Fan At Canadian Open Steps In For Injured Caddie, Carries Bag For C.T. Pan

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As someone who attends at least one PGA Tour event per year (usually the Travelers Championships, which is held in Connecticut, where I live), I'm not sure how I feel about this story. Here's what happened: C.T. Pan's caddie, Mike "Fluff" Cowan, suffered an injury during Sunday's round at the Canadian Open. 

The fan, Paul Emerson, saw what was happening and asked if he could do anything to help. Apparently, Pan took him up on that offer and had Emerson carry his bag until a replacement caddie could be summoned. 

"I helped Fluff get the bib off, threw it on and started walking up the hole," Emerson said, according to PGATour.com. 

The Tour also reported that Emerson carried Pan's bag for two holes, and eventually a replacement caddie took over after the fifth hole. Pan made birdie on his first hole with Emerson (hole 4) before making bogey on the fifth hole (hole 5). Pan ultimately shot a one-under 69 to finish at three-under for the Canadian Open. 

Following an injury to his caddie, C.T. Pan called on a fan at the Canadian Open to take over and carry his bag for the final round.

Following an injury to his caddie, C.T. Pan called on a fan at the Canadian Open to take over and carry his bag for the final round.

(Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)

Here's where I'm torn. While I think it's awesome that a fan got to carry a bag during a PGA Tour event for a professional golfer, I can't decide if I would have done the same. More importantly, would a professional golfer have WANTED me on the bag? Chances are, I'd have had a frosty IPA in hand with a solid buzz going. After all, that's really what being on a golf course is all about. 

And, not to disparage C.T. Pan (although I'm about to), but the player matters. I think I'd rather keep hanging out with buddies and drinking IPAs than caddie for Pan. Now, of course, if Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler or even someone like Sam Burns or Rickie Fowler needed a hand, I'd toss the beer aside and strap that bag to my back. 

I guess that makes me a caddie snob, but I'm just being honest here. 

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Dan began his sports media career at ESPN, where he survived for nearly a decade. Once the Stockholm Syndrome cleared, he made his way to OutKick. He is secure enough in his masculinity to admit he is a cat-enthusiast with three cats, one of which is named "Brady" because his wife wishes she were married to Tom instead of him.