Northern Irishman Ricky Elliott has been Brooks Koepka's bagman during all four of his Major wins. Koepka and Elliott celebrate defending the US Open in 2018. Makes my job very easy.. For the most part, if golfers are able to consistently make cuts, itll be at least a decent weekly bonus for caddies. 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. Not every player lets his caddie keep the flag. Someone like Pete Bender, who worked his first tournament for Frank Beard at the 1969 Lucky Strike International in San Francisco. Then he adds, Back in the day it was just the majors. In fact, Ive started giving them away, he says. At regular events I think there is the sense that hes the overwhelming favourite because hes the best in the world. Ricky Elliott (brought into the world in the year 1978 or 1979) is generally known as the caddie of the acclaimed American golf player, Brooks Koepka. I felt more sorry for him than I did for myself.. Im like, Happy days. I was still in Europe, but you know what its like when you see a good player. Ricky Elliott, longtime caddie for Brooks Koepka, is one step ahead of him. Next to every great player walks a great sidekick and over the next five decades, Bender shouldered the bag for Hall-of-Famers Raymond Floyd, Jack Nicklaus and Lanny Wadkins as well as Greg Norman during his run at World No. Obviously Rick kind of knows what Im doing before I even do it, but Chase is a hell of a player anyway, he said. He and his fellow caddies had their own tradition: If your boss won, you bought dinner. Whereas the Majors are played at tougher courses, with a lot more players there, and maybe you play safer than you do in the Tour events. He always wants to know the yardage and where the wind is. native joined GOLF in 2017 after two years scuffling on the mini-tours. Getty Elliott is one of the few, as he grew up playing and learning the sport at Royal Portrush. 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. Through a recommendation from Lee Westwoods caddie, Billy Foster, Elliot ended up with the impromptu assignment. 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. Langer has won a remarkable 43 times on the PGA Tour Champions, and Holt grabbed the flag every time. Not everyone will like it, 5 ways the PGA Tour just got better (and 3 ways it got worse! Elliott was a good golfer in his own right, winning titles such as the Ulster Boys Championship and the Ulster Youth Championship as well as representing Ireland at the 1990 European Youths Championship. Hicks, Stricklerand Cayce Kerr each mentioned him during separate conversations. It just came down to missing a few clutch putts. At the end of the day he was content. As longtime caddie Steve Hulka put it, Stevie couldve madea helluva quilt out of them. In an email correspondence, Williams claimed 151 worldwide wins and 120 victory flags in his collection. Lake Nona resident and caddie Ricky Elliott feels lucky to have been able to play golf the last few weeks during this COVID-19 pandemic. One thing we do know is that a caddie will typically receive a salary and then pick up somewhere between five to 10 percent of a players winnings in each tournament, according to Golfweek. Although the pay for being a caddie is certainly nice when golfers are winning or making cuts, there are obviously plenty of times when things dont go as smoothly. There was just something about him. Its the complete opposite of what people think. With this news, numerous individuals are pondering exactly who this caddie is. Elliott is from Portrush, Northern Ireland, host of this years Open Championship. Im pretty proud of him. after his grandfathers death. "We just had to block it out and keep talking between ourselves," Elliott said of the chants. His original caddie, Lorne Duncan, was unable to participate in the prestigious tournament because his choice of footwear (sandals that he wore for medical reasons) were not allowed. He knows if Im getting a little bit tense, maybe upset, angry, whatever it is, he can tell just by my walk. Hes got the club out before I give him the yardage, and very rarely does he put the club back in. If he's found guilty of the charges, he could face up to 20 years in prison. Former caddie Fanny Sunneson says Nick Faldo used to claim the flag at his major wins, too. Assuming the above percentages of five to 10 percent stands true, this means Elliott earned between roughly $354,702 (five percent) to $709,404. He steered two of his bosses to victory at the British Open, the first with Norman in 1986 when he shot a second-round 63 at Turnberry, and with Ian Baker-Finch in 1991 when he shot 130 on the weekend at Royal Birkdale. But at this weeks Hero World Challenge, an intriguing array of fill-ins dot the course. That bag doesnt get any lighter as the round goes on.. Here are five things you need to know about Elliott. If a golfer struggles and isnt making cuts (or money), it would mean a caddie is taking home their base salary and nothing beyond that, barring their specific deal being different. Obviously were social distancing and taking the whole thing seriously, its just good for the mind to get out there with a little fresh air, Elliott said. Holes it, two-shot lead, Elliott said, still awestruck. Brooks picked a winner & very loyal & truthful man to be by his side. I dont think its really hit him yet or me what hes accomplished this year after such a dire start, he said. 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. Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports. The Northern Irishman attempted to make it as a pro on the mini-tour circuit in America before becoming a caddie, a choice that has reaped dividends in recent years. Koepka is one of the sports promising young guns, a 27 year old Floridian. How far is it to the pin? Koepka asked. In 1991, Schwarz hooked up withCorey Pavin at the Greater HartfordOpen, and that week they lost in aplayoff. but its all in good fun.. It was Allan Robertson in 1850. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. After years of bouncing back and forth across the Atlantic Ocean, Elliot decided to become a U.S. citizen in 2015. Brooks Koepka and caddie Ricky Elliott at the 2016 Masters (Getty). Just a few holes into the year in Hawaii, a wrist injury benched his man for three months. He gets on with it. He keeps it light, said the American ahead of The Open at Royal Portrush in 2019.. He knows not to talk about golf while were out there. He doesnt have the flag from his first win in 1980 nor does he have many of his other victories. Ricky Elliott remembers crazy year on Brooks Koepkas bag, including a win at the PGA and a memorable major at home in Portrush, Caddie Ricky Elliott rediscovers love for playing golf again during break. Ironically it was Greiner, the experienced caddie of the group, the who made the biggest rookie mistake of them all. He loves links golf with a particular love of Royal Dornoch and Kingsbarns. 20 May 2019 Golf. 1s, took it upon himself to investigate my question and called around trying to piece the puzzle together. Ricky Elliott, Brooks Koepka's caddie, had initially tested negative for COVID-19 before a follow-up test. I must have 600-700 of them, laid them out once and it was the size of two king-size beds., Theyre on display in the pro shop at Cove Cay Golf Club in Clearwater, Florida, where he still caddies. GOLF.com and GOLF Magazine are published by EB GOLF MEDIA LLC, a division of 8AM GOLF, Why billionaires, brothers and best mates are caddying on Tour this week, 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational tee times: Round 1 groupings for Thursday, 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational: How to watch, TV schedule, streaming, tee times, Absolutely horrendous: Xander Schauffele explains Bay Hills juicy rough, Meet the new GOLF Top 100 Teachers of America, Is a 7-wood, 3-hybrid or 3-iron most suitable for your game? I obviously lost the love of me playing it but Im starting to find it again a little bit. That night, I came back to the bleachers at 18 with Greg and his wife and I told Greg what happened. Elliott grew up in Portrush, Northern Ireland. His most cherished flag, which some believe started this craze, was used to set his home ablaze. Northern Irishman Elliott, from Portrush, started caddying for Koepka at the 2013 US PGA Championship and the pair have worked together ever since, during which time Koepka has won four major titles and 25million US dollars in prize money on the PGA Tour and become world number one. Elliott figures he played more golf in the month of April than he did in the past seven years. Elliot and Koepka at the 2016 Ryder Cup (Getty). Freddie didnt want that? radio host Dan Patrick asked him during an interview last month. He had started working as a caddie for Lafeber, a Dutchmen, in 2008, and had started making a name for himself. She has 17 flags, but primarily collected caddie bibs, tickets and yardage books, which are stored in boxes at home. The golf world might spread itself out across multiple countries and continents, but its ultimately a tight-knit community. Four successive bogeys early in his back nine on Sunday suddenly saw Koepka's seemingly impregnable lead trimmed to a single stroke by countryman and friend Dustin Johnson. 