Mark Long has been on and off Fred Funk’s bag for eight years.

He’ll be caddying for Funk in next month’s U.S. Senior Open, too. But Long has another job, one that benefits every golfer who’ll challenge The Broadmoor’s East Course.

Long is the author of the tournament’s yardage book, which goes beyond telling golfers and caddies the distance from tee to green.

“It’s simple to get the yardages,” Long said after spending about 25 hours mapping the course. “But we need to know: How far is it to the front of the green? How far is it from this bunker and from that bunker? Then it gets a lot more detailed.

“What’s the run out to that tree over there? What’s the carry on the right edge of that left bunker? Those numbers will be in the book. Then there are real detailed drawings of slopes of the greens.”

Long noted that while pertinent stuff goes into the book, not everybody gets the depth of information Funk receives.

“We’ve got to keep some secrets,” Long said, laughing.

The caddie is confident the course suits Funk’s game.

“This golf course is great for Fred,” Long said. “You have to drive it in the fairway. The rough is short right now, but it’s thick. It’s very difficult. I don’t think they’ll grow it a lot more, but they don’t have to. … I think a lot of guys are going to be tempted to hit drivers, which I think is going to be a mistake. I actually called him up the other day and said, ‘You better bring an extra carry-on because you’re going to be taking the trophy home with you.'”

Fountain-Fort Carson product Chase Headley Photo by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS