BEHIND THE SCENES

* NAMES: Marlene and Joe Ryan

* HOME: Bakersfield

* THEY ARE: The caddie masters

* DAILY DUTIES: As helpers to the helpers, the Ryans get to the course

about 6 a.m. to check on the 78-plus caddies working during the

tournament. They hand out fresh towels, help with needed information,

pass on messages and make sure that caddies get their lunch.

Most caddies -- ranging in age from their late teens to 70 -- are on

contract with one of the players and follow their bosses around the

country.

“They are like circus followers,� said Joe, who has carried golf bags

himself in the past. “They are nomads. They follow along.�

Theoretically, players could carry their own equipment, which weighs

between 30 and 35 pounds. But caddies are an old golf tradition, dating

back to England’s Queen Anne in the 18th century, Joe said. The queen

used to designate one of her cadets (hence the name caddie) to carry her

clubs. Not that that’s the only thing caddies do. They function as an

assistant to the player, keep track of distances on the golf course and

walk it before the match to get an overview.

When the Classic ends in Newport Beach, the Ryans will pack their bags

and head up to Valencia for the next stop on the tour.

* DID YOU KNOW: When caddies say they “need a bag,� they’re not just

looking for a place to keep the clubs. They’re looking for a player to

work for and, in turn, a bag as well.