Forty-seven-year-old Mike Downey, one of the few 40 something’s on the CGT, has had as rich a golf career as anyone. In the early-to-mid 80s, he caddied for golfing great Jack Nicklaus. He’s also worked as an assistant at famed Muirfield Village, and has more than 15 years combined experience as a head professional at Fairfield Country Club and later as the director of golf at the Golf Club of Purchase, a role he occupied until 2004. This is his first year playing on the Cleveland Golf Tour. Between events at Atlantic City and
LeBaron Hills, we corresponded via e-mail for the second installment of a season long series designed to give you, the CGT fan, a closer relationship with the faces of the CGT.

Q: We all dream of working with the best. For most of us that dream is never realized. But you caddied for Jack Nicklaus, only the greatest player in the history of the game. How did that come about?

A: I met him through working at Frenchman’s Creek in North Palm Beach (FL) I worked that one event. I left Frenchman’s to work for Rick Whitfield at Sailfish Point in Stuart, FL. Later, Nicklaus’ club maker called to tell me
that Jack was looking for someone to caddy so I called and got lucky.

Q: What years did you caddy for Jack Nicklaus?

A: At Inverrary in 1981 because Angelo Argea had lost his Mom and Jack needed a caddy for the week. Then in 1983 I got a chance to go out for 26 events until 1985. After that, I went on to work for Jim Gerring at
Muirfield Village in Dublin, Ohio.

Q: What was your most memorable moment during your time as his caddy, either on off the course?

A: The travel was fun but the PGA at Riviera in 1983 (Nicklaus finished one shot behind winner Hal Sutton) was the best and the Masters in ’84 (Nicklaus tied for 18th) was something else, also.

Q: We all know Tour players have a strict routine they follow religiously. What was Jack's biggest pet peeve?

A: He hit the same clubs to warm up with—-pitching wedge, 8-iron, 5-iron, 3-iron, driver and SW. Then he putted and chipped a little and teed off. He didn’t really have a pet peeve but he was always focused and knew where he
was going to hit his shots.

Q: After you caddied for Nicklaus in the mid 80s, you spent more than 20 years in the PGA of America either as an assistant or head professional. What's tougher? Maintaining a pro shop or a yardage book?

A: Caddying for one person can be hard some days but you have to be on all the time when running a club. You have 300 to 500 people to attend to. Working at a club was always fun for me just like playing golf. But the club
was harder than caddying. There are only three rules in caddying: Show up, keep up, and shut up?

Q: If Mike Downey the caddy worked an event for Mike Downey the player, who would win an argument over club selection? More importantly, who would be the better looking one?

A: Mike Downey the player has to continue to believe in the decisions that have to be made and stick with his first thought. We can only hit one shot at a time and that’s where the player has to stay in that one shot-at-a-time
mode. The player would win the argument. It is on the player to perform not the caddy. You know the lingo for caddies? WE were 4- under then HE made a double!!

Q: You've been an assistant at Muirfield Village, head professional at the Country Club of Fairfield and worked as the director of golf at the Golf Club of Purchase. Why have you decided to try your luck out on the Cleveland Golf Tour against players young enough to be your son?

A: Playing has always been a part of my summers and some winters so I have always been very competitive. I have been looking at job opportunities but I decided to take a year off and play full-time and see how it works out. I
never did play on a full-time basis and thought it would be fun to see how much I could improve in tournament golf. As far as being older than most of the players, you still have to beat the young guys even if you’re almost a
senior.

Q: You won the Connecticut Open in 1990. You've also won several other PGA section events. What do you consider your greatest golfing achievement?

A: From a playing stand point I hope it hasn’t happened yet? From a club professional stand point getting others into the game and seeing them improve, stick with it, and enjoy it.

Q: Through two events, you've recorded a tie for 22 and a missed cut. How would you assess your play thus far?

A: I have been consistent except for the first round at Atlantic City (he shot 80 in pounding rain and swirling wind). I have to capitalize on hitting greens and not giving back when I get under par then go more under.

Q: With eight events still remaining on the CGT schedule, what can we expect from Mike Downey the rest of the season?

A: Hard work, one shot at a time, have fun at the end of the season, and make enough money to play some more.

Q: Be honest. What was your favorite part about spending four days in Atlantic City during our event at Twisted Dune. And don't tell me it was the valet parking.

A: Since I don’t play cards, I enjoyed just sitting at the slot machines. If it didn’t rain I probably would have enjoyed the golf course most. The food was free and free is good these days. The rooms were nice, too. So let’s hope we go back. Sunday’s concert out on the beach was good, too.

Thanks Mike.