John Wood was running a Sacramento bookstore when Kevin Sutherland, PGA Tour pro, asked him if he would like to be his caddie during 1997. Wood thought it would be fun to give it a shot for a year.
He’s still part the traveling circus 26 years later, and has made a smooth transition from caddie into on-course commentator.
He says, “I’ve been trying to avoid a job since my childhood.”
Wood has always been a standout for his ability communicate his thoughts about golf courses and the inner workings between a caddie and player relationship. He even served as a Golfweek contributor.
Wood, 53 years old, said that a good caddie can answer 10 questions that are never asked. He caddied in 14 Cups (seven each Presidents and Ryder Cups) and was also an assistant at 2018 Ryder Cup.
He was a winner’s bag holder at ten PGA Tour events. He worked mainly for Sutherland and Hunter Mahan, but also for Matt Kuchar. He came out of retirement to work for Stewart Cink for a week at the Fortinet Championship in September. In 2021, he joined NBC/Golf Channel, saying that “it was time for a challenge” and bringing a fresh voice and perspective to the network’s coverage.
This Q&A is about Wood’s hobbies, which may make it the most fascinating. Wood, a music lover, travels the Tour with his guitar and took his parents to see Elvis Presley in Tacoma, Washington at age 7.
Wood is also a San Francisco Giants fan. However, there are many golfers and caddies that still support the team they grew to love. Wood is the only wolf on Tour these days. His main passion is wolf watching. Wood visits Yellowstone often to observe the wolves.
He says, “Sometimes there are 50 wolves and one is bringing down an elk. Other days, you might see two or three jumping from a bush. You never know.” “I feel like this is my tribe now. “I feel like I have become part of the community.”
Wood shares his thoughts on the British Open 2017 heartbreak, the reasons he believes it’s time for a reversal, and wolf watching.
