There's something surreal about walking alongside a major champion. Matt Fitzpatrick, the 2022 U.S. Open winner, carries himself with a quiet precision that mirrors his game — methodical, deliberate, and remarkably consistent. Caddying for him during the BMW Championship practice round was one of the most educational experiences of my life inside the ropes.
Olympia Fields Country Club provided the perfect stage. The course demands accuracy, course management, and patience — qualities that define Fitzpatrick's approach to the game.
Precision Personified
What separates Fitzpatrick from many of his peers is his process. Every shot begins with a detailed assessment — wind, lie, distance, pin position, and perhaps most importantly, the shot shape required. He doesn't overpower courses; he outthinks them.
As his caddie for the day, I gained a front-row seat to this process. The communication between a tour player and their caddie is constant and nuanced. Fitzpatrick would talk through options, weigh the risks, and commit fully once the decision was made.
His short game was particularly impressive to witness up close. The touch and feel around the greens — the ability to land a ball on a specific blade of grass and have it react exactly as intended — is something that truly must be seen in person to appreciate.
A Champion's Mindset
What I'll carry with me from this experience is Fitzpatrick's composure. Nothing rattled him. Bad breaks, tough lies, gusty wind — he processed each challenge with the same steady temperament. That kind of mental consistency is what separates good players from champions.
Once again, this experience was made possible by the Evans Scholars Foundation and the Western Golf Association — organizations that continue to open doors that a caddie from Saint Louis could only dream of walking through.