After a tough round at Torrey Pines, Patrick Rodgers had some sympathy for his caddie—but he was also glad he wasn’t in his shoes. “Yeah, I’d much rather be the player than the caddie,” he admitted. “That bag is weighed down with his stuff and my stuff.” Well, he isn’t wrong. Players get the spotlight, the trophies, and the fanfare. But what about the guys carrying the bag? They’re out there grinding through every round, hauling a heavy bag, making key reads, and keeping their player mentally sharp. They do a lot more than just carry clubs.

For Denny McCarthy, that guy is Derek Smith.

Who is the man behind Denny McCarthy’s bag?

Derek Smith isn’t just another name in the caddie world. He’s been by McCarthy’s side for nearly a decade, riding the highs and lows of pro golf right alongside him. Their partnership goes way back to McCarthy’s Korn Ferry Tour days, including his big breakthrough at the 2018 Korn Ferry Tour Championship. That win secured McCarthy’s PGA Tour card, and Smith made sure to capture the moment.

He posted a picture from that day—both of them standing with their backs to the camera. His caption summed up the moment perfectly: “We got one! Massive win at the Web.com Tour Championship to top the finals money list and get a fully exempt spot for upcoming season on the @pgatour. Such a blur of a day I can’t even recall what I’m saying to him in the picture. Couldn’t be prouder to be on team @mccarthy_denny and can’t wait to go get after it again next week at the @safeway_open“

And they did get after it. Fast forward to 2023, and Smith was still there, watching McCarthy grind it out on the PGA Tour. He posted a clip of McCarthy swinging, writing: “Been roaming around golf courses with this guy for 7 years and it feels like we’re just getting started.” Loyalty like that is rare in golf, where caddies often switch players. But Smith and McCarthy? They’re the pair made in a golfer’s paradise.

Derek Smith’s life beyond fairways

So, who is Derek Smith when he’s not walking 18 holes with a yardage book?

Born in Guymon, Oklahoma, Smith was always meant to be around golf. He played college golf at Wichita State, Texas Tech, and even spent some time at the University of Oklahoma—so it’s no surprise he’s a die-hard Sooners football fan. But his sports loyalty doesn’t end there. He also roots for the Denver Broncos, New York Yankees, and Arsenal FC.

Off the course, Smith is all about family. He’s married to Chrlcee Smith, who occasionally pops up on his Instagram, though she keeps things private (her account has just 579 followers). Together, they have two daughters, and Smith’s social media is filled with moments from both his professional and personal life. His X bio sums it up perfectly: “Husband, father of two beautiful little ladies, semi-amateur golfer, and caddie for Denny McCarthy.”

A family man, a sports fanatic, and someone who appreciates a good meal (he’s a big fan of local breweries and steak dinners on tour stops).

Derek Smith is more than just a bagman

Caddying is way more than carrying clubs—it’s about strategy, trust, and knowing when to hype your player up or bring them back down to earth. Smith has perfected that balance, helping McCarthy excel with his elite putting and stay in contention.

Some of Smith’s favorite stops on tour? The Waste Management Phoenix Open—because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love the chaos of 16 at TPC Scottsdale?—and Quail Hollow, one of the most iconic courses on the PGA Tour.

He also looks up to Paul Tesori, longtime caddie for Webb Simpson, admiring his ability to keep things fun while still being laser-focused on the job.

And if Smith could put together his dream foursome? He’d tee it up with Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and—of course—his guy, Denny McCarthy. That says a lot about the bond they’ve built over the years.

Smith isn’t just a caddie—he’s a key part of McCarthy’s journey. As McCarthy chases his first PGA Tour win, one thing’s for sure: he’s got one of the best guys in his corner. So, the next time you watch McCarthy sink a clutch putt or make a well-calculated decision on the course, remember there’s a guy behind the scenes, yardage book in hand, making sure everything runs smoothly.

That’s Derek Smith—one of golf’s most underrated difference-makers.