A motorcyclist was struck by a golf ball while riding on a flyover in Pune’s Yerwada area, leading police to file a case against the nearby golf club for negligence.
The incident occurred around 5 p.m. when 35-year-old Praneel Anil Kusale, a Yerwada resident, was riding a two-wheeler with a friend.
As they approached the flyover from Gunjan Chowk towards Jail Road, a white golf ball hit Kusale in the chest.
The ball is believed to have come from the adjoining golf course and later bounced off onto other vehicles.
Kusale reported the incident at the Yerwada Police Station, where a case was registered two days later under sections related to public safety and negligence.
According to police sources, this is not an isolated case. Around 18 months ago, a similar incident occurred in which another motorcyclist was hit in the face by a golf ball, prompting a complaint at the time.
Despite these previous reports, it appears that no significant safety measures—such as nets or protective barriers—have been installed to stop golf balls from reaching public roads.
How much do caddies make at The Masters? Incredible payday awaits at Augusta for winning looper
Is there a better job than caddying for the world’s top golfers at Augusta National?
At the 2025 Masters, 90 caddies will be doing just that, hoping their players can secure a coveted green jacket.
Caddies are a constant presence alongside players throughout the iconic course, offering advice and discussing each shot during the round.
But how much do they earn during the four-day major, and what exactly does their job entail? talkSPORT.com explored the details…
On average, PGA Tour caddies earn between $1,500 and $4,000 (£1,100–£3,000) per week.
Their pay typically depends on their level of experience and the golfer they’re working with at the time.
Brennan Little, a looper of over 25 years, told Golf Monthly in 2022: “I think $2,000 (£1,500) a week is pretty average, but everything is worked out between you and the player.
“After a few years, you’ll get a raise. Or you’ll get bonuses at the end of the year. It just varies by the player.”
ESPN analyst and former caddie Michael Collins explained in 2021: “Caddies get a regular weekly paycheck because they have to pay for all of their own expenses, airfare, hotel, rental car, food.
“So, they get a weekly paycheck from the player, and then you get a percentage of what the player wins if they make the cut.”
As Collins pointed out, in addition to their base wage, caddies also receive a percentage of their player’s prize money at tournaments.
Typically, the breakdown is 10 percent if their player wins The Masters, 7 percent for a top-10 finish, and 5 percent for any other position on the leaderboard.
This year’s total prize fund for The Masters stands at $20 million, the same as the previous edition.
When Scottie Scheffler won the tournament last April, he earned $3.6 million—meaning his caddie, Ted Scott, took home $360,000 as his share.
In 2023, the prize pool was slightly lower, but Jon Rahm’s caddie, Adam Hayes, still earned an estimated $320,000 from Rahm’s $3.24 million victory.
With earnings like these, both top golfers and their caddies are making millions—with reports suggesting that Scheffler’s caddie, Scott, brought in over $4 million in 2024.
Speaking after Scheffler won The Masters last year, Scott said: “Honestly, I’m just pinching myself. I don’t know how I get to do this.
“When I was 19 years old, a guy by the name of Ryan Smith told me, if you want to get better at something, find people who are better at you and spend time with them. That’s kind of been my motto in life.
“I’ve just been very fortunate that great people will take me on as their caddie as other parts of my life. I’ve worked for some incredible golfers.
“Scottie is just added to the list, and now it’s just incredible to be a part of it. I’m just very fortunate.”
What do caddies actually do?
A caddie’s role is far more crucial than simply walking the course and handing over clubs.
They play a significant part in a golfer’s performance, offering advice on club selection, shot choices, and distance to the greens.
Beyond that, caddies also provide input on swing techniques and rely on detailed course knowledge to guide decisions on each hole.
Throughout tournaments, they remain in constant communication with the player—offering strategic input, encouragement, and sometimes even emotional support.
This often leads players to partner with someone they trust deeply, whether it’s a close friend or someone they’ve developed a strong working relationship with.
After his Masters victory last year, Scottie Scheffler praised his caddie Ted Scott, saying: “I couldn’t do this without you. What a guy.”
“Teddy did a great job of making sure that we kept the golf course in front of us.
“I didn’t get off to the best start, but I had some key up-and-downs, and Teddy once again did a great job of keeping me in it.”
