Life “very little fun” with Vijay, says caddie Renwick

Katie Fry, Hawaii

The Scot was paid around $1m last year by the Fijian, who became the first player to earn more than $10m in a tour season.

"We're still friends but I wasn't enjoying working for Vijay, even though I made a lot of money," said Renwick.

Renwick said Singh's dedication to practice made him a demanding employer.

"I'd wake up in the morning and not really look forward to the day's work," said Renwick.

"There's been very little fun working for Vijay, even during practice rounds.

"I don't mind being on the range but my time with Vijay has been all work, all hard graft.

"For the last few months, I've just been hanging out at home and spending time with my wife and family."

Renwick said he was preparing to return to life on the golf course, and admitted he had not totally ruled out the possibility of working with Singh again.

"I've joined a gym to get into shape I'll be ready to go back to work," he said.

"However, if Vijay was wanting to take me back, I'd consider it. I'll be speaking with him early in March.

"I'm not retired. If I don't come back with Vijay, I'll look for someone else."

Renwick originally caddied for Singh between 1997 and 2000 and then rejoined the Fijian for a second spell in the latter half of 2003 and most of last year.

Speaking last year, Singh said he had been impressed with Renwick's skills during their time together.

"Dave is a long-time friend," he said.

"He was my caddie for three years before and is just such a hard worker. He's there and is very grumpy most of the time but in a good way.

"He'll let you know if you're doing something wrong, and he's a very good clubber. I'm pretty happy with his work and I guess he's happy with what he's been rewarded with."

Renwick caddied for Singh in all three of his major victories.

Meanwhile, Darren Clarke will return to action later this month in the South African Open. Clarke pulled out of the Nelson Mandela Invitational and the Nedbank Golf Challenge, both in South Africa, in November after discovering his wife Heather was suffering from cancer.

However, the 36-year-old Ryder Cup star is sufficiently satisfied with Heather's progress that he is ready to return for the 2005 season, starting in Durban on January 20.

"Heather and I have been astounded by the amount of get-well cards, texts and e-mails we have received since it became known she was ill," said Clarke, who revealed he will donate all the prize money he wins in Durban to the Tsunami Relief Appeal.

"There is still some way to go but Heather's oncologist is satisfied Heather is responding well to her treatment and is happy with her progress.

"And nothing would give me greater pleasure than to be able to put the winner's cheque into the Tsunami fund.

"Golf has been placed into perspective after what has happened at home and elsewhere."