Duo recognized for their time spent caddying as young men
GLENVIEW, Illinois – Fred Blesi and Bill Doyle were inducted into the Caddie Hall of Fame in recognition of their time spent caddying as young men, their use of caddying as a steppingstone to professional success and their dedication to youth caddies and the Western Golf Association and Evans Scholars Foundation.
Blesi and Doyle were honored during a special induction ceremony on Tuesday, Aug. 5, at North Shore Country Club in Glenview, Illinois.
“We take great pride in welcoming Fred Blesi and Bill Doyle as the newest members of the Caddie Hall of Fame,” said John Kaczkowski, President and CEO of the WGA and ESF. “From their early days as caddies to the tremendous professional success they each found, Fred and Bill’s story embodies the spirit of the special caddie-golfer relationship. We are privileged to honor their journey and their dedication to giving back in support of youth caddies.”
Blesi caddied as a young man at Moraine Country Club in Ohio, and Doyle caddied at Bob O’Link Golf Club in Illinois. They went on to become successful business executives – Blesi at International Minerals and Chemicals and the Phosphate Chemicals Export Association, and Doyle at Potash Corporation.
The pair first met in 1970 when Doyle became Blesi’s regular caddie. Through Blesi’s mentorship, Doyle began his career at International Minerals and Chemicals. When Doyle became CEO of Potash Corporation, he brought Blesi on to his board of directors. Now, 55 years later, the two remain close friends and are both longtime WGA Directors and supporters of the Evans Scholars Program.
Blesi said, “I feel very lucky to be inducted. There’s no question in my mind that the best thing Chick Evans ever did was start the Evans Scholars Program. It is one of the best scholarships anywhere, with a winning formula that is the reason why these kids become so successful.”
Doyle said, “Caddying is the greatest job I ever had – it set me up for life and taught me so much. It is a great honor to be inducted into the CHOF with my lifelong friend. We have come full circle, and our induction is another step in our wonderful relationship.”
Administered by the WGA since 2011, the Caddie Hall of Fame highlights the tradition and importance of caddying by celebrating individuals who have devoted their lives to the game of golf through caddying or by supporting the role of caddies, and those who have used their experience as a youth caddie for future professional success.
The Caddie Hall of Fame was created by the Professional Caddies Association in 1999. Past inductees include Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Jim “Bones” Mackay, Steve Williams, Joe LaCava, Jimmy Johnson, Charles Schwab and Peter Ueberroth.