Sask. golfer prepares to caddy in CP Women's Open

When some of the world's best golfers tee off at his home course for the CP Women's Open,Andrew Wilsonwill be right in the thick of the action.

Wilson, who has been a member of Regina'sWascana Country Club for more than 10 years, is preparing tocaddy for one of the players at the upcoming CP Women's Open.

"It's pretty awesome for Wascana to have this event and caddying is as close as you'll get to the tournament," Wilson said after playing 18 holes on Friday before the course closedto the public.

"I've never caddied before so I'm not entirely sure what to expect, but Idid seek a bit of advice and one guy who had caddied before told me the key is to'show up, keep up and shut up.' So, I'll start there and see how I can help."

The tournament will run at Wascana from August 20 to 26, with the opening round starting Thursday.

The CP Women's Opentraditionally attracts top players with one of the largest prize purses on tour at$2.25 million US. This year's competitors will include Canadian star Brooke Henderson and three-time CP Women's Open champion Lydia Ko.

Open call for caddies

A weekago, there was an open call for caddies for the pro-am, an event earlier in the week that sees the general public tee off with professionals before the competition begins. The tournament was looking primarily forcaddies for the public, but when Wilsonreached out and said he would be interested, he was paired with a professional instead.

Wilson will be partnered up with American Kassidy Teare for the week, carrying her bag and giving hertips about the course wherever he can.

This is the first time an LPGAevent will be held at Wascana. Wilson said he can Teare a competitive advantage asa long-time member.

"I think I've seen pretty much every break on the greens and I've been in allthe good spots and the bad spots on the course so I think I'll have some valuable information to share with her," he said.

Wilson said the toughest hole will be the fourth because its a longer hole with water along the left side.

His advice might be easier said than done.

"Just hit an aggressive drive and straight down the middle."

Major economic impact

Club CEOGregDukartestimatedthe economic impact of the tournament on the City of Reginawill be between $7,000,000 and $10,000,000, with around 60,000to 80,000 spectators expected.

Many features, likesky boxesand grandstands for fans to watch the action, have been added to thecourse in the lead-up to the tournament.

The 18th hole, will be surrounded by hundredsif not thousands of fans, something Wilson isn't used to seeing when he walks up the fairway.

"If Iwas playing in the tournament I'd definitelybe nervous," he said.

"As a caddy I think you're in the background a little bit, so I'll be more so taking it in ... It'll be really cool to see."