As the Masters Tournament, one of golf’s four major events, commences this morning, Owensboro native and PGA Tour caddy Chris Tichenor reflected on his experiences at the iconic Augusta National Golf Club. He’s also looking forward to caddying in next month’s PGA Championship — another major — in Louisville next month, when friends and family will have a chance to see him in action.
Tichenor caddied for Taylor Moore for 3.5 years, gracing the fairways and greens of some of the world’s most recognizable courses, including all four majors. He joined forces with Brendan Todd just over a month ago, narrowly missing an opportunity to return to the Masters for the second year in a row.
“Last year was my first time caddying in the Masters,” Tichenor said. “You get there, and the excitement and adrenaline really hit you. Nothing is out of place. The attention to detail and the accommodations and hospitality are unreal.”
From the course and landscaping to the amenities and facilities, Augusta is often regarded by professionals and fans alike as the pinnacle of the golf world. Tichenor referenced world-class lockerrooms and a caddy house with a professional chef and any menu item imaginable.
He said another highlight of the experience was playing nine holes with Rory Mcllroy. But even that and world-class accommodations couldn’t compare to the experience of being inside the ropes during the tournament.
“It was definitely a highlight of my caddying career,” Tichenor said. “It’s one thing to be able to go as a spectator, but to walk on the fairways that so many others hope to do is difficult to describe.”
Since adding Tichenor to his team, Todd has recorded 5th-, 6th-, and 33rd-place finishes. Tichenor ventured to Augusta to watch a few practice rounds but said the two now have their sights set on the RBC Heritage, a signature PGA event in Hilton Head next week.
He will sandwich the Wells Fargo in Charlotte between that and the PGA Championship, another major, which returns to Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville from May 18-19.
“I’m looking forward to returning home for the PGA at Valhalla,” he said. “Being able to caddy in a major in your home state will be a fun experience, and I look forward to having several friends and family in attendance.”
Tichenor graduated from Daviess County High School before earning a bachelor’s degree from Western Kentucky University. During his younger years and college, his primary experiences with the sport were recreational.
Shortly after college and with minimal caddying experience, he applied for and accepted a position at Merion Golf Club, just outside of Philadelphia. In addition to hosting more USGA Championships than any course in America, Merion’s east course was the launching point for Tichenor’s career.
“It was blind luck. I sent in my resume with minimal experience, but they called and offered me a job,” he said. “It snowballed me to where I am now. I kept meeting people and climbing the ladder. I have always wanted to be on the PGA tour, and after much networking, it happened.”
Now, Tichenor travels the world for work, leaving his mark on the game’s most exquisite courses. He always looks forward to returning home, though, where he carries his own clubs and chases his ball around Owensboro Country Club.
