But its a cool tradition, a huge reward and a special thing. 'Absolutely horrendous': Xander Schauffele explains Bay Hill's juicy rough, How LIV Golf's ratings fared in its network TV debut, Driver tosses, flubs and calls to rules officials: Sunday at the Hero was wild, Tour rules official explains why Viktor Hovland was not hit with costly penalty, 'I've never experienced that before': Spieth, Stenson explain rare 2-stroke penalties, Viktor Hovland wins chaotic Hero World Challenge behind brilliant 3-hole stretch, What a disaster: Hero Challenge leader hits five straight chips (!) The house was gutted in the blaze, and a State Fire Marshals investigator estimated damages to the building and its contents at more than $150,000. H Bauer Publishing are authorised and regulated for credit broking by the FCA (Ref No. The looper was playing very little of his own golf by choice. From all four corners of the globe, caddies know the routine. That means guaranteed money for the guy on the bag. Those of us who spend excessive amounts of time watching professional golfers do their thing have grown well-acquainted with the loopers by their side. "I've played there a lot growing up but Brooks hits the ball differently than the lines I hit it on," said Elliott, who is good friends with another Portrush native, former US Open champion. The Ulsterman was part of all four of Koepkas Major victories at the 2017 and 2018 US Open, and the PGA Championship wins in 2018 and 2019. Koepka and Elliott celebrate defending the US Open in 2018. Koepka was ranked number 22 in the world and had been invited to be a part of the American team for the 2016 Ryder Cup. I mean, to this day, if we hit one over the back [of the green], he'd probably just turn around to me and go, 'Well, I hit that quite a bit hard'. During his previous life, he played at Royal Portrush Golf Club. "Ricky Elliott, who caddies for Brooks Koepka, was a guy I looked up to when I was about 12 or 13 because he was pretty much the best junior player here in Portrush," McDowell said. Stick it in the middle of the room, he says with a laugh. Assuming the above percentages of five to 10 percent stands true, this means Elliott earned between roughly $354,702 (five percent) to $709,404. Tom Watson hugs his caddie, Bruce Edwards, after his final round, 18th hole birdie and victory in The Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio. He is nowa freelance, alsoworking for the PGA and Robert Rock. The standard hes found with his iron game these days isnt, understandably, at the level of his boss, but whos really keeping track? Id rather go to sleep at night thinking about Brooks game rather than my own. (Steve Schaefer/AFP via Getty Images), Tiger Woods talks with caddie Steve Williams during a practice round prior to the 2009 World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship. 2 during the final round of the 1999 US Open Championship twin the title. He then worked at National Club Golfer and Lady Golfer where he was the deputy editor and he has interviewed many of the leading names in the game, both male and female, ghosted columns for the likes of Robert Rock, Charley Hull and Dame Laura Davies, as well as playing the vast majority of our Top 100 GB&I courses. As I continued toask around, one name kept surfacing: Bruce Edwards, the long-time caddie for eight-time major winner Tom Watson, who succumbedto ALS at age 49 in 2004. Not everyone will like it, 5 ways the PGA Tour just got better (and 3 ways it got worse! "He listens to people around him; he takes advice, he likes to talk to other players, especially Graeme (McDowell) in the early days, finding out what it takes to win a major and have a successful career.". All of the bonus money is believed to be added on top of the standard salary he makes as well. Read about our approach to external linking. Elliot went on to caddie for Koepka at the Masters in 2015, 2016 and 2017 with Koepkas best finish coming in 2017 when he finished in tied for 11th. But after trying to make it on the mini tour circuit, Elliott decided to become a caddie instead. Ricky Elliott (born in the year 1978 or 1979) is mostly known as the caddie of the famous American golfer, Brooks Koepka. Fluff has won 23 times on Tour. But its fun.. Ricky Elliott, longtime caddie for Brooks Koepka, is one step ahead of him. By Koepkas side is his trusted caddie, Ricky Elliot, who has been with Koepka since 2013. Last updated on 20 May 201920 May 2019.From the section Golf. I