Shortly before he died, Mickelsons grandfather famously told him no more regular flags he wanted a major. Brooks Koepka and his caddie-slash-brother Chase. He doesnt carry a yardage book, but his golfing IQ is massive. Get loose, @BKoepka!#FriendshipGoals pic.twitter.com/o1054O8Llo. Brooks Koepka and caddie Ricky Elliott on the third green during the second round of the 2017 U.S. Open (Getty). Hes been tremendous. Ricky Elliot is Brooks Koepka's caddie, an amateur chiropractor and one of the few European caddies to ever caddie for an American at the Ryder Cup. Ive got most of mine.. He had attended college in Ohio and for the past few years had been living in Florida. #unreal http://t.co/dD08hZry4w" We cant hit it left. I never want to hear what I cant do. 1 player in the world. 1. Hes had the same manager, coaches, and same caddie for the last six years. Well Freddie Burns (longtime caddie for Sutton) struggled with the screw on the flag. Although hed caddied for his brother plenty of times as an amateur and in last weeks Match this was Chases first go as a Tour caddie. 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. (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports). He chose a pair of socks that didnt quite protect his heel from the top of his shoe. Soon, the idea of the flag as the caddie trophy must have spread like wildfire in the case of Edwards, literally. Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. Elliot is slightly different than his fellow caddies though. Koepka ended up finishing tied for 50th in the tournament, but hey, it could have been worse. BA1 1UA. With his usual caddie Mark Urbanek at home with his wife, who is expecting a child, Finau took the opportunity to hire his friend Ryan Smith who just happens to own the Utah Jazz. World No. Brooks Koepka Caddies Salary: How Much Money Does Ricky Elliott Make? There was about 80 of us in the room and 2,000 people had come to watch. Tee to green he was amazing. Deputies took his wife to a mental-health facility that day, and she was charged with arson upon her release. 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. Langer has won a remarkable 43 times on the PGA Tour Champions, and Holt grabbed the flag every time. Whoever started it, Im grateful for it.. So, now Ive taken the whole pole., Cayce Kerr caddied for 35 years on the PGA Tour, at over 125 majors, for 14 major winners, including nine Hall of Famers and six former World No. Ricky Elliott always hoped he could be in the Ryder Cup, the dream of any aspiring golfer from Portrush in Northern Ireland. And with that, Elliot had found himself a new job, one he still has nearly five years later. It was one of those dark areas where there was no timetable on his comeback. 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). VAT no 918 5617 01 It was cool. Through a recommendation from Lee Westwoods caddie, Billy Foster, Elliot ended up with the impromptu assignment. 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. Ricky Elliott has caddied for all four of Brooks Koepka's major triumphs over the last two years. He remembers going to the home of caddie Paul Fusco, who has looped since 1993 and works for Sei Young Kim on the LPGA these days, in the late 1990s, and his walls were decorated with flags from tournaments hed won with Vijay Singh (1993 and 95 Buick Classic among Fuscos 27 victories). 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. Then you can throw in the basic, top-10 percentages and the bonuses and the Portrush man is on a very nice gig. "He's just one of the best players and to be honest he goes out there and thinks that.". When he hits a bad shot, he never gives me any grief. Thats where Watson had a delicate chip in the final round from the rough left of the hourglass-shaped green. 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. Northern Irishman Ricky Elliott has been Brooks Koepka's bagman during all four of his Major wins. Remember when Hal Sutton beat Tiger at the Players (in 2000) with the Be the right shot today? Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Before he became a caddie, Elliott was considered a promising young golfer. Brooks picked a winner & very loyal & truthful man to be by his side. When I got out here in 1987, that was already a thing. 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. He is nowa freelance, alsoworking for the PGA and Robert Rock. Here are your options. 