Meet the caddie: John Rathouz

Twitter Handle
@rathouz

How long have you caddied?
Since 2004

Players I’ve caddied for…
Seamus Power, Steve Marino, Brett Wetterich and John Merrick

Childhood hometown…
Omaha, NE

High school attended…
Westside High School, class of 2000

Did you play college golf?
No

College attended…
Marquette University, 2000-04

What is your greatest golf memory?
Accomplishing my goal of winning a tournament my senior year in high school.

What is your greatest memory as a caddie?
Caddying for John Merrick in the ’09 Masters. It was both of our first times and we finished sixth. I also really enjoyed watching him and Geoff Ogilvy birdie 13, 14, 15, and 16 on Sunday. My dad, who is not a golf fan, was there to share the entire experience with me. I remember going to church with him on that Easter Sunday morning.

Caddying for Seamus Power of Ireland in the Olympics in Rio was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. He played great and had a chance to medal on Sunday. Being part of golf’s debut and being around all the athletes from all over the world and seeing other events. There is no other way I’d be at the Olympics if it weren’t for caddying!

What is the best part about being a caddie?
Being inside the ropes with the best golfers in the world competing and helping my player to accomplish their goals.

Favorite professional golfer growing up?
Tiger Woods and Payne Stewart

Favorite city to visit?
New Orleans

Favorite course to caddie? 
Augusta National

Favorite course to play?
Sand Hills Golf Club

Professional interests outside of golf?
Radio, marketing

Favorite food? 
Cheesy potatoes

Favorite beverage?
Diet Mountain Dew

Favorite restaurant?
Salt Grass Steakhouse

Favorite bar?
Caddyshack

Favorite sports team?
Creighton Bluejays, Nebraska Huskers, St. Louis Cardinals, Green Bay Packers

Favorite movie?
Apollo 13

Who would be in your dream golf foursome, as a player?
Lee Trevino, Jack Nicklaus, Payne Stewart

Hobbies outside of golf?
Fly fishing, Creighton basketball, Nebraska football, working out, yoga, contributing on the air for the radio, being an uncle, concerts, movies, cooking meals, reading…

Any other information you would like for us to know that we may have not previously known? 
Caddying is the most unique job in professional sports outside of playing. I got to caddie in the Olympics in Rio representing Ireland.

What is your golf handicap? 
6ish

What are your hobbies/passions outside of caddying?
Fly fishing, golfing, broadcasting

Who is your inspirational role model? 
Jim Nantz

Alternate career choice and why? 
Sports broadcaster because every day is different and it allows you to be inside the action and put your own stamp on things.

Nickname…
House

What is your favorite stop on Tour and why? 
Quail Hollow because it’s a great golf course and the best treatment of the year for caddies.

What is your favorite restaurant on Tour and why? 
Drago’s because of the charbroiled oysters.

Where do you reside during the off season? 
Omaha

Greatest golf shot you have personally witnessed on Tour? 
Long iron from Davis Love III.