Peter Malnati Finally Enjoys His Masters Dream, but 20-Year-Long Wait Turns Caddie the True Hero

“You can’t describe it, it’s so cool, it’s so cool.” – said an excited and emotional Peter Malnati after winning his second PGA Tour victory after a whopping nine years. Special? You bet it is. But, more importantly, the win at the Valspar Championship has helped him obtain a spot in the field for the upcoming Masters Tournament. However, a certain someone’s role in all of this shouldn’t be ignored; and it is none other than his caddie.

Although it was the golfer’s talent that helped him rake in his win at the event, the support provided by his looper, Chad Antus, was integral in his coming out on top. Meanwhile, one can’t help but respect the bagman, who never once gave up on his dream of trying to help his athletes emerge victorious for more than 20 years.

Chad Antus, Peter Malnati’s caddie gets his first win

Malnati and Antus met each other in May 2017 after the Friday round of the inaugural Rocket Mortgage Classic, and they have loved working together ever since. But, the looper’s journey didn’t start then in the arena of professional golf. He had been caddying for a total of 22 years, starting from 2002. Even so, the win at Copperhead Course with the 36-year-old would be his first professional triumph as a bagman.

The duo might be a truly happy pair right about now. Kira K. Dixon, a journalist for Golf Channel spotted the 2-time PGA Tour champ’s looper as she walked past him. Interestingly, the Pennsylvania native overheard him talking on the phone just after the triumph, “We did it!”

What about Malnati? Well, he was very expressive and grateful for the impact that the caddie had on his life, especially his professional career. “I’ve got the best caddie,” admitted the 2024 Valspar Championship winner before adding how he has been with him through thick and thin, “He’s been loyal to me for a long time, through a lot of downtimes too.”

Truly an inspiring partnership between the two who were finally able to clinch their first win together. However, unsurprisingly, this wasn’t the first time that the duo had expressed their respect and support for each other.

The duo dish out praises for each other

Back in 2019, the duo took to an interview at The Detroit News where they revealed how their work dynamic is akin to a relationship. Moreover, the two spend “eight to 10, 12 hours a day, pretty much six days a week” with each other. “Finding the right caddie is all about personalities,” Malnati had said back then before continuing, “Chad is so great because he just flat out makes me feel good about myself.”

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Meanwhile, back then, Antus was also extremely comfortable working with Peter Malnati like now. Adding on, he said, “Really, it’s comparable to a marriage,” as he alluded to the partnership he had with the golfer. What’s more, he has shown himself to be adept at brushing aside the outbursts and moments of doubt that the golfer throws on his caddie owing to frustrations.

It’s simply a matter of knowing the job, feels the bagman as he says, “You just kind of feel him out and see what kind of person he is, see what he responds to on the course,” said the looper as he continued, “I’m not sure that he actually relies on me or expects it, but I definitely try to do that.” Well, the two do seem to have a healthy relationship with each other. Thus, it makes perfect sense that they were able to emerge victorious on the PGA Tour and many would be hoping that they continue to do so.

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