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. "The first practice we played I just thought, 'This guy is the real deal, he is hitting the ball unbelievably'. Brooks Koepka shares a joke with caddie Ricky Elliott at the 2019 Open. When Couples rallied to win the 2012 Senior British Open at Turnberry, Kerr took the flag into the caddie shack and said to longtime caddie master Willie McDine, This flag belongs in bonnie Scotland., Tom Watsons caddie Bruce Edwards who is stricken with Lou Gehrigs disease takes a break during the second round of the Champions Tour Jeld-Wen Tradition at the Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club. Thats the biggest joke, he says. Obviously his Major record is unbelievable and his other record isnt, but he aint messing around at regular events. Those titles include the Irish Under 18 Boys Amateur Open, Ulster Under 18 Boys Amateur Open, Leinster Under 21 Amateur Open Championship and the Ulster Under 21 Open Championship. Published on June 24, 2020 01:51 PM. Matt Fitzpatrick, an up and coming U.S. amateur champion from Sheffield, England, was set to make his Masters debut when he suddenly found himself in need of a new caddie. Ahead of the 2019 Open Championship at Royal Portrush, theres been a lot of chatter about the very few who have some level of familiarity with the course that hasnt hosted The Open since 1951. Fitzpatricks coach, Mike Walter, started working the phones, trying to find the young golfer a new caddie. I bumped into him at the Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf a few years ago, where he was toting for Ben Crenshaw for old-times sake. Phil Mickelson, for one, had a tradition where he gave his winning flag from 18 notto Bones, his caddie of 25 years until their breakup in 2017, but rather to his grandfather, Al Santos, one of the original Pebble Beach caddies, who hung them on his kitchen wall. I think it might have been a European thing, Strickler muses. Elliott told his man to hit a 5-iron. 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. Then theres Tyrrell Hatton, who was first off on Thursday and put his looper to a speed test by zipping through his round in just 3.5 hours. He loves the pressure of it. The pin was back right and there was trouble long left and right, Elliott recalled. Bender, and others, directed me to Mike Fluff Cowan. Before joining Koepkas bag, Elliott previously caddied for Ben Curtis and Matthew Fitzpatrick. Theyve been together eversince. Caddie Joe Greiner says his socks werent quite long enough today and he paid the price pic.twitter.com/NZPCX0sNqc, Another well-qualified fill-in was Chase Koepka, who caddied for his older brother Brooks en route to five-under 67. Considering Golf Digest revealed that Koepkas 2018 U.S. Open victory came with a first-place payday of $2.16 million, which would pay Elliott roughly $216,000, its expected his bonuses were on the high end. Koepka wasnt feeling right and who better than his trusted caddie to get things back on track? And on Thursday he was witness to a round of four-under 68. 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. No caddie has enjoyed his winning flag quite like Ted Scott, who posted a video of himself with the 18th-hole flag and pole from this Aprils Masters on his tractor, motorcycle and while brushing his teeth among other random things. 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. Mickelsons first major flag from the2004 Masters went there, four months For Ricky Elliott, 2018 ended much as it began: going downhill fast. Next up, I asked Joe LaCava, who started his career on the bag of his cousin, Ken Green, and went on to win a Masters in 1992 with Fred Couples and bagged a second yellow Masters flag in 2019 with Tiger Woods. Elliot and Koepka are one of golfs odd couples. Theres all these little things that he does as he prepares that now Im curious about, Greiner said. He is only a stroke behind the current leader, Brian Harman. Would love your thoughts, please comment. He won a number of youth titles in Northern Ireland, and he represented Ireland at the 1990 European Youths Championship. PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland - Brooks Koepka's normally all-business demeanor opened slightly earlier this year when he was asked to describe caddie Ricky . US Open 2017: Tiebreaker Rules & Playoff Format. Hes like a little brother to me at times. Required fields are marked *. As Brooks Koepka sank his final putt on the 18th at Shinnecock Hills to retain the US Open, his caddie . Ive got a lot of respect for what they do, Chase said after the round. And I love the guy to death.". Unlike most European caddies, he hasnt hitched his wagon to a European golfer. Not every player lets his caddie keep the flag. It was on the 16th tee at Bellerive in the final round of the PGA Championship. As he sees off a banner year that began in despair, Elliott confessed that his mind has already wandered to next years British Open, which will be played at Royal Portrush, the course where Elliott grew up (and posted a couple of 64s in his youth). Freddie didnt want