A potential showdown "is brewing between the PGA Tour and the association that represents the majority of the circuit’s caddies," according to Rex Hoggard of GOLFCHANNEL.com. A letter dated June 17 from the Association of Professional Tour Caddies to the Tour has "requested clarification over a litany of issues." The letter claims the APTC has "'received conflicting information' from the Tour and that officials initially told the association that caddies, like players, were allowed to enter into sponsorship agreements." According to the letter, caddies were told that "any potential sponsor that would conflict with an existing marketing partnership the Tour has would also not be allowed; yet players aren’t subject to the same rules." Officers with the APTC also were "told that any sponsorship agreements involving the caddie bib would not be allowed and that the circuit already has an 'exclusive agreement' with Nature Valley for headwear." Meanwhile, the APTC, which was "formed last year and represents more than 125 Tour caddies, is seeking to create a health program and retirement plan for its members, as well as better working conditions at tournaments." Since the APTC’s initial meeting with Tour officials Jan. 20, the circuit has been "less than accommodating in its meetings according to the letter that was sent" to Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem and presented to the Player Advisory Council last week at the Quicken Loans National (GOLFCHANNEL.com, 7/2).
