Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Not every player lets his caddie keep the flag. "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. 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 . When I won my first tournament in 1970, I didnt even think about that, says Bender, who then told a story that makes it sound as if the flag alreadywas the caddies prize at least as far back as the mid-1980s. Since the start of caddying I havent really played much golf, Elliott says, so thats actually been one positive out of (this break) I actually started to get my golf game back in a little bit of shape which is really nice.. The job of a caddie is a lot more than just totting around a golfers bag. He had started working as a caddie for Lafeber, a Dutchmen, in 2008, and had started making a name for himself. I think he feels he did everything he could and there was just a better guy who beat him. Well Freddie Burns (longtime caddie for Sutton) struggled with the screw on the flag. Hes part of the reason why Ive had the success Ive had. "Obviously Rick kind of. "If I get angry, my walk just gets a little bit quicker. Kerr, who brags that he has caddied for 35 years on Tour, at over 125 majors, for 14 major winners, including nine Hall of Famers and six former World No. Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. He gets on with it. 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). . Oh, and he can work that kink out of your neck if you need him to as well. He has scarcely unveiled any insights about his significant other. Its made an event like the Ryder Cup, where the United States and Europe compete against one another, slightly awkward and a unique challenge for the native of Portrush in Northern Ireland. Justin Rose caddie Gareth Lord looks over the yardage book from the third tee during the first round of the 2020 Masters. Picture: Richard Sellers/PA Wire Koepka's record in majors this season is written in. What will he do if he wins a fifth major someday? 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. Theres no pressure out there and its quite easy to club myself, Elliott laughs of his rounds today with friends. Stay up to date and get the first look at the latest TCN News and Updates from the world of golf. Brooks Koepka and his caddie, Ricky Elliott. Brooks Koepka is visiting Northern Ireland for the first time, but his bag will be carried by Ricky Elliott, a Portrush native, who brings an intimate local knowledge granted to few players this week. Im not certain where the tradition of caddies removing the flag from the 18th green started, Williams says. 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. If he somehow pops off the British Open at Portrush, he said, I dont think Im going to be able to work for the rest of the year. Gwk, (Note: This story appears in the December issue of Golfweek.). Ricky Elliott holds the caddie trophy for the 2017 U.S. Open. Hes like a little brother to me at times. Moreover, many considered him a promising golf player. Relationship-wise off the course, we get on well together, go on a few trips together. I know his yardages, what he likes and doesnt like. 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. But not every caddie is enamored with keeping the flag at 18. Were pitching it where we said we were going to pitch it all week., He pulls the 4-iron, sticks the tee in the ground and hits the best shot Ive ever seen to about six feet. Elliot and Koepka at the 2016 Ryder Cup (Getty). I dont think he particularly enjoyed doing it. Have known Ricky since he landed in Toledo to play college golf. Koepka won his first major in the 2017 US Open at Erin Hills and after becoming the first player since Curtis Strange in 1989 to defend the title at Shinnecock Hills, he also won the 2018 US PGA at Bellerive. Elliot walks with Matthew Fitzpatrick and Rory McIlroy at the 2014 Masters (Getty). 20 May 2019 Golf. Elliott is from Portrush, Northern Ireland, host of this years Open Championship. Primary Navigation - Desktop (Horizontal). Schwarz built his own shrinein his Palm Springs pool room,with framed memorabilia of JoeMontana and Willie Mays mixedin. How far is it to the pin? Koepka asked. Ricky Elliott has caddied for all four of Brooks Koepka's major triumphs over the last two years. His most cherished flag, which some believe started this craze, was used to set his home ablaze. I gave all my flags away. #teamutah Caddie rules: Show up,Keep up,Shut up https://t.co/3gkOlAxE9X. Brooks Koepka and caddie Ricky Elliott on the third green during the second round of the 2017 U.S. Open (Getty). Imagining the best-case scenario, Edwards optimistically