ONE ON ONE | Rick Schwartz From links to law, prosecutor has varied interests

What made you decide to be a caddie?
I met an LPGA golfer, Dee Dee Lasker, at a short game school. When I met her, it was the first year of the Phar-Mor here in Warren so I invited her to stay at my house. After the tournament, we discussed the possibility of my caddying for her, and I did. I was a caddie for her on and off for three seasons. Since then, I have also been a caddie for some other LPGA golfers. It is something I really enjoy.
Did you caddie at this year's tournament?
No, I didn't caddie this year, but I went as a spectator and really enjoyed myself. Last year and the year before that, I was a caddie for Cindy Schreyer. But I had knee surgery the end of last summer, so I just was not sure if my knee would hold up for this year.
What exactly does a caddie do?
Well, in addition to carrying the clubs, the caddie thoroughly investigates the course from not only the yardage standpoint but the management standpoint. The caddie works with the player to map out a plan of attack. During the round, you learn to stay out of the way and you also learn when to participate. In essence, you become a therapist, silent partner and best friend.
So in order to do all this you must know what you are doing on a golf course, right? Are you a good golfer?
I'm pretty good. My handicap is between 0 and 4, and I do play a lot of amateur tournaments around the area and the state.
What's the hardest part about being a caddie?
Not being able to hit the shot. You have to learn to let go and let the player do what the player can do. The caddie is there to support. There was a joke when I was caddie -- when she hits a good shot it's her; when it's a bad shot it's we.
Do you think Squaw Creek County Club is a good place to have the tournament?
Yes, the course has a very good layout and length for a women's course. It makes it challenging and exciting. It's actually one of the better-conditioned courses that the women play.
What do you think about women not being able to join Augusta National?
Augusta National is a private club. I believe it is the PGA's responsibility to encourage the courses where they play to have an open membership policy. And in my opinion, the PGA should not play its tournament at restricted clubs.
So when you can't be on a golf course, what do you do?
I'm the law director and prosecutor for the city of Newton Falls. I was a criminal defense and general practice attorney for nine years. For the last 10 1/2 years I've been the law director and prosecutor.
Which do you like better -- defense attorney or prosecutor?
Well, they are different, but in both cases you are working for a way to solve a problem. If someone has an alcohol problem, putting them in jail is not always the answer. So both sides want to come up with a solution that will not put a person with an alcohol problem back on the streets.
You are also a yoga instructor, right? How long have you been doing that?
I started reading books on yoga in high school. I found that doing the postures helped my athletic activities. A few years later when I was in law school, I found that it helped me deal with the stress of being a lawyer. It helps one to be strong and flexible. I really enjoyed yoga, so I decided to learn more about it and went to a teacher training program.
So you teach hot yoga? What is that?
It's called Bikram yoga, and it's done in a room where the temperature is about 100 degrees. It's a whole body workout -- it's good for all of the body systems.
Why the heat?
The heat helps you go deeper into the postures because a warm muscle stretches farther. It also helps protect you from injury. And, the heat adds an aerobic effect. It helps get your heart rate up and keep it up.
What is the class like?
It is a series of 26 postures done in a certain sequence.
It's a pretty demanding workout, but it can be modified for anyone -- any age or condition.