Spectator Fills in as Caddie for Golfer at Canadian Open Following Bagman's Injury

Paul Emerson found himself in the midst of the exciting conclusion of the RBC Canadian Open, navigating through the crowds to catch a glimpse of the PGA Tour players at the fourth hole. After a series of unexpected events, he ended up working for one of them.

During a surreal moment on Sunday, the self-proclaimed "golf nut" Emerson took center stage at Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Ontario. Due to an injury to C.T. Pan's caddie, Mike "Fluff" Cowan, Emerson, a local fan, had the unique opportunity to step in and carry the bag for a professional golfer at his own country's prestigious tournament.

With Cowan unable to continue after tripping and falling on the third fairway, Taiwan’s Pan had to stop playing. His clubs were picked up by Dan Reynolds, who is the caddie for Irish player Shane Lowry. World No. 33 Lowry was carrying his own bag while Pan helped Cowan towards medical help. They passed by a spectator in a red Masters T-shirt who was eager to help on their way.

HAMILTON, ON - JUN 02:Doug (L) Robert MacIntyre (R) hug after as the father son duo get it done. Final-round 2-under 68 at the 2024 RBC Canadian Open, Robert MacIntyre talks about what it means to win his first PGA TOUR event and the importance of doing it with his father, Dougie, on the bag for the first time.(Photo by R.J. Johnston/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

Doug and Robert MacIntyre shared a heartwarming hug after their successful final round at the 2024 RBC Canadian Open in Hamilton, ON. Robert, with a 2-under 68, won his first PGA TOUR event. He expressed his joy in winning and the significance of having his father, Dougie, as his caddie for the first time. It was a special moment for the father-son duo. (Photo by R.J. Johnston/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

Related article

Robert MacIntyre wins first PGA Tour event with father as caddie at Canadian Open

Emerson, a lawyer from nearby Aurora, Ontario, shared with the PGA Tour that there was a big tumble and a loud sound when Fluff wiped out.

He recounted to CNN's "News Central" on Monday that he simply offered his help by asking if they needed any assistance. Pan, the person he asked, said yes. Quickly, Emerson found himself helping Fluff remove the bib and walking up the fairway. Everything happened very quickly.

Emerson's heart raced as he shook hands with Lowry before throwing the bag over his shoulder, creating unprecedented scenes captured by TV broadcasters.

It was a dream start for Emerson on his PGA Tour career. He was one-under through one hole after Pan made a brilliant birdie putt from just over 20 feet. The 2020 Olympic bronze medalist toasted his new ally with a shout of "great caddie" as he retrieved his ball from the cup.

“One for one, Paul!” Lowry quipped, adding with a laugh: “It’s all downhill from here.”

Emerson told CNN he had a chance to relax on the next tee.

“I just sort of soaked it up and we actually started joking around,” he said. “It was all very, very friendly and fun.”

Pan in action during the second round.

Pan in action during the second round.

Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images

Emerson continued his walk up the next fairway, feeling his phone vibrate non-stop in his pocket. He saw this as a chance to check in with Pan and see what he needed. Pan's only ask was simple: "Please avoid stepping on the greens."

“He said, ‘I’m not very chatty’” Emerson recalled to the PGA Tour. “I was like, ‘Hey, I’ll talk as much or as little as you want.

“He’s a really nice guy – really friendly.”

Emerson chuckled when CNN asked him if he gave Pan advice. He jokingly mentioned that it would be a bad idea for Pan to seek guidance from him. Emerson stated that his role was simple - to carry the bag and make sure Pan's clubs stayed dry.

Lowry's playful comment wasn't completely wrong, since Pan got a bogey on the par-five hole.

After that, Emerson's brief stint as a caddie came to an end at the next fairway. Michael Campbell, a member of the caddie services team, took over from Emerson, who reluctantly passed on the responsibilities.

Emerson mentioned that he told C.T., "This is your decision," as his only prior experience as a caddy was at a Canadian Women's Open Pro-Am event.