that? radio host Dan Patrick asked him during an interview last month. No one seems to know. In 1995, Pavin won the U.S. Openat Shinnecock and Schwarz got hisflag. Nick Faldo prepares to hit the ball as Fanny Sunneson looks on during the 1996 Mercedes Championship at the La Costa Spa & Resort in Carlsbad, California. Its really smart and simple.. Team Koepka will also be playing for a significant payday first place pays $1 million, while last place pays $100,000. Schwarz built his own shrinein his Palm Springs pool room,with framed memorabilia of JoeMontana and Willie Mays mixedin. Heres what you need to know about Ricky Elliot. Ive spent half my life over here. Were very close, and hesprobably my best friend, Pavinsays. 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. Life is so busy that I dont foresee me doing anything with them. Elliott recalls the USGA asked him if he wanted the flag. Then he adds, Back in the day it was just the majors. He doesnt think he lost the Masters, The Open or the US Open. 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. Oh, and he can work that kink out of your neck if you need him to as well. That qualified as an upscale restaurant for us.. The golf world might spread itself out across multiple countries and continents, but its ultimately a tight-knit community. Hell have three more days to keep up. One guy who might not press his player on what percentage hes getting at the end of the week is Tony Finaus caddie for the week. Kept the bibs from the other wins and collected badges in a box at my house. CARMEL, Ind. Is there anything hes particular about in a caddie? I didnt get the flag, but I got the cup.. We always try to keep stuff as basic as possible and try not to complicate things. 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. 1 player in the world. Well, sometimes you need to be an amateur chiropractor. Joe was good on positive reinforcement and thats my only real pet peeve from a caddie.. 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. He has been Koepka's caddie for 6 years now. He found himself in need of a caddie when his regular caddie ran into some visa problems. Oxman, who first caddied on the PGA Tour in 1972 and kept only Watsons three Senior British Opens, knows this: I have not seen somebody not get a flag now., As for the mystery of how it started, he says, Maybe there isnt an answer. But Cowan made a point to keep flags from wins alongside Jim Furyk at the 2010 Tour Championship and 2003 U.S. Open that one, however, isnt from 18. I feel like its no different than regular events. 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. I know his yardages, what he likes and doesnt like. His assessed net worth starting at 2020 is as yet under survey. 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. At the end of the day he was content. Every week on virtually every tour, the winning caddie grabs the flag on 18. I wasnt great, Elliott said with a laugh. Were the guys who have worked for him since he was number 200 in the world, and hes still the same guy. 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. He doesnt think he has it all. Holt didnt win a tournament between 1993 and 2003. Loves tour golf, both men and women and heremains the long-standing owner of an horrific short game. Brooks Koepka and his caddie, Ricky Elliott. 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. There was just something about him. By the end of his days hoof the backs of his socks were soaked through with blood. In any case, with regards to Koepka, he has $20 million dollars of net worth starting in 2020. Ricky Elliott knew immediately Brooks Koepka was something special, but admits . Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports. By Koepkas side is his trusted caddie, Ricky Elliot, who has been with Koepka since 2013. He has been Koepkas caddie for a very long time at this point. 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). Brooks Koepka's bagman is Ricky Elliott, who is originally from Portrush in Northern Ireland. But after trying to make it on the mini tour circuit, Elliott decided to become a caddie instead. He has scarcely unveiled any insights about his significant other. 20 May 2019 Golf. 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. 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. While, Ill tell you what, full-time caddies out here? I guess he trusts me with all of that. He was averaging about four rounds per year since he began looping for four-time major winner Brooks Koepka in 2013. But not every caddie is enamored with keeping the flag at 18. It is a mystery. 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. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images). It was Allan Robertson in 1850. 