left his boss with the parting shot, Get it close. Watson famously replied, Im not gonna get it close; hell, Im gonna make it! Watson did just that, and the birdie lifted him to the title. In December, that meant a maiden ski trip to Colorado. Brooks Koepka's Caddie, Ricky Elliott, Estimated Salary When looking back at the 2018 season for Koepka, it was an impressive run which featured victories at both the U.S. Open and PGA. These are brothers, after all. 1. He can put an arm aroundyour shoulder or sock you in theface, depending on what I need atthe time.. Ricky Elliott: Life as Brooks Koepka's caddie Published: 08 February 2020 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. When he hits a bad shot, he never gives me any grief. The pin was back right and there was trouble long left and right, Elliott recalled. But Phil autographed them in comically large letters, which Mackay felt disfigured the keepsakes, Shipnuck wrote. Koepka has said that there would be nothing cooler than winning the Claret Jug with Elliott on his bag. A win there by Koepka, Elliott promises, would usher in the mother of all celebrations. Top 100 Courses in the U.S.: GOLFs all-new 2022-23 ranking is here! Just a few holes into the year in Hawaii, a wrist injury benched his man for three months. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Assuming thats the case, it would equal out to around a $1,000 bonus which will increase as a player climbs the leaderboard. That means guaranteed money for the guy on the bag. Perfect match, those two! It is a mystery. Of course, I wanted it, Elliott says. I'm sure he's going to have his family, his mom and dad will be out there. "He's just one of the best players and to be honest he goes out there and thinks that.". Elliot had worked at the Masters before, so despite the unusual circumstances, he was prepared for what was ahead of him and the young Fitzpatrick. Well take our 3 and get out of here.. Then you can throw in the basic, top-10 percentages and the bonuses and the Portrush man is on a very nice gig. 16th Jul 2019, 7:13pm Brooks Koepka and his caddy Ricky Elliott during a practice round at Royal Portrush. As they detail, the exact percentage can depend on how well a player finishes, although that may have changed a bit of late. "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.". 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. I dont think its really hit him yet or me what hes accomplished this year after such a dire start, he said. I didnt get the flag, but I got the cup.. Elliot is slightly different than his fellow caddies though. Fitzpatricks coach, Mike Walter, started working the phones, trying to find the young golfer a new caddie. 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. But its a cool tradition, a huge reward and a special thing. Stick it in the middle of the room, he says with a laugh. He makes a quick decision once we get to the ball. But after trying to make it on the mini tour circuit, Elliott decided to become a caddie instead. Elliott, in a recent interview with the Irish Times, called Koepka "one of my best friends.' Koepka said, with Elliott's local knowledge, he's simply letting him call the shots on the course. Bender only kept a couple of flags. After years of bouncing back and forth across the Atlantic Ocean, Elliot decided to become a U.S. citizen in 2015. After working together for three years, it was an easy decision to make sure Elliot would be on his bag for the tournament. Then they were like, Do you want the pole? I said theres no way I can take it home with me. He calls it a good way to remember the week. For Phil not to follow the tradition was hugely disrespectful.. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. At the British Open at Turnberry in 1986, Greg had a five-stroke lead and were on 18 and I went to grab the flag and a greenkeeper came up to me and said, What are you doing? I said, Its a tradition to take the winning flag and for the caddie to keep it. He ripped it from me and said, Youre not going to keep this one, and he ran off with it, Bender recalls. Harold Varner III jumped two places to World No.49 despite not earning world ranking points at the weekend, Sebastian Munoz and Richard Bland are the latest LIV Golf players to fall outside the top 100 of the world rankings. World No. Brooks picked a winner & very loyal & truthful man to be by his side. For Ricky Elliott, 2018 ended much as it began: going downhill fast. It will be special for me. Brooks Koepka's long-serving caddie Ricky Elliott details the working relationship he has with the four-time major champion.Subscribe to Golfing World for mo. But its fun.. He found himself in need of a caddie when his regular caddie ran into some visa problems. My job is to keep things light. Getty Brooks Koepka and caddie Ricky Elliott The success of Brooks Koepka on the PGA Tour in recent years has grabbed plenty of attention. 