The Details: For Thurmond, U.S. Open Awesome In Every Way
June 24, 2015 | General, Men's Golf
By Mason Kelley
GoHuskies.com
Each time Cheng-Tsung Pan stepped onto a green during last week's U.S. Open at Chambers Bay, there were people in the gallery shouting, "Go Dawgs!"
Every time he placed his ball on the tee, there was a group of fans wearing purple and gold yelling, "Go Huskies!"
When he pulled an iron from his bag, there was someone ready to let out a boisterous, "go Pan!"
This is what happens when a university's golf program ranks among the nation's elite, its top player in 2015 finishes one shot away from a national championship and the U.S. Open is played in its backyard.
For each shout and every cheer, Matt Thurmond was there. As Pan's caddie, Washington's coach was able to experience life inside the ropes at one of golf's major championships.
"It was awesome in every way," Thurmond said.
He described the ovations Pan received throughout the event as "kind of overwhelming," providing moments Thurmond will remember long after his coaching career concludes.
"The whole grandstand, a couple of times, stood up and gave a standing ovation to Pan," Thurmond said. "That was really special, just to see how many people are engaged in our program."
Pan called the experience, "the most memorable week in my life," finishing the tournament tied for 64th, not bad for his pro debut. Pan wasn't the only former Washington standout to play through the weekend. Troy Kelly finished tied for 39th.
"It was fun to be out there with Pan in his pro debut, so proud of him," Thurmond said. "He competed really well and Troy played great. It was a big week for him."
As Pan prepared for the event, Thurmond offered his services.
"If you need anything, let me know," he said.
He didn't want Pan to feel pressured to use his coach as his caddie. Thurmond understands he is an authority figure as a coach, but at the end of the day, "we're still just buddies."
Shortly after Pan qualified, he called Thurmond.
"Hey, I'd like you to caddie," the golfer said. "I trust you more than anybody. I think you'll be perfect."
Thurmond has caddied events for his players in the past, and success in this role requires a different mentality than the one he would take into a college tournament.
"In this case, it was good because I knew the course and he did, too," Thurmond said. "As a coach, I pretty much leave him alone. I've got five guys to pay attention to out there and to help.
At the U.S. Open, though, "I had to really be on my game all the time," he said.
Thurmond said he only read about one out of every four putts, and only when Pan asked.
"We did talk about all the shots off the tees and all the iron shots," Thurmond said. "That was more of a traditional caddie role, which I wouldn't do as much in a normal college tournament."
Thurmond, who also served as an analyst during local television event coverage, was treated to a week's worth of behind-the-scene access.
In addition to the excitement and enjoyment that comes with a week working as a caddie in the U.S. Open, Thurmond returned to campus Monday knowing the golf tournament had a positive impact on his program.
"I ate every meal with Pan in the players' dining area," Thurmond said. "I caddied for him on the course in what happens to be the first time the U.S. Open has been here, and probably the best U.S. Open in a very long time that anyone's seen. I also got to do the TV, which was fun and kind of behind the scenes. I went into the production trailer for Fox yesterday – that was just amazing."
Thurmond didn't leave the course after Sunday's final round until well after sunset. He had spent so much time focusing on his roles as a caddie and analyst, it wasn't until the drive home that the enormity of the experience really started to hit him.
"What a cool deal," he thought as he drove north. "For some reason I get lucky and get to do a lot of cool stuff in my life. I don't know why."
In addition to the excitement and enjoyment that comes with a week working as a caddie in the U.S. Open, Thurmond returned to campus Monday knowing the golf tournament had a positive impact on his program.
Sure, there is the immediate boost that comes with a little extra attention. But there are also long-term effects.
"The biggest impact will be years from now," Thurmond said. "We won't be talking about it by the time it's an impact, but there will be more kids interested in being the next Jordan Spieth or Dustin Johnson."
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