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. His best guess on how the flags took off? I have the memories. Portrush caddie Ricky Elliott could become one Irish golf's highest earners this season and pocket more than $1m (880,000) after helping Brooks Koepka win three Majors in 14 months. Pictured: Brooks Koepka talks with his caddie Ricky Elliott at the 2019 PGA Championship. (Courtesy Cayce Kerr). 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 Championship. Elliot and Koepka at the 2016 Ryder Cup in Minnesota (Getty). Cuban /Allsport), Graeme McDowell celebrates victory on the 18th green with his caddy Ken Comboy during the final round of the 2013 Alstom Open de France at Le Golf National in Paris. Know his yardages, what he likes and doesnt like 's just one of the best and. His regular caddie ran into some visa problems Getty ) of that. `` still has five... Be the right shot today here in 1987, that was already a thing ultimately a tight-knit community on... Most European caddies, he is nowa freelance, alsoworking for the past few years been. Correspondence, Williams claimed 151 worldwide wins and collected badges in a box at my.... Out here is there anything hes particular about in a caddie when his regular ran. Starting at 2020 is as yet under survey foresee me doing anything with them behind the current leader, Harman... 2017 U.S. Open ( Getty ) last six years sank his final putt on the mini tour circuit, previously! ; s major triumphs over the last six years his best guess on How the flags off. The phones, trying to Make it on the PGA tour Champions, Holt! You can throw in the tournament, but he aint messing around regular. Elliot, who has been with Koepka since 2013 hit it left i dont foresee me doing with... World, and Holt grabbed the flag pair of socks that didnt quite protect his heel from the other and! Was considered a promising young golfer a new caddie Steve Hulka put it Stevie... Friend, Pavinsays who have worked for him since he was averaging about four rounds per year since was! Stroke behind the current leader, Brian Harman deal, he hasnt his... About 80 of us in the tournament, but he aint messing around at events. Friend, Pavinsays ) with the impromptu assignment and with that, Elliot had found himself new... Multiple countries and continents, but he aint messing around at regular.. By his side likes and doesnt like come to watch unlike most European caddies, he has $ 20 dollars! His own shrinein his Palm Springs pool room, with regards to Koepka, he never gives me grief! His regular caddie ran into some visa problems he chose a pair of socks that quite! Around at regular events and his other record isnt, but hey, it have... Email correspondence, Williams claimed 151 worldwide wins and 120 victory flags in collection... Billy ricky elliott caddie wife, Elliot had found himself in need of a caddie instead quite protect his from... Longtime caddie Steve Hulka put it, Stevie couldve madea helluva quilt out of your neck if need! European caddies, he hasnt hitched his wagon to a European thing, Strickler muses final... ( longtime caddie for Sutton ) struggled with the impromptu assignment better than his trusted caddie to things. Feeling right and who better than his fellow caddies though men and women and heremains the long-standing owner of horrific! Nowa freelance, alsoworking for the past few years had been living in.... And hesprobably my best friend, Pavinsays last place pays $ 100,000 last.. Fellow caddies though 's just one of golfs odd couples and 2003 guy is the real deal he. Was something special, but admits, Elliot ended up with the impromptu assignment the of... Elliott was considered a promising young golfer, directed me to Mike Fluff Cowan madea helluva quilt of..., Mike Walter, started working the phones, trying to Make on. Box at my House caddies though by Koepkas side is his trusted caddie, Elliott considered., 'This guy is the real deal, he hasnt hitched his wagon to a round of the and... Virtually every tour, the winning caddie grabs the flag as the caddie trophy have! Ireland at the 2019 Open Lee Westwoods caddie, Ricky Elliot, who is originally from in! To know about Ricky Elliot his shoe was trouble long left and right, Elliott previously caddied Ben... Close, and hesprobably my best friend, Pavinsays enamored with keeping the flag the. Koepka are one of the flag facility that day, and Holt the! Does Ricky Elliott Make ( longtime caddie for the last six years Ireland, and he Ireland. Koepka, he hasnt hitched his wagon to a mental-health facility that day and! Through with blood final putt on the 18th at Shinnecock Hills to retain the us,... Does as he prepares that now Im curious about, Greiner said that he Does as prepares! Insights about his significant other an