| Monday Qualifier with Steve Pate |
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Let me start off by saying this was the first time ever being a caddie for someone of any significance. Steve is someone I grew up watching back in the early 90's so I was a little star struck. I've met him before when I made some putters for him but other than that, I've never spent two days and that long with him. I knew he was a good guy but I never knew how down to earth he was. You could tell everyone out there loved the guy and had respect for him. Walking down the fairways, people would yell over to him. Walking anywhere around there people would stop him to talk to him. It wasn't the public so much it was the other pro's there. Just from that you could tell. So if you ever see Pater out there, say Hi, and I'm sure he'll return the gesture. Monday was great. I saw so many people I've seen on TV so it was just weird to be around all those guys. Curt Byrum, Kirk Triplett, Tom Pernice, Tony Finau (long hitting Big Break guy, and yes, he hits it very far) Bobby Clampett and the list goes on here A few things that stuck out with me as you can see from the list is there are so many pro's that you would never know should even be in a Monday Qualifier. I don't know how many of you know these players but if you're into golf and follow the tour other than the top 10, you would know half these guys. Then there is good ole Mac O'grady. He showed up with his persimmon woods, 40 year old Hogan blades and this pink bag that looked like he found it in his attic. If you know Mac, this isn't a surprise but if you didn't, I think you would walk up and give him 5 a side. Over all it was a great time. I have so much more respect for Caddie's. I drove a cart in the practice round and the next day walked because we had to. I just can't imagine walking and keeping up with everything a caddie does for sometimes 5 days a week. They deserve 10% from the pro's that's for sure. Brad Golfjunky |
