Introduction
Daniel Berger, the talented golfer, is making his long-awaited return to the PGA Tour at the American Express in La Quinta, California. While his comeback is highly anticipated, the real buzz is about the caddie who will be carrying his bag. In a surprising twist, Berger has enlisted the help of veteran caddie D.J. Nelson, who hasn’t been on Tour for several years. The story of how Berger hired Nelson is nothing short of hilarious.
A Surprising Phone Call
According to multiple sources, Berger personally reached out to Nelson to offer him the caddie position. However, when Nelson accepted, Berger expressed shock and asked if he was giving up his TV job. A confused Nelson replied, “Who do you think you’re talking to?” Berger had mistaken Nelson for John Wood, the former caddie turned NBC/Golf Channel on-course reporter. Undeterred by his mistake, Berger didn’t hesitate to offer Nelson the job for one week at the AmEx.
The Track Record
While some may find Berger’s mix-up amusing, there might be more to it than meets the eye. Nelson has a proven track record at PGA West, having previously caddied for Hudson Swafford when he emerged victorious in 2017. Perhaps Berger’s choice wasn’t so misguided after all.
Berger’s Road to Recovery
The 30-year-old Berger, a four-time Tour winner, has been sidelined with a back injury since the 2022 U.S. Open. He had been managing the injury, which he described as a slight bulge in a lower disc and deep bone sensitivity. Despite signing up for U.S. Open qualifying, Berger withdrew before teeing off. His absence was deeply felt during the Ryder Cup in Italy, where he was sorely missed by the U.S. team.
A Determined Comeback
Berger, currently ranked 634th in the world, is eager to return to his winning ways. His last victory came at the 2021 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, securing his exempt status through 2024. However, he still needs to qualify for the signature events and majors. In May, he expressed his determination to come back stronger, stating that he would return with fire in his belly.
Conclusion
As Daniel Berger prepares to tee off at the American Express, all eyes will be on him and his surprising caddie choice, D.J. Nelson. Despite the initial mix-up, Berger’s decision may prove to be a stroke of genius. Only time will tell if this unexpected pairing leads to success on the course. Golf fans will be eagerly watching as this humorous and intriguing chapter unfolds.
By: Adam Schupak
Title: The Unexpected Caddie: Daniel Berger’s Hilarious Story at the American Express
Sourced From: golfweek.usatoday.com/2024/01/15/hilarious-story-daniel-berger-hired-caddie-2024-american-express/
Published Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2024 11:00:07 +0000
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