Golf caddies just never seem to get proper respect.

It's a seemingly thankless job. Toting that heavy bag, meticulously studying the ebb and flow of every green ... and for what? Virtual anonymity.

You'd think, at the very least, they'd get to fly with the players to major events.

Well, that's not the case for the Ryder Cup.

The caddies for Tiger Woods, Stewart Cink and Rickie Fowler were bumped off the charter flight to Wales after it was discovered the plane was too full.

The flight includes several fans, who capitalized on a special Ryder Cup package. They get to stay.

The three caddies were bumped because their players failed to qualify for the Tour Championship.

A PGA spokesman said the original plane wasn't available.

Lest you feel too sorry for the caddies, they'll be compensated for buying business-class tickets on their own.