There’s something about having a pet that can bring a unique kind of comfort—maybe no human can quite match it. Okay, that might sound like a bit of an exaggeration, but if you’ve got a furry friend at home, you know the feeling. PGA Tour golfer Austin Eckroat totally gets it.

After his win at the 2024 WWT Championship, Eckroat reflected, saying, “I think it kind of validates the season that I had, just a great way to cap off and end the year.” His wife Sally was right there to celebrate the moment, but they weren’t alone. Just after his winning shot, Sally FaceTimed their cat, Hogan, to bring him in on the celebration. Yes, Eckroat is a big-time cat person, and as Sally puts it, “That’s his baby.” Sally revealed that the golfer is pretty much “obsessed” with the cat as Hogan is “his kid.”

The win at Tiger Woods-designed El Cardonal at Diamante was Eckroat’s second PGA Tour title of the year, with a 9-under 63 to edge out Justin Lower and Carson Young by one stroke. His performance included a crucial birdie on the 17th, giving him a comfortable lead as he played the final hole.

Pets really do become part of every joy and sorrow, don’t they? And Eckroat showed that by including Hogan in his victory celebration. But Eckroat isn’t the only person who loves cats in the golf fraternity as Lexi Thompson is also a cat lover. Yes, you read that right.

While fans know her for her love of her dog, Leo, she is also a cat mother. Previously, during an interview with Golf Punk, Thompson revealed that she is a proud “crazy cat lady,” owning four cats. Among them are two brothers that she rescued in April of 2017. Thompson thinks of Leo as her support system, who is there for her constantly.

Eckroat and Thompson aren’t the only two golfers from the golf industry who get this ‘extra love’ from these furry members. There are many more.

The golf fraternity loves its pets

For some of the biggest names in golf, life on and off the course wouldn’t be complete without a beloved pet by their side. Nelly Korda, the LPGA Tour star, is a proud cat mama to her cat friend, Rafi. While she’s clearly smitten with her own pet, her affection for animals isn’t exclusive to cats; she often spends time with her sister Jessica’s dog, Charlie. Rafi has been part of Korda’s life for over five years, making frequent appearances on her social media. Jessica has a Goldendoodle who even stars on her custom golf towels. Charlie’s practically a constant on Jessica’s Instagram, too!

Then there’s Tiger Woods, who shares his home with three dogs that he and his kids, Charlie and Samantha, absolutely adore. Brooks Koepka and his wife Jena Sims have also embraced pet parenthood with Cove, a six-year-old black labrador who has become a big sister to their son, Crew.

And of course, we can’t forget Paige Spiranac, who found her soulmate in Nico, her rescue dog. Recalling the day she met him, Spiranac said it was love at first sight when Nico gave her a lick on the cheek. After some convincing, her parents agreed to the adoption, and since then, Nico has been her constant companion, joining her on and off the course.

For these golfers, pets aren’t just animals—they are a huge part of their life and family! Do you have any pets at home who you absolutely adore? Let us know in the comments!