“I’m Going to Miss Them,” Legendary Tour Caddie Bids Emotional Farewell After 38 Years
January 28, 2017 Phil Mickelson and caddie Jim Bones Mackay on the fourth hole during the third round of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines South on January 28, 2017 in San Diego, California. /CSM GOLF 2017: Farmers Insurance Open JAN 28 - ZUMAc04_ 20170128_zaf_c04_431 Copyright: xCharlesxBausx
January 28, 2017 Phil Mickelson and caddie Jim Bones Mackay on the fourth hole during the third round of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines South on January 28, 2017 in San Diego, California. /CSM GOLF 2017: Farmers Insurance Open JAN 28 - ZUMAc04_ 20170128_zaf_c04_431 Copyright: xCharlesxBausx
After 38 years in the game, legendary caddie Mick Doran has finally put down his caddie bag. Doran was visibly emotional as he bid farewell to his incredible career.
Doran’s final appearance as a caddie came at the Catalunya Championship on the DP World Tour. The Englishman caddied for Eddie Pepperell, who is currently in the top 20.
“Walking down the last was just fantastic. Knowing it’s my last round, it’s quite hard to imagine it actually, but my time has come, and it’s time to move on. There’s such a great bunch of lads out here, and I’m going to miss them,” said Doran.
During his career, Doran racked up 35 wins and seven Ryder Cups. He partnered with many notable European players, including Lee Westwood, Justin Rose, and David Howell.
From riding his bike to Wentworth to becoming one of the greatest caddies, Doran came a long way. He claimed that the group of caddies he started out with still caddie today, one of them being Damien Moore.
“Mick’s biggest strength is when you are in the hunt. He is a confident caddie, and a player feeds off that,” Pepperell said.
Wentworth holds a special place in his heart. Costantino Rocca’s win in 1996 and David Howell’s five-stroke victory in 2006, both at Wentworth in the European Tour’s PGA Championship, are two of the most significant moments of his career.
The Englishman admitted to having “lost the drive,” which was a major factor in his retirement.
Over the years, Doran has commented on what made his partners special.
Doran’s Opinion On His Players
Doran frequently reflected on the specific traits that made his legendary partners successful.
“Westwood’s distance control was unbelievable in his heyday. I worked for him in the late 90s, for two-and-a-half years, and every time he got on a leaderboard, he won, more or less,” said Doran.
Doran praised Rocca’s ability to shape shots and called him “a feel player.” He was also part of Rose’s first win in Joburg, following which he won the Order of Merit.
The Englishman defined his association with Pepperell as “an honor.” Doran will certainly feel proud of his career as he looks forward to a new chapter in his life.
Read more at Club Golf!
Written by
Avishek Sarkar
Edited by
Pulkit Prabhav