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PGA caddies go to court

San Francisco - Caddies on the US PGA Tour have gone to court seeking compensation for having to serve as walking billboards while helping players and their cause could soon receive global support.

Eugene Egdorf, a lawyer for the Lanier Law firm retained by the caddies, told AFP that they are fighting for fairness in a situation where they often lack restrooms and parking while serving a vital role for the stars who lure big crowds.

"We would have preferred to come up to a business solution fair to everybody, the PGA and the caddies," Egdorf said.

"It's not about the money. It is about fairness. They have left us with no other choice. It's about a freedom case. It's their business, their body. Some don't want to have advertisements."

Caddies typically wear bibs being the logo of the financial backer of the PGA event and their player's name on the back when they walk around the course carrying bags and giving guidance to players about their shotmaking as they walk along courses.

While they are paid for their work by players, they are not compensated for their secondary informative role to spectators.

Egdorf said the lawsuit, filed in San Francisco, is expected to receive an objection from the PGA Tour, which would lead to an amended motion with 75 additional caddies from around the world, including Australia and South America as well as New Zealand's Steve Williams, who has worked with Tiger Woods and Adam Scott among others.

Caddies seek a retirement plan and a deal on other health issues that Egdorf estimated might cost $4 million rather than much greater amounts being sought in the lawsuit, reportedly $50 million and potentially more.

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