Brooks Koepka, an exceptional golfer currently in the LIV Golf League, made his mark on the golfing world through a scintillating showcase of skills coupled with his determination to emerge as the best. The 33-year-old has a total of two wins on the Saudi-backed league along with seven DP World Tour wins, and victories in nine PGA Tour events, including five majors. And, the professional was able to shine on the course with the assistance of his caddie, who has been with him through thick and thin.

Even as the five-time major championship winner went through a lean patch for the last few years before his 2023 PGA Championship win because of a severe knee injury, he has been ably supported by his looper. Let us take a look at the history behind the champion caddie, who also made headlines at the 2023 Masters!

Meet Brooks Koepka’s caddie, Ricky Elliott

Born in Northern Ireland, Ricky Elliott was a budding golfer in his young days. He played at the Royal Portrush as a junior, where he won titles including the Ulster Boys Championship and the Ulster Youth Championship.

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Elliott was able to represent his country at the 1990 European Youths Championship. Following this, his path took him overseas to the halls of the University of Toledo in Ohio, where he attempted to make it big on the mini-tour circuit.

However, destiny had something else in store for the Northern Irishman. A change in circumstances brought him to a caddie’s role, a decision that has reaped rewards ever since. He started out by carrying the bags of Dutchman Maarten Lafeber and 2003 Open Championship winner Ben Curtis.

The caddie’s partnership with Koepka began in 2013, a year after the golfer turned pro. The two have shared some memorable moments together, winning a total of five major championships during the course of a decade.

Respect galore between Koepka and Elliott

The duo has seen their fair share of ups and downs during their time together. Despite winning five major championships, Koepka’s slump in the last few years before his fifth win left many pondering whether crucial changes were necessary for his team.

Yet, the LIV golfer had remained adamant about his trust in Elliott. “I wouldn’t want anybody else on my bag, I know that. He’s been tremendous. He’s part of the reason why I’ve had the success I’ve had. And I love the guy to death,” he once said about his caddie.

Likewise, the looper has been appreciative of the LIV Golfer whenever given a chance to speak about his employer. “He’s just a real strong mental guy, he’s unflappable,” he claimed. The caddie has also revealed that Koepka’s extraordinary calmness during lean patches makes his job easier.

“When he hits a bad shot, he never gives me any grief. He gets on with it,” he once said. “Which is unusual for a good athlete or player. He takes a huge responsibility in what he’s doing out there. Makes my job very easy.”

Surprisingly, Elliott’s name made the headlines during the 2023 Masters after he was accused of helping out a fellow golfer. The incident occurred during Koepka’s shot on the 15th hole (Firethorn) when the bagman appeared to say the word ‘five’ to a playing partner.

The news did the rounds in the golf community before the Masters released a statement clearing the golfer’s looper of any misdeed. The announcement mentioned that “all involved were adamant that no advice was given or requested”, and that there was “no breach of the rules”.

The duo will look to stay strong in the coming future as the LIV Golfer aims to keep his name among the crème de la crème of the golfing world.