Military caddies loop for the stars

Members of the military got to caddie on the 9th hole for Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and the stars of The Barclays.

By Paul Mahoney

There was a lots of khaki on the course at the Plainfield Country Club on Wednesday to complement the regular tour pro beige. It was Military Appreciation Day at The Barclays. It started with free entry (extended all week) for active, retired and reserve military and their families. Then 54 members of the military had the chance of a lifetime to caddie for a pro down the 9th hole during the pro-am. Staff Sergeant Hatcher put on his camouflage bib to take over looping duties from Jim (Bones) Mackay to carry Phil Mickelson's bag. "He's from South Carolina but is based in New Jersey and he works in the ROTC," Mickelson said. "To see him out supporting the game of golf and being out here enjoying the week, I think is really cool."

Mickelson always embraces the chance to interact with fans and signed autographs for 30 minutes after his round. But he doesn't just sign; he chats and listens, too. Sheer class. Mickelson swapped family stories with Hatcher. "I really enjoyed spending time with him," Mickelson said. "He's got two sons, seven and eight, and an 11 year old daughter that plays softball. He's a great family man."

Mickelson's playing partner was Barclays chief executive Bob Diamond. "We had a dinner Tuesday night and there were 25 CEOs of some of the largest companies in the States," Mickelson said. "To be able to spend time with these guys and ask them questions is fascinating. We had a great time and it just carries over into the round of golf."

Mickelson offered up a school report on the state of Diamond's game. "So, Bob Diamond," Mickelson said with a wry smile. "We had a little contest: closest to the pin on the short little par three 6th, and he ended up hitting it six feet from the hole and winning. So we had another little closest to the pin contest on the par three 11th, and he ended up hitting it four feet for the win. So I think his game, certainly his short irons, are in good shape."

Carrying Dustin Johnson's bag was Chris Yarrison, Acting Duty US Coast Guard stationed in Atlantic City, New Jersey. "I'll carry the bag for you unless you want to," Yarrison said to Johnson on the tee. "Nah, I ain't carrying it," Johnson said smiling. "It's all yours." Yarrison had the physique that looked like he could give the big hitting World No.9 a run for his money in a long driving contest. "Yeah, he is a big guy," Johnson said laughing. "Nah, I don't hit it anywhere near his distance. He's out there," said Yarrison, who normally posts scores in the high eighties "when wife Amber lets me get out to play!" The military can relax during The Barclays at the now regular Patriot Outpost, a hospitality chalet on the 9th fairway where members of the military and their families can take some well-earned R&R with free food and drink.

Charities also benefit greatly from The Barclays. Millions of dollars has been raised over the years for Birdies for the Brave, a military outreach initiative supported by the PGA Tour. It was an idea created by Phil Mickelson and his wife, Amy, to support troops injured during combat. For each birdie or eagle made by Mickelson throughout the season, a contribution of $100 for a birdie or $500 for an eagle is made to Homes For Our Troops and Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

There is also a Tickets for Charity deal. In 2010, the second year of the program, $150,000 was generated for local charities including the First Tee initiative, which aims to positively impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities. The Barclays has set a target of $200,000 this year. A total of 152 charities have signed up (www.buytfc.com)

Military Appreciation Day ended with a free concert by country and western star Chely Wright. She had a massive hit single with Shut Up And Drive. Her follow up track Shut Up And Putt sadly disappeared without trace.