Paul Tesori just proved his golf game matches his world-class caddying skills. The longtime bagman for Webb Simpson made history this week, showing that his abilities go well beyond the yardage book.

As the 52-year-old former caddie won the Florida Senior State Open tournament, he proved he can do more than guide the pros, becoming the first amateur to claim the overall title in ten years.

Despite his win, Tesori admitted that he nearly walked away before the first tee, confessing, "I played so bad in a practice round, I thought about withdrawing. Winning wasn't even in the cards," speaking to Garry Smits of the Jacksonville Florida Times-Union.

As reported by Golf Monthly, Tesori’s hesitation stemmed from his scratchy buildup at Mayacoo Lakes, where the former 1990s pro had such difficulty hitting the ball that his initial goal was to finish inside the top-20.

However, Tesori exceeded this goal by recording three consecutive rounds of 68, 67, and 70, finishing the tournament eight under par to claim victory over a field of seasoned pros by two strokes.

Even though Tesori couldn't claim the $12,000 winner's prize due to his amateur status, he deemed this victory the “biggest win” of his entire golfing career.

Paul Tesori’s Championship Pedigree and Next Steps 

This victory represents another episode in Tesori’s impressive legacy in Florida golf after he succeeded in winning the Gate Invitational back in 1994, but eventually retired from professional competition due to injury.

Though fans have suggested that he take part in the Senior Tour, Tesori is still realistic, insisting that, “No... I'm not there. Caddying is a lot easier than playing.”

He will be keeping up a packed schedule as he is set to go back to carrying the bag for Webb Simpson in the upcoming Truist Championship at Quail Hollow next week.

Tesori is likely to serve as an inspiration to younger caddies as he is supposed to be the bagman for the talented Miles Russell in the upcoming Korn Ferry Tour’s UNF Health Championship this month.

Would you like to see more experienced caddies taking up the clubs? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Abhishek Sharma

Edited by

Surjo Ray