Bud Cauley has finally returned to golf after years of recuperating from the injuries caused by his accident. This PGA Tour star is currently in the top few at the Cognizant Classic. But is it just himself that he has to thank for this interesting performance?

Well, yes and no. A golfer’s success depends on both his efforts and his bagman’s support. This pillar of strength for Cauley is the veteran caddie, Tony Navarro. Let’s get to know Cauley’s bagman a bit better!

Tony Navarro: A Hall of Famer caddie

The professional caddie has his roots in Moline, Illinois. Turning back the golden pages of his historic career, his first event as a looper was in his home state at the Quad Cities Open, which is now called the John Deere Classic. Ever since, he has gone on to achieve more than 50 tournament victories, including two major victories at the 1994 Open Championship and the 2006 TOUR Championship.

Since 1978, his career has been embellished by many achievements, one of the major ones being his induction into the Caddie Hall of Fame in 2023. Owing to his allure as a caddie for almost 5 decades, the senior VP of the Western Golf Association, Jeff Harrison, presented an honorary welcome to him in the Caddie Hall of Fame.

He said, “We are honored to welcome Tony Navarro as the newest member of the Caddie Hall of Fame. We’re excited for this opportunity to celebrate Tony’s achievements and his dedication to caddying at the event where it all began.”

Navarro was not far behind in expressing his gratitude; after all, it was a complete cycle kind of a moment for him! Starting his journey back in 1978 and almost 45 years later receiving the acknowledgment for his efforts at the same event.

On the auspicious occasion, he remarked, “Everything that I have, I owe to caddying. When I found out about this award, I was excited and very humbled. I’m accepting this on behalf of my family, the great pros I’ve caddied for, and all the caddies I’ve worked with over the years.”

In his long years as a professional caddie, Navarro has been with many big names. These include Ben Crenshaw, Raymond Floyd, Jeff Sluman, Adam Scott, Gary Woodland, and even Greg Norman! However, in 1999, when Navarro was offered to caddy for potentially one of the biggest golfers in the game, Tiger Woods, he declined.

This decision came as a shock to many. After all, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for any caddie to work alongside the 82-time PGAT winner. Why, then, did Toney Navarro decide against taking on this opportunity?

Uncovering why Tony Navarro chose not to caddy for Tiger Woods

The short answer to declining Woods’s offer was Greg Norman. Tiger Woods and the current LIV Golf poster boy have had their share of tussles over the years. Their rocky relationship is why Navarro, a close associate of Norman, decided against Woods.

Talking about his special bond with LIV Golf CEO, the veteran caddie once said, “Greg [Norman] looked after me so well for so many years. He did so many nice things for myself, my wife, and my family.”

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He further added to the crux of his decision against “the greatest golfer to ever live.” His explanation against the 15-time Major winner delineated how “the things that Greg gave [him] are irreplaceable.” His exact words were, “I’ve known Tiger since he was 16 years old, but the things that Greg gave me are irreplaceable. For that reason and that reason alone, there was no way I was going to take any job.”

Loyalty is a truly rare trait in this profession; however, being the gem that he is, Tony Navarro seems to check that box beautifully. Rest assured, his current association with Bud Cauley seems to bring many more shared accomplishments in the duo’s career, owing to their wonderful first performance at the PGA National Members Club.

What do you think about this newly formed association between Bud Cauley and Tony Navarro? Share your views in the comments section below.

Read More: What Accident Caused 33-Year-Old Bud Cauley to Miss Three Years of PGA Tour Career?