasion.

Just how does one strike gold in getting this gig?

Herrmann is an athlete in his own right. He captained the defense on the BYU national championship football team of '84. He went on to play in the NFL for a couple of seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. He teamed with Steve Young in his "Forever Young" tournament and formed the associations with Johnny Miller and others who put together the Champions Challenge at Thanksgiving Point. He then helped with sponsors, and when Nicklaus first signed up to come, he was right in position to "volunteer" to caddie.

"There is a lot more to it than just carrying a bag around," said Herrmann. "You have to have his putter ready, the balls washed and be right there when he needs something." Not that he is complaining but he added, "I have a lot more respect for the caddies you see on TV."

Anyone can observe how monstrous the bags have become, and Herrmann acknowledges as much. But, he said, "I am happy just to have the opportunity to spend a couple of days each summer with such a great man, and that is more than I could ever expect."

Nicklaus always sends him shirts, balls and this year he sent him an entire set of signature golf clubs. This year, "I jokingly mentioned as my 'caddy fee,'" grinned Herr-mann, "we could golf a round at the Masters." Nicklaus wasn't quite up to that, but Herrmann concluded, "I have a standing invitation to play with him at his Bears Club near his home in Miami."

Today Herrmann works for Icon Fitness in product development and sales. He has a wife and three sons, ages 14, 12 and 9.