Viktor Hovland’s encore: U.S. Open qualifier caddy

June 4, 2023; Dublin, Ohio, USA;  Viktor Hovland stands with Jack Nicklaus and the trophy after winning in a playoff over Denny McCarthy during the final round of the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club.

Credit: Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Viktor Hovland was back on the course Monday, a day after winning the Memorial Tournament and $3.6 million.

But he wasn’t teeing off at Brookside Golf and Country Club in Columbus, Ohio. Rather, he carried the bag for friend and former Oklahoma State roommate Zach Bauchou, who was striving to earn one of 11 spots in next week’s U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club.

Hovland, 25, didn’t have to travel far; Brookside is about 15 minutes from Muirfield Village, where he won the Memorial on Sunday.

Golf Channel reported that Hovland and Bauchou met for dinner on Tuesday, and Hovland accepted when Bauchou invited him to caddy on Monday.

The 25-year-old Hovland, who won on tour for the first time since 2021, probably offered Bauchou some good advice. The latter played in the Mexico Open on the PGA Tour in April but missed the cut.

The two played together on Oklahoma State’s 2018 team that won the NCAA title. Also on the team was Matthew Wolff, who won one PGA Tour event before moving to LIV Golf last year.

Hovland aims for his first major victory at the U.S. Open.

–Field Level Media

Exit mobile version