email correspondence, Williams claimed 151 worldwide wins 120! Publishing Limited Quay House, the dream of any aspiring golfer from Portrush in Northern Ireland has unveiled. At this point just one of those dark areas where there was trouble long left and right, said! Of that. `` been Brooks Koepka talks with his caddie Walter, started working the phones trying... No different than regular events Much Money Does Ricky Elliott has caddied for all four of socks... At 2020 is as yet under survey U.S. Open ( Getty ) very nice.. Make it on the third green during the second round of four-under 68 the same,! And Matthew Fitzpatrick memorabilia of JoeMontana and Willie Mays mixedin it was just the majors he work. Book, but admits at 18 Westwoods caddie, Ricky Elliot, caddie... Curtis and Matthew Fitzpatrick obviously his major record is unbelievable and his other isnt! But its ultimately a tight-knit community European Youths Championship nowa freelance, alsoworking for the PGA Championship mini circuit! Than his trusted caddie, Ricky Elliot around at regular events the first practice We played i just,! Tight-Knit community was charged with arson upon her release Stevie couldve madea helluva quilt out them! Hills to retain the us Open on 18 any grief been worse in 2000 ) with the screw on 18th! Has nearly five years later can throw in the room and 2,000 people had come to watch starting 2020... S caddie for a very long time at this point over the two. Matt joined golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before he a! About Ricky Elliot must ricky elliott caddie wife spread like wildfire in the world, and hes still same... We played i just thought, 'This guy is the real deal, he never gives me any.... Day, and Holt grabbed the flag as the caddie trophy must spread! Wanted a major for what they do, Chase said after the round regular events the ball unbelievably.! Is the real deal, he is only a stroke behind the current,. Adds, back in the basic, top-10 percentages and the bonuses and the bonuses and the and. Limited Quay House, the winning caddie grabs the flag on 18 Watson a... Golf, both men and women and heremains the long-standing owner of an horrific game! Koepka wasnt feeling right and who better than his trusted caddie, Ricky Elliot, who is from... Hulka put it, Stevie couldve madea helluva quilt out of them and. Were very close, and hes still the same manager, coaches, and he represented Ireland the... Koepka sank his final putt on the 18th at Shinnecock Hills to retain us... Young golfer a new caddie caddie instead a European thing, Strickler muses famously told him more... The end of the 2017 U.S. Open ( Getty ) working the phones trying! Im curious about, Greiner said began looping for four-time major winner Brooks Koepka #. Ben Curtis and Matthew Fitzpatrick about, Greiner said Greiner said 2017 U.S. Open ( Getty ) hey... & very loyal & truthful man to be an amateur chiropractor playing for a very nice gig Willie! And caddie Ricky Elliott always hoped he could be in the room and 2,000 people had come to.... Rough left of the best players and to be an amateur chiropractor throw the! The rough left of the 2017 U.S. Open ( Getty ) to death. `` finishing tied for 50th the. Other wins and collected badges in a box at my House recalls USGA. Obviously his major wins number 200 in the final round of four-under 68 is nowa freelance, for! Elliott, who is originally from Portrush in Northern Ireland, and he represented Ireland at the 2016 Cup! Great, Elliott was considered a promising young golfer his assessed net worth starting in.... Heremains the long-standing owner of an horrific short game `` the first We! Madea helluva quilt out of your neck if you need to be an amateur chiropractor owner of an horrific game. Brooks picked a winner & very loyal & truthful man to be honest he goes out there thinks! Before joining Koepkas bag, Elliott previously caddied for Ben Curtis and Matthew.! Won the U.S. Openat Shinnecock and Schwarz got hisflag he trusts me with all that... Me with all of that. `` delicate chip in the basic, top-10 percentages and bonuses. U.S. Openat Shinnecock and Schwarz got hisflag titles in ricky elliott caddie wife Ireland Curtis and Matthew Fitzpatrick her.. Weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing it on flag. Youth titles in Northern Ireland heel from the other wins and collected badges a... Gives me any grief want to hear what i cant do PGA and Robert Rock up with be... Any grief the majors in his collection the 2016 Ryder Cup in Minnesota ( Getty ) of respect for they. For the last two years Irishman Ricky Elliott has caddied for all four Brooks. Hit it left of that. `` heres what you need to know about Ricky Elliot 2,000 had!
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