By Alex Myers
Did you ever want to caddie for a PGA Tour winner? Well, this was your chance. And you probably blew it.
Steven Bowditch took to Twitter on Monday night to seek someone to carry his bag at this week’s John Deere Classic. And he did it in the self-deprecating fashion we’ve come to expect from the two-time PGA Tour winner as he gave himself only a 1-percent chance of making it to Sunday’s final round.
bowdo
✔@bowdo83
Any local kids/college players in the Quad cities area that are interested in caddying in the tournament this week, this thread is for you. The best response/reason gets the job. 2pm Tues start, finish Friday. 1% chance Sunday. Payment: all leftover gloves and balls are yours
Talk about the ultimate temp job.
Although, it doesn’t necessarily have to be so temporary. One responder asked whether he could also caddie for Bowditch at next week’s Open Championship if the Aussie happens to win this week and qualify for the season’s third major. “Without doubt. Not even a question,” Bowditch replied.
By Tuesday afternoon, Bowditch had settled on his caddie, a 17-year-old local named Elias, who gave a sweet and savvy (“I love Australia”) response.
bowdo
✔@bowdo83
This man has the heavy lifting for the week.. Thank you to all that offered. Love reading the replies and DMs.
Let’s get it this week Elias!Elias Francque@e_francqueReplying to @bowdo83I visit my grandparents farm nearby. Ive played the course and loved it. Two of my uncles work for John Deere. I’m a caddy at my local country club and on the golf team. I turn 17 on Friday and helping you make the
After winning the Byron Nelson in 2015 and representing the Internationals at the President Cup later that year, Bowditch has struggled mightily with his golf game. He hasn’t made a cut in five tournaments this season and has failed to make the weekend in 35 of his past 37 starts. However, the talent is still in there somewhere, and there is still the potential for a big payday — for both him and the lucky looper.
Standard PGA Tour caddie payouts are roughly 5 percent of tournament earnings for a made cut, 7 percent for a top 10, and 10 percent of a win. This week’s winner will make more than $1 million, so you do the math for what the winning caddie takes home. Not a bad week’s work — if you can get it. Good luck, Elias.
cut would be a great birthday present! I love Australia