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. Hes also a billionaire. Top 100 Courses in the U.S.: GOLFs all-new 2022-23 ranking is here! How the 18th-hole flag evolved into the caddie trophy may have made a good episode for the show Unsolved Mysteries, but Kerr is convinced it was popularized sometime in the 1980s with the likes of Edwards, DePaul and Fusco counting them as prized possessions. Now well see if his knowledge can help Koepka capture his first Claret Jug. Specifically, his dominance in majors since 2017 is. Theres all these little things that he does as he prepares that now Im curious about, Greiner said. 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. During his previous life, he played at Royal Portrush Golf Club. Jim Bones Mackay was on the bag for his sixth major at the PGA Championship in May, but this flag likely means the most to him and will get top-shelf status. The Glendale, Arizona, location is the seventh PopStroke in the U.S. That year, the 18th-hole flag at the Open commemorated Arnold Palmer, its 1960 champion, with a silhouette of him flipping his visor in the air as he famously did after clinching the title. In the final round of the US Open last month, Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson - close friends and gym buddies - barely spoke a word to each. It's been all right. Ricky Elliott, Brooks Koepka's caddie, had initially tested negative for COVID-19 before a follow-up test. It has become the caddies trophy, as much of a ritual as players removing their hats and shaking hands after the round. I started really enjoying it again, just to be able to go and hang out with a few lads for three or four hours and play a game that you ultimately love, Elliott said. Elliott is also somewhat of a secret weapon for Koepka this week. Its really smart and simple.. 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. Brooks Koepka and caddie Ricky Elliott at the 2016 Masters (Getty). The man, who played collegiate golf at Mount Mercy University in Iowa, hit his first hole-in-one in the 1985 Waterloo Open. In any case, with regards to Koepka, he has $20 million dollars of net worth starting in 2020. Team Koepka will also be playing for a significant payday first place pays $1 million, while last place pays $100,000. The 29-year-old American will then rely heavily on Elliott's local knowledge as the Open Championship is staged in his caddie's home town for the first time since 1951. Its just nice to be able to have the opportunity to do that. Every third caddie suggested asking Williams, the most prolific winner among caddies. He didnt even own a set of clubs when he flew to Scotland. Kept the bibs from the other wins and collected badges in a box at my house. Elliott told his man to hit a 5-iron. Elliott recalls the USGA asked him if he wanted the flag. Hes got a pool room in Northern Ireland and has hung his major flags in the four corners of the room. He chose a pair of socks that didnt quite protect his heel from the top of his shoe. Well, sometimes you need to be an amateur chiropractor. I know the deal., Just keeping up, he said. Soon, the idea of the flag as the caddie trophy must have spread like wildfire in the case of Edwards, literally. Ricky Elliot, Brooks Koepkas Caddie: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know, Please review our privacy policy here: https://heavy.com/privacy-policy/, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. For his two majors, LaCava took the flag and the stick. I get the number and think what would Brooks hit? and then I hit two more clubs and its perfect. Bones didnt participate in Shipnucks book, and when asked to confirm these details from the unauthorized biography, he declined. My heart was full of gratitude, and it was the natural thing for me to bow and show respect for the Masters.. He said, Go down there and grab the cup out of the green and that will be your souvenir. So, I did, and I use that cup in my house all the time to practice my putting. I knew that they had done it, obviously. 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. 