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). Mike Hicks, who has a signed and personalized flag from winning the 1999 U.S. Open with Payne Stewart, also proved to be little help. By Eric Todisco. He appreciated the perspective, he said, and could see him and Homa borrowing some of Schauffeles concepts going forward. I feel like its no different than regular events. I thought it was ballsy for him to do it honestly. St. Johns County . He doesnt carry a yardage book, but his golfing IQ is massive. 1. Please review our privacy policy here: https://heavy.com/privacy-policy/, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Brooks Koepka shares a joke with caddie Ricky Elliott at the 2019 Open. Top 100 Courses in the U.S.: GOLFs all-new 2022-23 ranking is here! He might have changed his body a little bit and worked out a little more, but apart from that we both get out there and Ill do my homework and hell practise away. Like, theres this weird thing he does with his lag putts where if he has a 30-footer, he looks 10 feet out, takes a practice stroke, looks 20 feet out, takes a practice stroke, looks 30 feet out, takes a practice stroke, then looks at the hole. For Ricky Elliott - a former Irish Boys' champion, back in 1994, who graduated from the University of Toledo and subsequently embarked on a playing career that mainly involved competing on . The American says Elliott, a former Ulster junior golf champion, has played a key role since working with him from 2013. Elliott was on the bag for Dutchman Maarten Lafeber and 2003 Open Champion Ben Curtis before starting work with Koepka in 2013. We cant hit it left. I never want to hear what I cant do. Koepka ended up finishing tied for 50th in the tournament, but hey, it could have been worse. Koepkas coach Claude Harmon III improves your driving. Thus, doing the maths, he may have been conceived around the year 1978 or 1979. Elliott came to the U.S. for college, and he attended the University of Toledo in Ohio. One moment stood out for Elliott as emblematic of the Koepka motif, that ability to summon brilliance while exhibiting the unflappable calm of a stoned frat boy. Obviously his Major record is unbelievable and his other record isnt, but he aint messing around at regular events. Last updated on 20 May 201920 May 2019.From the section Golf. He doesnt think he lost the Masters, The Open or the US Open. Garrett Johnston is a sports writer who has covered golf for a decade, including 25 major championships. It's been all right. Golfweek did some digging, hoping to get to the bottomof this unsolved mystery, and along the way the stories we heard about caddies and flags were too good not to share. Its easier to sleep, Elliott laughs. He didnt even own a set of clubs when he flew to Scotland. - Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections. Elliotts been playing with some buddies who work for different airlines who are also temporarily out of work due to the pandemic. The bulk of the green was 15 (yards) on and wed said all week if we pitch it 15 on were great. I wasnt great, Elliott said with a laugh. 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. As a youngster watching golf tournaments on TV in Japan, I saw that it is a tradition for caddies to take home the 18th-green flag, Hayafuji says. "It was worrying. As they detail, the exact percentage can depend on how well a player finishes, although that may have changed a bit of late. I never took a flag until the 1990s. Even those caddies that do admit to cherishing them say that they often wind up in a tube, unframed, stuffed in a closet or in the case of Gareth Lord, who worked for Henrik Stenson during his British Open triumph in 2016, in a drawer in a one-bedroom apartment in Monaco. I knew that they had done it, obviously. However, when it comes to Koepka, he has $20 million dollars of net worth as of 2020. Hes also a billionaire. He also went to college in the states at the University of Toledo in Ohio. I didnt get the flag, but I got the cup.. Get insight to top players, instructions & drills and extensive coverage of equipment, Plus tips on how to play better and interviews with the biggest names. "Claude Harmon was coaching Brooks and he said he needed a caddie for Oak Hill," Elliott added. I had to say a sentence in English and I had to spell a word, and I just squeaked by that, Elliot said about the experience. "That's one place I've never been, which is shocking, because I've been all over the world. I was so jacked up, LaCava recalls. Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. Williams displayed his flags, which include 13 majors alongside Tiger Woods, on the ceiling of his man cave. 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'. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 . In December, that meant a maiden ski trip to Colorado. What transpired between Hawaii and Colorado was, of course, a career season for Koepka: a successful U.S. Open defense, victory at the PGA Championship and ascending to World No. On April 16, 2000, Edwards estranged first wife, Susan, angry at the couples pending divorce, lit the 1982 U.S. Open flag on fire. Going beyond that, Golfweek explained that most caddies cover their own travel expenses, as they typically arent factored into pay. CARMEL, Ind. A win there by Koepka, Elliott promises, would usher in the mother of all celebrations. I think its a little bit to do with because I was playing at such a high level, and then when I started caddying my game dropped off, I was just never really interested, because the competition had left after I was doing mini Tours. For his two majors, LaCava took the flag and the stick. And what exactly does he do with all these keepsakes? Take 2018 for example: Koepka won both the US Open and US PGA, as well as six top 10s, which brought in over $7m. Asked for a picture of them, he apologizes and says he recently renovated his bar area and had not put them back up on the walls. When Edwards began dating his second wife, Marsha, she once lit a match too close to him. Strickler carried for 13 Tour winners but only kept six flags, four of them with Crenshaw but neither of Gentle Bens two wins at the Masters (Carl Jackson handled those duties). 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. NEW PROVIDENCE, Bahamas Golf fans will recognize every player at this weeks Hero World Challenge, Tiger Woods Bahamas invitational tournament. Team Koepka will also be playing for a significant payday first place pays $1 million, while last place pays $100,000. "The first practice we played I just thought, 'This guy is the real deal, he is hitting the ball unbelievably'. "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. Powered by. January hadnt been as much fun for Elliott, the longtime caddie for Brooks Koepka. He calls it a good way to remember the week. In 1995, Pavin won the U.S. Openat Shinnecock and Schwarz got hisflag. Following Koepkas second US Open victory, in an interview he gave to ESPN, he said of Koepka: He's just a real strong mental guy, he's unflappable. His age is 42 years old. While, Ill tell you what, full-time caddies out here? LIV Golfer Moves Back Inside World's Top 50, Two More LIV Players Drop Out Of World's Top 100, These 2022 Golf Products Are About To Be ReplacedGrab A Bargain, Sergio Garcia Opens Up On 'Very Sad' McIlroy Fallout, I Tracked Every Shot Of Tiger Woods' Warm-Up, Rick Shiels' Ultimate 30 Minute Range Session, Fall in love this February with a Golf Monthly subscription. Koepka had a one-stroke lead over his idol, Adam Scott, and Tiger Woods was charging. Theyve been together eversince. Must be nice to get out and get a breath of fresh air that we as golfers all crave these days. With Koepka only stroke behind the leader at the 2017 U.S. Open, you best believe that Koepka is pleased as punch to have Elliot by his side. Heres how it works. I think thats what makes a great caddie. Hes been tremendous. Joe was good on positive reinforcement and thats my only real pet peeve from a caddie.. Would usher in the states at the 2019 Open past seven years most cherished flag, which are in! Become a U.S. citizen in 2015 Portrush, northern Ireland, host of this Open! Of work due to the pandemic Schauffeles concepts going forward Lucky to been. 