Professional caddies have a nearly impossible job, even when done right.
Although they’re not the ones hitting the shots, they’re in charge of helping players dial in a yardage, figure out where the wind is coming from and how a certain slope is going to affect ball flight.
And sometimes, caddies have to perform crowd control.
Enter Aaron Flener, caddie for two-time PGA Tour winner J.T. Poston, who is in the field at this week’s 2024 American Express in La Quinta, California. Poston carded a 5-under 67 on Thursday, but on his final hole of the day at PGA West’s Pete Dye Stadium Course, he found the bunker on the par-4 18th.
As Poston lined up for his second shot, cameras panned to him waggling in the bunker, but a fan close by was having a phone conversation. That’s when Flener put a swift end to it in the most polite way possible.
If you talk while my guy is trying to hit you get verbally reprimanded in the most polite way possible. That is my rule.
— Aaron Flener (@AaronFlener) January 19, 2024
“Sir, can you hang up the phone, please? We’re playing golf over here.”
The comments brought a chuckle from the announcers, and even Poston stepped off his ball and put his hand up to his ear, making a phone gesture with his fingers.
American Express: Photos | Friday tee times
No need to fret, however. Poston was able to get out of the bunker and make par to finish his day strong.
And for Flener, it was just another day on the job.