obviously lost the love of me playing it but Im starting to find it again a little bit. He was with Ben Curtis during his 2012 Texas Open win and also caddied for Matt Fitzpatrick during the 2014 Masters. It was worrying. Its just nice to be able to have the opportunity to do that. His preparation is every bit the same. Brooks Koepka celebrates his 2018 US PGA win with coach Claude Harmon III and caddie Ricky Elliott. Elliot probably wouldnt have imagined that teaming up with an American golfer would have put him on the opposite side of the course as his European brothers at some point, but thats exactly what happened in 2016. Brooks Koepka celebrates with caddie Ricky Elliott on the 18th green at Shinnecock Hills. #unreal http://t.co/dD08hZry4w" Similarly, he is of white nationality. (Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports). Youre still always where youre from, but Im pleased as punch to be an American citizen.. The starting point seemed obvious. When the pair finished their last tournament of 2018 in Shanghai, Elliott said, they shared a quiet moment, just shaking their heads in disbelief. "I'll have to work on my yardage book for Brooks playing it but obviously a little local knowledge doesn't hurt. A win there by Koepka, Elliott promises, would usher in the mother of all celebrations. Hes not a very demanding guy on or off the golf course. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. He didnt even own a set of clubs when he flew to Scotland. Fitzpatricks coach, Mike Walter, started working the phones, trying to find the young golfer a new caddie. Team Koepka will also be playing for a significant payday first place pays $1 million, while last place pays $100,000. His best guess on how the flags took off? After finishing second to Tiger Woods in the Masters last month, Koepka then led from start to finish at Bethpage despite a late wobble. The caddie, who played at Royal Portrush as a junior, was a promising youngster, winning titles such as the Ulster Boys Championship and the Ulster Youth Championship. I know his yardages, what he likes and doesnt like. Its really smart and simple.. (Courtesy Cayce Kerr). As Brooks Koepka goes for a third consecutive US PGA Championship, caddie Ricky Elliott, the man hoping to help his boss to more Major glory at TPC Harding Park, shares the secrets to their success. Holes it, two-shot lead, Elliott said, still awestruck. St. Johns County (Florida) Sheriffs investigators said the fire started in an upstairs storage room where he kept part of his collection of golf memorabilia. It all depends on the circumstances. And what exactly does he do with all these keepsakes? He says he never considered sitting out, but Elliots decision to be an official member of the American team in an international tournament was a rare move. She has 17 flags, but primarily collected caddie bibs, tickets and yardage books, which are stored in boxes at home. Brooks Koepka and caddie Ricky Elliott. Elliot on the other hand, is a grizzled Irishman, who has seen his fair share of golf courses. Garrett Johnston is a sports writer who has covered golf for a decade, including 25 major championships. I dont think he particularly enjoyed doing it. Koepka and Elliot took their partnership to a whole new level at the AT&T Byron Nelson tournament in May of 2017. It was cool. On April 16, 2000, Edwards' estranged first wife, Susan, angry at the couple's pending divorce, lit the 1982 U.S. Open flag on fire. Its obviously evolved with results, but hes just the same chap. After years of bouncing back and forth across the Atlantic Ocean, Elliot decided to become a U.S. citizen in 2015. Brooks said his usual looper Ricky Elliott was home preparing for a trip to see his parents in Northern Ireland, but he was complimentary of the job his kid brother did. I honestly dont know, he says. I felt more sorry for him than I did for myself.. By Eric Todisco. Just a few holes into the year in Hawaii, a wrist injury benched his man for three months. No where was this more apparent than at The Masters in 2014. Im pretty proud of him. Brooks Koepka and caddie Ricky Elliott on the third green during the second round of the 2017 U.S. Open (Getty) As of Saturday night, with the third round of the 2017 US Open coming to an. If he's found guilty of the charges, he could face up to 20 years in prison. The Saudi project is piloted by a man with more hot air than the Hindenburg, and seems destined for the same fate. The Tiger flag is tucked away in a safe deposit box, in case the house burns down, which could happen, says LaCava. Then therewas Englands Billy Foster, who finally tasted victory at a major after 40 years on the bag and kissed the flag in the lower right corner as Matt Fitzpatrick was victorious at the U.S. Open in June. I was so jacked up at the time, I said, Ill tell you what, if you can get it from me, you can have it., Justin Thomas and his caddie Jim Bones Mackay share a laugh before the trophy ceremony in the aftermath of Thomass victory at the 2022 PGA Championship. