If Jeff Mulberry has any aspirations beyond the odd hole in one, it is to lead as uncomplicated a life as possible. His needs are modest and his interests narrowing down as he focuses on pro golf. Not that he has his eye set on being a winning player, but rather on being the best caddie that friendship, respect -- and of course, some money -- can buy. "I don't want to be Tiger Woods. I want to find a Tiger Woods and help us to the top."

Last Sunday he was to be found hanging out on his best friend's deck in Akiya, on the Miura Peninsula. "We met at school in Vancouver when we were 9. Between tournaments here, Gra and Cath are good enough to take me in." Portable phone in hand, he was busy making notes in the tiny book he carries from game to game, course to course, country to country. "I'm caddying for Australian pro Richard Backwell on this tour, who's third in the money list for 2000. We start Tuesday in Chiba, hoping to make the cut."

For the uninitiated, "making the cut" means two days playing practice rounds ahead of the tournament Thursday and Friday, when the cut will be made for the final 60 to play the last two rounds. "Everyone who makes the cut gets some money, but the percentage the caddie receives depends on the player they're working with -- how well the guy does, and the basis of agreement."