‘He was scraping the bottom of the barrel' – Caddie who battled booze and drug addiction now on bag for Ryder Cup hero
A CADDIE who battled booze and drug addiction is now carrying bags for Ryder Cup hero Luke Donald.
Sam Matton, 36, is regarded as a top caddie who once held hopes of becoming a superstar golfer himself.
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He began playing at the age of 12 and eventually spent six years as a professional playing in mini tours across Europe.
Matton packed things in to become a teacher 10 years ago.
But the lure of the green came calling again and he ended up in the world of caddying.
However, Matton left the course two years ago as he battled drinks and drugs.
The ace bravely underwent a self-imposed recovery, telling The Athletic: 'Things were way, way out of control.
'It got worse and worse and worse and finally was so far off track and I had to walk away, take some time off. It was as simple as that.'
Matton's belief and determination, coupled with a new gym and diet regime, helped him take control of his demons.
And now, he is caddying for PGA Championship hopeful Donald, 47, who currently sits joint-third in the rankings after Day One.
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Reflecting on the shock call he received from Donald last summer, Matton said: 'Really, even now, I don't know why. He was scraping the bottom of the barrel.'
On his recovery, Matton added: 'This isn't something I hide from. I'm very open about it.
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'The important thing isn't where you've been, it's where you're going.'
Donald, who led Europe to the 2023 Ryder Cup and has been named captain again for this year's edition. certainly appreciates Matton's honesty.
Donald said yesterday: 'He was extremely honest about everything.
'That was all I needed to hear. Everyone deserves second chances and everyone makes mistakes. Sam seems to have figured it out.
'He's in a much better place, and I'm all for supporting that. I think having him out here is good for him.
'It keeps his mind busy and he's very popular among the caddies. Everyone knows him. This is a healthy space.'
Despite being back on the big stage, Donald's schedule is not full-time enough to become Matton's main job.
So the Swindon-born caddie will next week be working on a job site laying down the foundation for a new build.
He added: 'S**t work but it pays and it makes me appreciate these long walks, that's for sure. I'm not taking a minute for granted.'
On Donald's PGA hopes, Matton noted: 'He's still a long shot but it's not impossible.
'I think he can hang around if he just keeps on keeping on.'
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