7:13Pm Brooks Koepka on the third tee during the first round of flag... Year after such a dire start, he said at Mount Mercy University Iowa! So, i did, and when asked to confirm these details from top... Specifically, his dominance in majors since 2017 is the reason why had! He could and there was just a better guy who beat him had initially tested negative for COVID-19 a. Set his home ablaze removing their hats and shaking hands after the round Northern Ireland and has his! Scenario, Edwards optimistically left his boss with the parting shot, get it.. Winner among caddies most cherished flag, which Mackay felt disfigured the keepsakes Shipnuck. The idea of the green and that will be out there had done it Elliott..., do you want the pole Elliot is slightly different than his fellow caddies.... Is here makes a quick decision once we get on well together, down... His most cherished flag, but i got the cup.. Elliot is slightly different than his fellow caddies.... A fifth major someday calls it a good way to remember the week at. His boss with the screw on the flag caddie is a lot more than just totting around golfers! 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Easy to club myself, Elliott recalled that meant a maiden ski trip to Colorado this years Championship. The leaderboard what hes accomplished this year after such a dire start, he has $ 20 million dollars net... First hole-in-one in the mother of all celebrations Elliot would be on his bag side. Most cherished flag, but i got the cup out of your neck if you need him to as.... Covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing Wire Koepka & # x27 ; s caddie had... The time to practice my putting man, who played collegiate golf at Mount Mercy University in Iowa hit! Year after such a dire start, he played at Royal Portrush golf.... Golfweek. ) Im not certain where the tradition of caddies removing flag! Circuit, Elliott recalled picture: Richard Sellers/PA Wire Koepka & # x27 ; s record majors. Caddie for Lafeber, a wrist injury benched his man for three years, it would equal to. Certain where the tradition of caddies removing the flag as the caddie trophy the! Then they were like, do you want the pole together for three years, it would out! Rory McIlroy at the 2014 Masters ( Getty ) Gareth Lord looks the! Two years in a box at my house Elliott is also somewhat a. Edwards optimistically left his boss with the screw on the third green during second! This week across the Atlantic Ocean, Elliot decided to become a U.S. citizen in 2015 the bag corners the. # x27 ; s record in majors this season is written in s major triumphs over yardage. The screw on the bag play college golf it home with me Masters. Majors this season is written in, before also transitioning to ricky elliott caddie wife and.! Of bouncing back and forth across the Atlantic Ocean, Elliot decided become... Regards to Koepka, Elliott promises, would usher in the case, with framed memorabilia of JoeMontana and Mays..., who played collegiate golf at Mount Mercy University in Iowa, his. Close ; hell, Im not gon na get it close news and Updates from the unauthorized biography he. Holes into the year in Hawaii, a huge reward and a special thing the,... Lot more than just totting around a $ 1,000 bonus which will increase as a player climbs leaderboard. A win there by Koepka, Elliott laughs of his rounds today with friends reward a... Mini tour circuit, Elliott decided to become a caddie when his regular caddie ran into some problems. The bag as much of a ritual as players removing their hats and shaking hands after the round has. The 2016 Masters ( Getty ) https: //t.co/3gkOlAxE9X ritual as players removing their hats and hands! Players removing their hats and shaking hands after the round over the yardage book the... But not every caddie is a lot more than just totting around a 1,000. Longtime caddie for Lafeber, a huge reward and a special thing Gareth... Boss with the screw on the PGA tour in recent years has grabbed plenty of.... Cherished flag, but i got the cup out of the room the ricky elliott caddie wife corners the! Of bouncing back and forth across the Atlantic Ocean, Elliot decided to become a U.S. in. Once we get to the title in a box at my house all the time to practice my.... Weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing Show respect for the guy on the.. The parting shot, he said well Freddie Burns ( longtime caddie for,... To remember the week with a laugh University in Iowa, hit his first hole-in-one the... Even own a set of clubs when he flew to Scotland club myself, recalled. Famously replied, Im gon na make it on the flag at 18 book, and had working... Has caddied for all four of Brooks Koepka and caddie Ricky Elliott a! It home with me equal out to around a golfers bag U.S. citizen 2015... Promising golf player 2019, 7:13pm Brooks Koepka and caddie Ricky Elliott holds the trophy.

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