GoFundMe campaign set up for veteran caddie following horrific practice range injury
TCN received some unfortunate news from caddie friend Eddie Cole. Cole passed along word that fellow caddie Derek Barfield recently suffered a terrible injury after a slip on the practice range during a Korn Ferry Tour event.
Cole assisted in setting up a GoFundMe campaign to help Barfield with mounting expenses during this difficult time.
Here’s the story of what happened and the ongoing situation from the GoFundMe page, which was set up on August 4:
Derek Barfield, a veteran tour caddie, had a horrific accident on the practice range during the Korn Ferry Tournament in Omaha, Nebraska. Derek slipped on a wet spot on the range and as a result, he completely broke his tibia, partially broke his fibula and almost broke his ankle as well. He was rushed into surgery later that day and because of the severity of the injury, the surgeon put a titanium rod in his leg. He will be laid up for at least 6-8 weeks and will require extensive rehabilitation.
Obviously Derek won’t be able to caddie for the remainder of the 2020 season and most, if not all, of 2021. Tour caddies are independent contractors that are self-employed. Therefore, we do not receive any type of sick pay. Currently, all medical expenses that he has incurred and will incur are coming out of his own pocket. We are asking for donations to help Derek in his time of need. Donations will go towards covering medical expenses and other daily and monthly essentials until he is ready and able to get back to work. All donations are going to Sherrie Arquette, Derek’s girlfriend who will be taking care of Derek. Thank you for your support!
Since August 4, here are two more updates:
At the time of this post, $4,485 had been raised toward a $15,000 goal. If you would like to contribute, click here to visit the GoFundMe page.
Get well soon!!🙏🏼
Time for the Pro’s to step up to the plate.
You would hope the tour pros step up. This is chump change for them!