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How amateur golfers choose their pro in the Dick's Open Pro-Am
ENDICOTT, N.Y. — Sixty seconds on the clock and a dozen names are on the board — pick just one. In between trays of frozen Miami Vices, smoked old fashions and lobster-roll sliders displayed on the 1st tee in En-Joie Golf Club sat orange and black hightop tables with numbers ranging from one to 50. Tuesday night, clusters of men gathered in groups around each table, hunched over their bourbon s'mores pudding cups and half-finished drinks as they scrolled through their phones and a yellow and green paper. Advertisement They have to pick one name that's left on the board. But who? Do they go with Derek Sanders or Boo Weekley? John Daly was an option moments ago, but one of the groups ahead already nabbed the two-time major champion and all-around folk hero for Wednesday. Time's ticking down. Only a handful of seconds left before the buzzer. It's all fun and games for everyone playing. The Dick's Open Pro-Am rounds are how amateur golfers get their chances to interact with the professionals and help donate to charity. More: What to know for the PGA Tour Champions Dick's Open For some golfers, this particular Pro-Am is a yearly event. As soon as the tournament dates are announced, they're booking flights, hotels and lining up tickets. They try to pick a new pro golfer to play with every year. Boo Weekley of the United States plays his shot on the third hole during the first round of the Chubb Classic 2025 at Tiburon Golf Club on February 14, 2025 in Naples, Florida. For others, this is a once-in-a-lifetime day. It's their chance to potentially play with a favorite golfer, maybe even pick up some new tips on their swing. Advertisement But while it is all fun and games, the draw party is serious business. 'We were Googling as soon as they handed these out to us just to figure out who we had as our big names,' one amateur golfer, Kevin Dutkowsky, said while gesturing to his green paper littered with pencil markings. 'As the names were picked, we obviously had to go down our list, but they're all so accomplished that it's pretty easy to find someone every year.' Dutkowsky said the Dick's Open has become a reunion for his extended family. He flies in from Tampa Bay to Endicott, which is where he grew up. Dutkowsky is playing in the Pro-Am on both days, teeing off alongside Soren Kjeldsen on Wednesday and Neal Lancaster on Thursday. Advertisement While some people like the Dutkowskys may have relied on some Googling and a bit of personal experience for their selection strategy, other golfers were looking for someone with personality on the course — or even off the course, too. One group, led by Bradley Cook, went as far to use AI to make a decision for who would be the best professional with which to spend 18 holes. Soren Kjeldsen of Denmark tees off at the Genesis Championship 2024 at Jack Nicklaus GC Korea. (Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images) 'By about the 20th slot, we took a picture of what was left on the board, sent it through ChatGPT with certain criteria,' Cook said, 'which required an engaging professional who has won two PGA events, enjoys giving basic swing and other analysis and would be most likely to have a beer at the bar with us afterwards.' Advertisement This is Cook's fourth year participating in the Pro-Am, and he brought along his wife and kids to enjoy the experience as well. 'It's amazing, it's a generational experience for us,' Cook said. 'It started with my grandfather and now our kids, and hopefully the kids get to play in it in a few years.' Cook ended up selecting Australian golfer John Senden for a Wednesday afternoon tee time. John Senden putts toward the second hole during the first round of the Kaulig Companies Championship at Firestone Country Club on Thursday in Akron. (Photo: Jeff Lange/Akron Beacon Journal) Cook's friend, TJ Carden, played in a separate party for his first-ever Pro-Am. He worked as a caddy for his grandfather, who played at the golf course, and got a chance to play with a pro through his company, United Health Services (UHS). Advertisement Carden's colleagues were the ones to pick his golfing pro, John Rollins. They did most of the research ahead of time and came in with a list of names to select. To Carden, this experience is as close to a dream as it gets. He's known the sport his entire life, and though he claims he doesn't have the best swing around, just watching Rollins up close up counts as something Carden won't forget. 'This Pro-Am, the Dick's Open, is absolutely a bucket list item for me,' he said. 'I'm just going to soak in the whole thing.' So with their finished glasses in hand and the knowledge of who their golfing partner will be for the day, the groups slowly marched toward the exit. The next time they'll be here, they'll be living and breathing the experience of their makeshift strategies becoming a reality. Advertisement Whether they implemented the potential tips from their pros or end up sharing a meal with them after, well, that will be determined on the course. This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: How amateur golfers choose their pro in the Dick's Open Pro-Am
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What to know for the PGA Tour Champions Dick's Open
