MacLean Caddies for Reifers at Byron Nelson
5/24/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
May 24, 2016
FORT WORTH, Texas — For four days at the AT&T Byron Nelson Classic last week, TCU fgolfer Turner MacLean watched some of the best golfers in the world inside the ropes working as a caddie for Kyle Reifers.
"You try to absorb everything you can on how to improve your own game by watching them," said MacLean, a freshman from Fort Worth.
For MacLean to be on the bag for Reifers was pure luck, but it was an experience he welcomed.
Reifers, who had played six straight weeks, originally planned to skip the Byron Nelson before playing in the Dean & Deluca Invitational at Colonial the following week. At the last minute, he decided to play and needed a caddie because he had already given his regular caddie the week off.
According to MacLean, Reifers contacted Joey Wuertemberger, lead master instructor at Jim McLean Golf School in Arlington, to see if he knew of anyone who would be willing to caddie.
Wuertemberger gave MacLean's number to Reifers and the rest is history.
MacLean and Reifers first met on Wednesday, the day before the first round of the tournament.
"I was more than willing to have the chance to get inside the ropes at a PGA Tour event," MacLean said. "I was thrown into the fire. I learned quickly, and he played great."
On the first two days, Reifers played with Mark Wilson and Cameron Smith. After making the cut, Reifers played with Jason Dufner on Saturday and eventual champion Sergio Garcia on Sunday.
"Getting to watch him strike the ball was unbelievable," MacLean said of Garcia. "It was cool to watch him for 18 holes."
Reifers was alone in sixth heading into the final round and shot even-par and finished in a tie for 10th.
"He played great all weekend," MacLean said of Reifers. "Had he putted a little better he may have won. He struck the ball beautifully."
MacLean said he was very tired after carry the 40-pound bag for 18 holes for four straight days, but he was grateful for the opportunity.
"There is a lot more to it than meets the eye. Right from the start it was full-go," MacLean said. "The other caddies helped me out a lot. By Round 4, it felt natural. It was a pretty cool experience."
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