Fanny Sunesson: The Trailblazing Caddie Who Changed Golf Forever

When people talk about legends in golf, they often list the players who hoisted trophies. But behind the scenes, a few caddies shaped history just as much. Among them, Fanny Sunesson stands tall — not just as a caddie, but as a pioneer who broke barriers, won majors, and inspired a new generation in golf.

Early Life and First Steps in Golf

Born on July 9, 1967, in Gothenburg, Sweden, Fanny Sunesson grew up in a golf-loving family. By her teenage years, she was already making her mark, winning the Swedish Mother and Daughter Championship in 1986 alongside her mother, Stina.

That same year, fate intervened at the Scandinavian Enterprise Open in Stockholm. After male volunteers were picked first, Sunesson was finally given the chance to caddie for Brazilian pro Jaime Gonzalez. It was a turning point that set her on a path few women had ever walked.

Breaking Through as a Caddie

In the late 1980s, Sunesson caddied for Howard Clark and gained experience on the European Tour. Her big break came in 1989, when six-time major champion Nick Faldo hired her full-time.

The decision raised eyebrows in a male-dominated sport, but results spoke louder than skepticism.

Major Championship Success with Nick Faldo

With Sunesson on the bag, Faldo reached the peak of his career:

• 1990 Masters – Faldo wins at Augusta National.
• 1990 Open Championship – Faldo conquers St. Andrews.
• 1992 Open Championship – Faldo triumphs again at Muirfield.
• 1996 Masters – Faldo delivers a legendary comeback against Greg Norman, with Sunesson by his side.

These victories cemented her place in history as the first female caddie to win a men’s major championship. Her preparation was meticulous — walking courses ahead of time, charting pin positions, and creating detailed yardage books. Faldo himself credited her calm and methodical approach for his success.

Beyond Faldo: A Career Spanning Generations

After parting ways with Faldo in 1999, Sunesson briefly worked with Sergio García, then later teamed with players like Fred Funk, Notah Begay III, and fellow Swede Henrik Stenson.

Over her career, she carried the bag in:

• More than 750 tournaments worldwide
• 91 major championships
• Six Ryder Cups and one Presidents Cup
• Over 25 tournament victories with her players

Few caddies — male or female — can match that record.

Nick Faldo After the Sunesson Years

When Fanny Sunesson and Nick Faldo went their separate ways in 1999, it marked the close of one of golf’s most successful caddie–player partnerships. For Faldo, it also signaled a gradual transition away from full-time competitive golf.

Though he remained active on the European Tour and PGA Tour into the early 2000s, Faldo played fewer events each season. His focus shifted toward new opportunities:

• Broadcasting – In 2006, Faldo joined CBS Sports and became the network’s lead golf analyst, a role he held until his retirement from broadcasting in 2022. His commentary combined sharp analysis with the insight of a six-time major champion.
• Golf Course Design – He launched Faldo Design, creating and renovating courses worldwide, including projects in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
• Faldo Series – Passionate about developing junior talent, he founded the Faldo Series, a global tournament program that gives young golfers the chance to compete internationally.
• Honors – In 2009, Faldo was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to golf, becoming Sir Nick Faldo.

By the time he stepped away from broadcasting in 2022, Faldo had built a second career just as influential as his playing days. His legacy is now shared with Sunesson — together they wrote a golden chapter in golf history, and separately, they continued to shape the game in their own ways.

Retirement and Coaching Career

In 2012, Sunesson retired from full-time caddying due to back injuries. But her love for the game never faded. She transitioned into a new role as a mental performance coach, working with elite players to sharpen their mindset under pressure.

Even after retiring, she returned for special appearances:

• 2018 Open Championship – caddied for Adam Scott.
• 2019 Masters – joined Henrik Stenson once again.

Her presence in the game continues to be felt, even without a bag on her shoulder.

Guest Appearance in 2025

Even after stepping away from full-time caddying, Fanny Sunesson still makes special returns to the game. In June 2025, she joined fellow Swede Henrik Stenson as a guest caddie at LIV Golf Dallas, filling in while his regular caddie, Marcus Larsson, managed their Stenson Sunesson Junior Challenge in Sweden.

The partnership extended to The Open Championship at Royal Portrush in July 2025, where Sunesson once again carried Stenson’s bag. Though Stenson did not contend for the title, her presence drew attention from fans and media alike, as it rekindled memories of their earlier successful run together between 2006 and 2011.

That Open was ultimately won by Scottie Scheffler, but Sunesson’s cameo reminded the golfing world of her professionalism and influence, even in limited appearances.

Personal Life

Away from the course, Fanny married Eric Rogers in 2001 — on the exact same date that Nick Faldo tied the knot with his partner, a coincidence that made golf headlines at the time. She has always emphasized that she never saw herself as a “female caddie,” only as a professional caddie doing the job to the highest standard.

Legacy and Recognition

Fanny Sunesson’s impact goes far beyond trophies. She paved the way for women in golf’s support roles, showing that preparation, strategy, and mental strength matter just as much as physical ability.

Her career earned her induction into the Caddie Hall of Fame, and her influence continues through her coaching, speaking, and mentoring.

Fanny Sunesson in Context: How She Stands Among Legends

In the world of caddies, Sunesson’s name belongs alongside giants like Steve Williams (Tiger Woods), Jim “Bones” Mackay (Phil Mickelson), and Joe LaCava (Fred Couples, Tiger Woods). But unlike them, she carries the distinction of being a trailblazer for women in men’s professional golf — a pioneer whose achievements went far beyond barriers.

Conclusion

Fanny Sunesson’s journey from a teenage volunteer caddie in Sweden to a Hall of Fame career is a story of grit, intelligence, and quiet confidence. She stood shoulder to shoulder with golf’s greatest champions and proved that success in golf is not defined by gender, but by preparation, passion, and resilience.

Her legacy lives on not only in the record books, but in every young golfer — and every aspiring caddie — who dares to dream big.