Fred Couples was caddied by Steve Flesch’s son, Griffin Flesch, the last time he won a PGA Tour Champions tournament. This happened in October in North Carolina at the SAS Championship. Griffin Flesch, who occasionally caddies his father, has grown up with Couples and they have a comfortable relationship that is evident as they walk along the course.
Couples is using Flesch’s younger brother as his caddie at the Shaw Charity Classic, in Calgary, Alberta. The magic has returned, as the 14 time Champions winner birdied the last hole to finish the round with a solid score of 68. This put him in a tie in 13th position after the first round.
Griffin Flesch’s demands from Couples are different when he is caddying for his father.
Griffin said Couples wants to know the number on the flag in the heat-of-the-battle, but Flesch will ask for the front and back, or drag him up to 20 yards for a more precise number.
“Well, I am in the rough too.” Couples joked ahead of the first round, “Don’t believe him, his father is a very clean ball striker.” I’ve known Grif ever since he was a child. We’ve shared lunches, and sat. I’m not sure how it works, but I asked him to caddie. He picked the right week. He’s caddied there before and he will again this year.
I love the child. “We’re going have a great time.”
Flesch played well too in the first round. He posted an identical score of 68.
“It’s more special than ever before.” @Steve_Flesch treasures his time with Griffin, even when he is on the bag for @fredcouplesgolf. pic.twitter.com/VOzfV2USxB
— PGA TOUR Champions August 18, 2020
The Flesch family has been including Couples for years in group text chains, mostly talking about other sports. Couples had a rough start to the SAS round, but things got better as the week progressed.
Couples joked: “I started off with a double at the first hole, and I was like, “Hey Grif, it’s nice to see you here.” “Ended playing well. The second day went well and the final day, it was just… He did an amazing job. He reads a lot putts. You know, it made things easier for us both that I was in a large lead.
I didn’t need to yell at Grif because I birdied every hole on the back nine.
Steve Flesch has won three Champions titles and seeing his son succeed on the pro circuit was a special experience.
Steve Flesch, PGA Tour.com, said after the win last year: “Griffin’s always had an insane passion for golf.” “He was a college golfer at Xavier, Cincinnati. He lost his game and moved to Kentucky. He is now better than ever and has found his game. He has gone through a mental rollercoaster of emotions, and now loves the game again.
“I think Fred’s texts, friendly banter, and the Dodgers, Reds, and Golf, with Griff, played a big part in rekindling that passion. Griffin is so awed by his legacy. I can’t imagine anyone else for whom he would give up everything to be with him this week. Maybe me? Haha. Griffin had a life-long bucket list item. “I couldn’t be prouder or happier of my son.”