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images). With Elliots help, Fitzpatrick ended up finishing tied for 52nd. https://golfweek.usatoday.com/lists/18th-hole-flag-becoming-caddie-trophy/, Mexico, Caribbean, Atlantic islands, Central America, Top 50 Classic Courses in Great Britain & Ireland, Top 50 Modern Courses in Great Britain & Ireland, PGA Tour approves radical schedule changes, reducing fields in elevated events and ending cuts, Drivers used by PGA Tour pros ranked in the top 10 in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee, Best irons for 2023 for every handicap and playing style. After working together for three years, it was an easy decision to make sure Elliot would be on his bag for the tournament. Getty Brooks Koepka and caddie Ricky Elliott The success of Brooks Koepka on the PGA Tour in recent years has grabbed plenty of attention. Number: 1394141; H Bauer Publishing, Company Number: LP003328 Ill be getting plenty of good needle, he said at the time. Your email address will not be published. On April 16, 2000, Edwards estranged first wife, Susan, angry at the couples pending divorce, lit the 1982 U.S. Open flag on fire. Apart from that one tee shot on 12 (at the Masters) that he would have loved to have had back, he didnt hit a bad shot in the last round. The USGA sent it to me. As detailed in Alan Shipnucks unauthorized biographyof Mickelson, Phil: The Rip-Roaring (and unauthorized) Biography of Golf s Most Colorful Superstar, Mackay understood and respected that gesture, but 19 more Tour victories would follow, including four majors, and he never got to keep a single flag., During the week of the WM Phoenix Open, Bones hosted a dinner party for players and caddies at his home and without fail he would be asked, Where are the flags?, Thats a giant f you to a caddie, says someone described as very close to Mackay in the Mickelson biography. Bender only kept a couple of flags. Pictured: Brooks Koepka talks with his caddie Ricky Elliott at the 2019 PGA Championship. I dont know how it happened, says Scott, who earned his third Masters flag working on the bag of Scottie Scheffler to go with the previous two he pocketed with Bubba Watson in 2012 and 2014. It was on the 16th tee at Bellerive in the final round of the PGA Championship. It has become a tradition unlike anyother. Ken Comboy, who has been on the bag for 25 wins over his 30-year career, including the 2010 U.S. Open for his current boss, Graeme McDowell, is of the school of thought that his check is his trophy at the end of a successful tournament. Its fast-paced. In many events, the minimum payout for making the cut and finishing somewhere around 70th or slightly better is at least $20,000. Brooks Koepka and caddie Ricky Elliott on the third green during the second round of the 2017 U.S. Open (Getty). It was 220 yards to the middle of the green. (Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports), Veteran caddie Terry Holt, who is best known as Bernhard Langers loyal sidekick, first came to caddie in the U.S in the 1980s and doesnt recall the flag being treated as a trophy at the time. So, too, did another Edwards pal, Greg Rita, who was on the bag for three major victories in less than a 10-year span (Curtis Strange at the 1988-89 U.S. Open and John Daly at the 1995 British Open). CARMEL, Ind. His most cherished flag, which some believe started this craze, was used to set his home ablaze. Share Tweet Pin Email He plays at Moortown with a handicap of 6. The golf world might spread itself out across multiple countries and continents, but its ultimately a tight-knit community. Thats why it can be jarring to see an unfamiliar figure toting the bag of a top player. Golf Monthly is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2022-23 PGA Tour Tournament schedule and results, 2022-23 PGA Tour winning player and caddie pairs, Under The Strap Podcast: Caddie Aaron Flener on looking forward