U.S. Open qualification slips away from Max Homa despite his self-carried bag journey through 38 holes.
In the realm of Monday's U.S. Open qualifiers, a standout figure was none other than Max Homa, a six-time PGA Tour champ, who hoofed it with his own sticks throughout the grueling 38-hole marathon at Kinsale Golf and Fitness Club in Powell, Ohio.
Homa, riding solo without a caddie, bore the brunt of 'Golf's Longest Day' and performed admirably, maintaining his composure for 35 and a half holes before falling short in a heart-wrenching finish. He was eyeing one of the coveted six spots at his qualifying site, standing on the 18th green in his second round. Yet, a three-putt on the last hole catapulted him into a nail-biting playoff.
This five-man face-off featured the likes of Rickie Fowler, Eric Cole, Chase Johnson, and Cameron Young. In the end, it was Young who earned the final spot on the second playoff hole with a birdie, while Johnson secured the first alternate spot, and Cole pocketed the second. These results cruelly shut the door on Homa's dreams of securing a spot in this year's U.S. Open at Oakmont.
Post-match, Homa was quizzed about his caddieless outing, a question he seemed less than thrilled about. "I'd much rather discuss the golf rather than the caddie-related queries," Homa grumbled. "I'm just good, been hoofin' it for 36."
The curiosity surrounding Homa's caddie predicament stems from more than just his solo appearance in the qualifier. Recent reports indicate that Homa and his longtime caddie, Joe Greiner, parted ways two months ago. He then roped in Bill Harke as his looper, but that partnership ended abruptly, as per Doug Ferguson of the Associated Press.
However, the reason behind Homa's decision to carry his own clubs during U.S. Open qualifying remains unclear, as he could've easily enlisted a local caddie for the one-day gig if he wished. Nevertheless, we'll have to wait and see who'll be carrying his bag at the upcoming RBC Canadian Open, where Homa aims to rally after a lackluster 2025 season.
Starting the year ranked 41st in the Official World Golf Ranking, Homa has now slipped to 90th in the world rankings. Remarkably, Max Homa found himself without a caddie during the qualifying round for the 2025 U.S. Open, having parted ways with Bill Harke. A recent two-month partnership between the two ended, leaving him to carry his own clubs. Despite the unusual situation, Homa had the option to hire a local caddie for the one-day event but decided against it. (Enrichment Data)
Max Homa, despite the recent parting ways with his longtime caddie Joe Greiner and a brief partnership with Bill Harke that ended abruptly, chose to carry his own clubs during the qualifying round for the 2025 U.S. Open. In the midst of a challenging season, he opted not to hire a local caddie for the one-day event, showcasing his commitment to sports and golf.
