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Television Personality Cara Banks Discusses Tyrrell Hatton's 'Second Self' and the Role of the Caddie Relationship

Building Relationships with Athletes, Navigating Live Broadcasting, and Investigating the Special Caddie-Player Connection Pursued by Cara Banks of NBC Sports

Golf Channel Presenter Cara Banks Discusses Tyrrell Hatton's 'Second Self' and the Bond Between...
Golf Channel Presenter Cara Banks Discusses Tyrrell Hatton's 'Second Self' and the Bond Between Player and Caddy

Television Personality Cara Banks Discusses Tyrrell Hatton's 'Second Self' and the Role of the Caddie Relationship

Cara Banks, a seasoned NBC Sports broadcaster, has announced a new segment that aims to shed light on the often hidden player-caddie relationship in the world of golf.

Banks, who had to quickly adapt to the unique demands of live TV and the specific vocabulary used in the US after moving to NBC's Golf Channel in 2015, believes that there is a lot of "insider trading" that goes on between players and caddies.

One of the relationships she plans to explore in her show is that of Daniel Berger's caddie, Pete Dye Jr., and the caddie of professional golfer Ian Poulter. Banks' interest in this dynamic stems from her belief that it plays a crucial role in shaping the outcomes of tournaments.

Banks' friendship with Mark "Fooch" Fulcher, Justin Rose's caddie, has been a significant influence in her career. The two bonded over their shared English heritage and families living in Florida. Fulcher is not just a professional contact for Banks; he is her closest friend on tour.

Their friendship was further solidified during the Masters this year, where Banks celebrated Fulcher's 60th birthday. The week unexpectedly ended with Justin Rose in a playoff, adding to the excitement of the occasion.

Banks has been a witness to some of golf's most memorable moments. She was there for Rory McIlroy's big win at THE PLAYERS Championship on a Monday, a victory which she believes set him up for a strong year. She also recalls a strange moment at the 2017 Open where she was walking with McIlroy's group for BBC radio while Jordan Spieth was winning the championship in dramatic fashion following his infamous driving range drop.

Another player Banks has come to know well is Tyrrell Hatton. Known for his fiery on-course demeanor, Hatton is a player often misunderstood by the public. Off the golf course, however, he is described as a "lovely, chilled, down-to-earth, likeable guy". Banks was on the 18th green when J.J Spaun made his 64-foot birdie putt to win the US Open, a moment she finds to be what makes live broadcasting so special for her.

Banks also believes that building relationships with players and their teams is essential for her job. This approach has allowed her to gain unique insights into the player-caddie relationship, insights she is eager to share with her audience.

In her new segment, Banks wants to explore the inside-the-ropes conversation between the player and the caddie, a conversation that often remains hidden from view. She hopes this segment will provide a fresh perspective on the world of golf, shedding light on the relationships that shape the outcomes of tournaments.

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