Alberto Mier/Getty/CNN

Related article

For nearly 50 years, only Black men caddied The Masters. One day, they all but vanished

“I didn’t really want to stop, but he took the person who has some local knowledge.”

Pan was on a roll, making consecutive birdies before meeting his fourth caddie of the round, Al Riddell, at the 10th tee.

Riddell, who had previously caddied for France's Paul Barjon until he missed the cut, had a front-row seat to witness Pan's amazing eagle at the 12th hole. Pan's shot from 121 yards spun back into the cup, leaving everyone in awe.

Pan, ranked 133rd in the world, shot a one-under 69 in the final round under damp conditions. He finished tied-35th at three-under overall, trailing champion Robert MacIntyre by 13 shots.

The 76-year-old Cowan was treated for "nonserious" injuries at the clubhouse, according to a PGA Tour official speaking to ESPN. CNN has contacted the PGA Tour for further information on Cowan's condition.

Drizzling rain made for a damp final round.

Drizzling rain made for a damp final round.

Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images

The Caddie Open

Emerson mentioned that he was thinking about changing his shirt to reduce the attention he was getting at Hamilton Country Club on Sunday. However, by the end of the day, he found himself with a strong competitor for the title of the most well-known emergency caddie.

MacIntyre, who had recently split with his regular caddie, was feeling homesick. He decided to ask for help from his 59-year-old father, Dougie, who is the head greenskeeper at a club in Oban, Scotland.

The duo worked together perfectly as 27-year-old MacIntyre won his first PGA Tour title, beating out well-known players. This victory secured his spot in the upcoming US Open and earned him a $1.69 million prize, which he plans to use to pay off his parent's mortgage.

"It's incredible. I usually cut grass, not carry clubs," MacIntyre's father said, wiping away tears, in an interview with CBS Sports.

Canadian professional golfer Adam Hadwin was trying to celebrate with fellow Canadian golfer Nick Taylor after Taylor's victory at the Canadian Open golf tournament in Toronto on Sunday, June 11, 2023. However, Hadwin was stopped by a security guard.

Canadian professional golfer Adam Hadwin, left, is stopped by a security guard while he tries to celebrates with Nick Taylor, of Canada, after Taylor won the Canadian Open golf tournament in Toronto, Sunday, June 11, 2023. (Andrew Lahodynskyj/The Canadian Press via AP)

Andrew Lahodynskyj/AP

Related article

Last Saturday night, I was at home on the couch, wondering if I could take time off work. But at 8 o’clock the next morning, I found myself on a flight out here. What a surprise!

The Canadian Open has become known for creating interesting and sometimes unusual stories.

Last year, Canadian golfer Nick Taylor made history by winning the tournament with a spectacular 72-foot eagle putt. However, the celebration took an unexpected turn when his friend Adam Hadwin was accidentally tackled by a security guard in the chaos that followed.

Hadwin quickly brushed off the mix-up and reunited with his old friend at the tournament. He shared a selfie of them both, grinning happily, with the caption: "All is forgiven!"

Editor's P/S:

The RBC Canadian Open provided an unforgettable experience for spectators and participants alike. An unexpected injury to a caddie led to the heartwarming story of Paul Emerson, a local fan who stepped in to assist C.T. Pan. Despite his lack of experience, Emerson embraced the opportunity, showcasing the camaraderie and spirit of the game. The tournament also witnessed a special moment for Robert MacIntyre, who triumphed with his father as his caddie, highlighting the profound bond between them and the importance of family support.

This article emphasizes the unexpected and heartwarming moments that can arise in sports. It highlights the willingness of individuals to step up and help in times of need, as seen in Emerson's selfless act. The tournament also showcased the emotional power of family connections, as demonstrated by MacIntyre's victory alongside his father. These stories serve as a reminder of the human element in sports, beyond the scores and statistics, and the lasting memories they can create.