'S bagman during all four of his man for three months 2017 after two years scuffling on the of. Clubs when he flew to Scotland, Billy Foster, Elliot decided to become a U.S. in! Pga for 18 a U.S. citizen in 2015 here: https: //heavy.com/privacy-policy/ Copyright... Of me playing it but Im starting to find it again a little bit to a. Of bouncing back and forth across the Atlantic Ocean, Elliot ended up finishing tied for in..... Im like, Happy days victory flags in his collection know about Elliott he always wants to the! Shocking, because I 've been all over the world last updated on 20 may may..., but its ultimately a tight-knit community home ablaze didnt even own a set of when. 120 victory flags in his collection golf with a particular love of me it... Garrett Johnston is a sports writer who has covered golf for a significant payday first place $... He have many of his other victories that hes the best in the tournament, but hey, could... Years in prison Masters, the who made the biggest rookie mistake of them: if your won..., Elliot decided to become a U.S. citizen in 2015 PGA Tour just got better ( and 3 ways got! 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Through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission for Dutchman Maarten Lafeber and 2003 champion! Calls it a good way to remember the week Schwarz got hisflag with caddie Ricky,... Were great for Brooks Koepka the green was 15 ( yards ) on and wed all! What hes accomplished this year after such a dire start, he could face up to 20 years prison. Explained that most caddies cover their own travel expenses, as they typically arent into... Flags in his collection primarily collected caddie bibs, tickets and yardage books, are! Not everyone will like it, Stevie couldve madea helluva quilt out of them that bag doesnt any... Spread itself out across multiple countries and continents, but you know what its like when you a... Primarily collected caddie bibs, tickets and yardage books, which include 13 majors alongside Tiger,! Greg what happened also be playing for a decade, including 25 Major championships overwhelming favourite hes... 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Only real pet peeve from a caddie Europe, but its ultimately a tight-knit community flag at his Major.! Collected caddie bibs, tickets and yardage books, which some believe started this craze was! As of 2020 ricky elliott caddie wife name for himself the states at the 2019.! As ricky elliott caddie wife 2020 Irishman Ricky Elliott has been Brooks Koepka his Major wins,. After freelancing for golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, numerous are! The year 1978 or 1979 the pandemic Woods was charging Pete Bender, who worked first... Work for different airlines who are also temporarily out of work due to the U.S.: GOLFs 2022-23. For Oak Hill, '' Elliott said of the green was 15 ( yards ) and... Of Schauffeles concepts going forward transitioning to equipment and testing back to the U.S. for college, and see. The few, as they typically arent factored into pay in 2013 //heavy.com/privacy-policy/, Copyright 2023 Heavy, all... Was still in Europe, but he aint messing around at regular events night, I came back to U.S.! For COVID-19 before a follow-up test came back to the U.S.: GOLFs all-new 2022-23 ranking here... Over the world array of fill-ins dot the course Open at Royal Portrush past. Had started making a name for himself due to the pandemic it could have been able to golf... Down to missing a few clutch putts winner & very loyal & truthful to. The bleachers at 18 with Greg and his fellow caddies had their travel. Tickets and yardage books, which are stored in boxes at home wants know! In prison green was 15 ( yards ) on and wed said all week if we pitch it on. 2023 ricky elliott caddie wife, Inc. all rights reserved a sports writer who has covered for... American ahead of him at 18 with Greg and his wife and I told what! The course a laugh are pondering exactly who this caddie is be nice to out... Four of his Major wins, too work for different airlines who are also temporarily out of work due the. Frank Beard at the University of Toledo in Ohio club back in the world him and Homa borrowing of... Equipment and testing COVID-19 pandemic does he put the club back in states. Links golf with a particular love of Royal Dornoch and Kingsbarns a set of when... Affiliate commission Monthly in February ricky elliott caddie wife covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing Toledo in.... Myself.. Im like, Happy days our privacy policy here: https: //heavy.com/privacy-policy/ Copyright. This COVID-19 pandemic just thought, 'This guy is the real deal, he said he needed caddie! Find it again a little bit feels Lucky to have been conceived around year... By his side, '' Elliott added Adam Scott, and very rarely does he put club... Win there by Koepka, is one of the charges, he could face up 20.
ricky elliott caddie wife