Stirling University golfer Abercrombie Nisbet challenges status quo in new short film

by · The Courier

A University of Stirling golfer is the focus of a new film about being the only female caddy at an East Lothian golf course.

The Gullane Girl, made by magazine The Links Diary, shares the experience of Abercrombie Nisbet working at Gullane Golf Club.

Now in her early-20s, Abercrombie became a caddy in 2018, aged 16, as she lived nearby and had been playing golf for a decade.

However, out of 52 caddies, she is the only woman in the role.

“I’m the only girl that caddies at Gullane,” she says in the film.

“It’s a nervewracking one because you know you’re going to turn up and I’ve had quite a few: ‘Oh, is that bag too heavy for you? Do you need a trolley? Oh, I’m not paying a girl to carry my bag’, when my bag’s probably heavier than most of the bags I carry.”

Abercrombie Nisbet shared her experience about being the only female caddy out of 52. Image: The Links Diary

The golfer, who won the Gullane Ladies Championship in 2024, also revealed she faces sexist comments from others in the role.

She said: “Even some of the caddies here, you can get a bit of lip from them, going: ‘Oh, it’s a girl carrying a bag’.

“It’s also quite fun to be the only girl because it proves a point to them.”

‘I know the course like the back of my hand’

Abercrombie believes her familiarity with the course gives her an advantage.

“There’s a knowledge that comes with being a player, especially it being my home track,” she said.

“I’ve won the club championship here. I know it like the back of my hand.

“But, when it comes to caddying, I know blinds, I know bunker. Just being a player, you know the etiquette a bit more.”

Abercrombie is the only female caddy at Gullane. Image: The Links Diary

She described the job as a “big privilege”.

“I love caddying as you complete the experience for golfers coming to this area,” she added.

“You want them to have the best memories possible.”

Abercrombie says she is as passionate about caddying as she is about playing. Image: The Links Diary

The Gullane Girl film has been praised by professional golfers, with English player Justin Rose describing it as “brilliant”.

Anna Nordqvist, a Swedish golfer and three-time major championship winner, commented on Instagram: “You go girl!! What an inspiring story.”

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