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From LPGA to Bighorn, Mark Scott shares his love of the links
JAMES BUTCHART
Mark Scott caddies at Bighorn Golf Club in Palm Desert. A winter looper at Bighorn since 2003, Scott now works there full time after 22 years on the LPGA tour. For 19 of those years, he was on the bag for Liselotte Nuemann, a native of Sweden who has a home in Ranch Mirage. With Scott, Nuemann won 22 times between the LPGA and international events, including a victory at the 1988 U.S. Women’s Open at Baltimore Country Club. This month, Scott shares impressions of his life as a caddie, and drops a few local playing tips along the way.
Do you have a most memorable round from your time with Nuemann?
It was the final round at the 1988 U.S. Women’s Open at Baltimore Country Club, Five Farms. Liselotte was a rookie. I was a rookie. On Saturday, we were head to head with Juli Inkster, and on Sunday, we were head to head with Patty Sheehan. Liselotte played so well. That last round was unbelievable. I can close my eyes and still see shots that we hit; still see the ball in flight in my mind.
What tips can you offer for playing the Dinah Shore course at Mission Hills?
You have to drive the ball really well there at Mission Hills. It’s tree-lined and very tight. When they hold the Kraft [Nabisco Championship], the greens are very, very firm. It’s sort of like a U.S. Open green. They’re probably rolling at a good 12 or 13 [on the stimpmeter] during that tournament.
What are your impressions of the two Bighorn courses?
The Mountain Course is a little more intimidating to the eye, because you’re hitting off of elevated tees and you have some carry over the desert. To me, one of the biggest tips for the Mountain is don’t let that intimidate you. And then there’s the Canyons Course, where they held the LPGA Samsung. That’s, of course, a Tom Fazio design, and I’m really a big Fazio fan. It’s very player-friendly. Usually, tournaments have to put white paint somewhere for ground under repair. They don’t use any white paint here. Everything’s always perfect.
Bighorn’s “Behind A Miracle” golf tournament has raised more than a million dollars to combat breast cancer for local residents.
Have you been a part of the “Cash for Caddies” auction event?
My first time was last year. The whole deal, with the parties and where they bid on caddies coming down a runway — I was very nervous. I actually went for $2,000. But I think one guy went for $11,000. They raised close to $100,000. My wife is a cancer survivor too, so the whole thing was a great experience.
