Looper roundup from the 2019 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach
By T.J. Auclair · June 17, 2019
The year’s third major — which is very weird to say in June — was last week’s U.S. Open from Pebble Beach. Always a favorite PGA Tour stop, the year’s second jaunt around Pebble featured a wide range of different social shares throughout the week.
Amid the property’s beauty and intrigue, complete with oceanic views and natural wildlife mere steps away, is a treacherous and often times dangerous landscape. Such was the case, apparently, during the second round when this happened on the 16th hole.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT: Unfortunately, during today’s second round of the U.S. Open there was an incident involving a golf cart on the 16th hole that resulted in three spectators and a vendor being injured and requiring medical treatment. We will continue to monitor their conditions.
— USGA PR (@USGA_PR) June 15, 2019
Hope is not lost, of course, as the good in people springs forth during times of despair. Take this example, shared by caddie Geno Bonnalie, detailing an exchange between his player, Joel Dahmen, and an overly enthusiastic yet supportive fan.
To the man holding a cocktail this morning near 1 green that screamed “YOU GOT THIS JOEL!” after making triple; Thank you. The round was little stagnant late in the day, and I reminded him of your inspirational words which led to birdies on 15&16. You sir, are the true caddie 🍻
— Geno Bonnalie (@GenoBonnalie) June 14, 2019
You can’t drink all day if you don’t start in the morning
— Ryan Rue (@ryanrue) June 14, 2019
Of course, the entire week is a time to celebrate the finer things in American golf. The USGA does a great job every year — despite being criticized by social media along the way — of coordinating one of the biggest sporting events in the world. The amenities last week at Pebble Beach were top-notch, including the smaller things that often get overlooked.
Thank you @USGA @usopengolf for the caddie hospitality, food, parking and much much more has been spectacular for us this week. I really don’t think we could ask for more. Really nice to park in the same parking (paved) lot ALL week. Makes working Pebble Beach a treat. #USopen19 pic.twitter.com/qg7nsrJGuR
— Todd Montoya™ (@ToddCaddie) June 15, 2019
In addition to being a major week, we were all reminded to #LoveYourLooper this week in support of the men and women who do so much more than carry our clubs. Pat Perez and longtime caddie Mike Hartford are a shining example of a successful partnership, and shared their story with us earlier in the week.
WATCH: Pat Perez shows some love for his longtime caddie, Mike Hartford, in this Caddie Appreciation Week video with @ESPNCaddie. #LoveYourLooper https://t.co/8svts5pf8K
— #LoveYourLooper (@CaddieNetwork) June 14, 2019
Austin Cook and his man, the soft-spoken Kip Henley, shared details of their working relationship in a separate video.
VIDEO: @austincookgolf explains to @ESPNCaddie what it is that makes caddie @KipHenley such a great fit for him. #LoveYourLooper https://t.co/HQDkq5xns7
— #LoveYourLooper (@CaddieNetwork) June 13, 2019
Gary Woodland put on quite the show throughout the week, capturing his first career major thanks to putts like this from Saturday’s third round. Even a 13-year veteran caddie at Pebble couldn’t believe what he was seeing from the performance.
I’ve been caddying at #PebbleBeach for 13 years and have NEVER seen this putt made. The only constant is me, but still, this was an amazing putt that’ll live in #USOpen history. #Amazing #Golf #GaryWoodland #PGA #USGA https://t.co/ao3Z5n4MV2
— Bob Yanoska (@caddiegiant) June 16, 2019
