BLAINE (Minn.) — Erik van Rooyen wept tears in his eyes as he stood with his caddie next to the interview room.
Alex Gaugert held his daughter under his left arm as he tried to describe his last few days. Gaugert was accompanied by his family behind a few reporters as he described his week.
Van Rooyen is van Rooyen’s full-time caddie, Gaugert. He played with his boss at TPC Twin Cities for the first two round this week.
Gaugert described it as a “dream”. “It was fast. It was cool to qualify for Monday qualifiers. I’d never done it before. We were able to play together on the Tour. It was a really special experience and one we will never forget.
“I’m sure there were a few tears after I qualified and it was really cool.” All the support from the caddies, the players and the caddies was great. It felt good to have everyone congratulating you and praising you.
Van Rooyen continued: “Earlier in the week I was talking with a few friends, and this is what we all talked about when we played college together. We’re going to play on the PGA Tour, room together and play practice rounds. It was cool to be able to share the bag with him, but also have him play a tournament.
They played together the first two rounds a href=”https://t.co/q7qy3jEU8y”>pic.twitter.com/q7qy3jEU8y/a>. They played together the first two rounds pic.twitter.com/q7qy3jEU8y
Cameron Jourdan July 28 2023
The two were teammates in Minnesota between 2010 and 2013. Gaugert became van Rooyen’s full-time caddie in 2019.
Gaugert ended the week at 6 over after a 6-over-77 start and an even par performance on Friday. Van Rooyen, meanwhile, shot a 3-under 68 Friday, and is now 3 under for the entire week. He’s right on the projected line of the cut as the afternoon waves get underway.
The two embraced on their final hole of the week, Friday.
Gaugert stated, “These moments are not available every week.” It was hard, but it was cool to share it with my bestie. I’ll remember that.
Van Rooyen also found the moment special, and it made him even more grateful to be playing on PGA Tour. What about Gaugert’s future job security?
Van Rooyen replied, “Oh, yes, his job is safe.” Trust me, I’m sure we’ve experienced some highs and some lows. “Nothing can shake us. We’re all safe.”