to 2023, caddie tips, funny stories and more, Under The Strap Podcast: Sports Analyst Jonathan Coachman on his career, friendship with Joe LaCava and more, The worlds gonna be his limit Caddie Shay Knight on Viktor Hovlands win at 2022 Hero World Challenge, Under The Strap Podcast: DECADE Golf system creator Scott Fawcett on revolutionizing golf strategy, helping pros win tournaments and more, 2023 Honda Classic Player/Caddie Pairings, 2023 Genesis Invitational Player/Caddie Pairings, 2023 Waste Management Phoenix Open Player/Caddie Pairings, 2023 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Player/Caddie Pairings, 2023 Famers Insurance Open Player/Caddie Pairings, 2023 The American Express Player/Caddie Pairings, Copyright 2023 The Caddie Network. With this news, numerous individuals are pondering exactly who this caddie is. I guess thats why hes a fast player because we just try to shoot and run. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 . Then they were like, Do you want the pole? I said theres no way I can take it home with me. LPGA: HSBC Women's Champions celebrates 15 years of star-studded champions, Jessica Korda turns 30 and Brooke Henderson reunites with lost luggage, Three sleeper picks to win the 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational, including Tommy Fleetwood at 80/1, Best golf drivers for 2023 for every handicap and playing style, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. His usual caddie Mick Donaghy recently bought a home is Leicester and opted out of the weeks action, which meant he got the chance to bring in a buddy for the job. Hes also a billionaire. But at this weeks Hero World Challenge, an intriguing array of fill-ins dot the course. I think thats what makes a great caddie. Loves tour golf, both men and women and heremains the long-standing owner of an horrific short game. Start with some of the old-timers on the theory that if anyone knows, its going to be one of the crusty veterans who has seen it all. In any case, with regards to Koepka, he has $20 million dollars of net worth starting in 2020. He obviously realises he's one of the better players out here now and getting through at Erin Hills sort of stamped that on him and his place in the game now is in stone. Get loose, @BKoepka!#FriendshipGoals pic.twitter.com/o1054O8Llo. at Bethpage on Sunday, Koepka will head to Pebble Beach next month looking for a third consecutive US Open victory - a feat only previous achieved by Scotsman Willie Anderson from 1903 to 1905. Of course, in his typical self-deprecating humor he quipped, Eight percent of nothing is not very much.. Elliott caddied for Curtis when he won the Texas Open back in 2012, and he was on Fitzpatricks bag during the 2014 Masters at Augusta National. Thats the first Id seen of it, Holt says. Getty Images Brooks Koepka is a four-time major champion and the No. Of course, I wanted it, Elliott says. But the 29-year-old Koepka hasnt done it all by himself. And then under pressure he knows exactly what to say at the right time, and thats what you want in a caddie. Required fields are marked *. Ive enjoyed having other people get joy from them rather than just collecting them.. So many interviews, so many stories but little in the way of a lead let alone a definitive answer on how this became a thing. He had to take the flags, too? In December, that meant a maiden ski trip to Colorado. Were very close, and hesprobably my best friend, Pavinsays. But what is the origin of this tradition and who started it? Golfweek cites a story in Forbes which states that caddies would receive 10 percent if a player won the event, seven percent for a top-10 finish and five percent for anything lower. but its all in good fun.. Its completely the opposite of what everyone else does.. Elliott came to the U.S. for college, and he attended the University of Toledo in Ohio. Picture: Richard Sellers/PA Wire Koepka's record in majors this season is written in. Then you can throw in the basic, top-10 percentages and the bonuses and the Portrush man is on a very nice gig. He calls it a good way to remember the week. The US Open paid out $2.16m and the US PGA $1.98m so, on a rough basis of 10 per cent, Elliott probably collected north of $400,000 from those two weeks alone. One truly great guy with even a better attitude. I have no idea how it started, says Elliott, who won his first major with Koepka at the 2017 U.S. Open at Erin Hills. 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