ENDICOTT, N.Y. — With the countdown to the Dick's Open in full swing, it's time to take a dive into what this year's event will bring. With Maroon 5 headlining Friday night's opening round and a family night firework show set for Saturday, the Dick's Open will be packed with more than just Hall of Fame-quality golf. Advertisement Here's a look into what to expect heading into the tournament at En-Joie Golf Course. Event Schedule The Dick's Open is set in two parts: The Pro-Am and the weekend tournament. The Pro-Am is a two-day, double shotgun style tournament on July 9 and 10. For new golf fans, a Pro-Am is an event that lets amateur golfers play alongside the professionals and some celebrities. It's a common event in the PGA world, and in some cases, the pros will take part in the event for charity purposes. Padrig Harrington tees of on 16 and finished at minus-4 for the day to win his third straight Dick's Sporting Goods Open championship, June 23, 2024. The draw party for this year's Pro-Am is scheduled for Tuesday at 5:30. The pairings for the tournament will be made then, with the first round in set for Wednesday morning at 8 a.m. Advertisement The public are able to attend both rounds of the Pro-Am. The Dick's Open website says that autographs with the professionals and other guests are allowed, but at the professionals' discretion. Then comes Friday, when the first round of the PGA Tour Champions Dick's Open begins. Gates open at 8 a.m., and golfers participating will play the entire course ahead of the evening concert. Maroon 5 is scheduled to take the stage on the 18th Green around 9 p.m. Maroon 5 will perform in Endicott Friday night as part of the Dick's Open festivities. Saturday's second round is free to the public, and everything will be a first come, first serve basis. The tournament gates will also open at 8 a.m. Following the conclusion of the second round, there will be an outdoor movie night for families, with Disney's 'Lilo and Stitch' and a firework show. The movie night is also free for all attendees. Advertisement Sunday's championship round will be a ticketed event, and a sunrise yoga session will take place prior to the gates opening. Tickets for the sunrise yoga are available on the Dick's Open website. The new Dick's Open champion will be crowned on the 18th Green. Tickets Single-day tickets for the entire tournament are available on Ticketmaster. Saturday's second round is free to the public. Action from round 1 of the Dick's Sporting Goods Open at En-Joie golf course According to the tournament's website, re-entry will only be allowed on Friday between the end of the tournament and the Maroon 5 concert. Patrons are expected to retrieve a wrist band at the front entrance in order to re-enter the golf course for the concert that evening. Advertisement Those looking for more upscale experiences throughout the tournament can find multi-tiered options on the tournament's website. VIP tickets are only available for purchase by calling the tournament's office. General admission tickets can be purchased day-of, but not in person. Fan Experience Patrons attending the tournament are expected to follow all standard PGA Tour policies. This includes a clear bag policy, dress code and mobile device policies. The tournament's website says that phones may be used for photos and videos throughout the tournament, but no flash photography. There are designated places for patrons to take phone calls throughout the course, and phones must be on silent at all times. Advertisement There will be daily spectator guides available upon arrival to the course everyday. These guides will include daily pairings and tee times. Concession stands are available throughout the course, including along the 4th and 9th tee and the 17th green. The main concourse and the 1st Fairway will also have refreshments available for general admission. All concession stands will take cash and card for payment. John Daly putts during the final round of the Dick's Sporting Goods Open on June 23, 2024 at En-Joie Golf Course in Endicott, NY. Accessibility The tournament's website states that guests should be prepared to walk the course throughout the day, and to bring sunscreen, sunglasses and umbrellas with them onto the course. In the event of inclement weather, the tournament will post updates on its social media accounts, as well as make announcements on the course. Suspension of play will not always mean the remainder of the day is cancelled — cancellations will be made as its own announcement. Advertisement Official pairings for the first round of the tournament will be announced later this week. This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: What to know for the PGA Tour Champions Dick's Open
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Professional golfers get in final preparations before PGA Tour Champions Dick's Open
ENDICOTT — The Dick's Open is circled on calendars by golfers and golf fans near and far every year. The PGA Tour Champions has made a stop in Endicott nearly every summer since changing from the BC Open. In fact, most golfers participating in the Dick's Open played at En-Joie Golf Club when it was the traditional PGA Tour stop. Advertisement 'I remember everything about that year,' Willie Wood, who won the Dick's Open in 2012, said. But it's not just the memories of winning the Open that makes this particular tournament so special to these golfers. Going to the 2025 Dick's Open Maroon 5? What to know before you go It's the giant 'Welcome Champions' sign displayed on the deck of a house overlooking the 11th tee. It's the hundreds of people coming to the Pro-Am, either to watch or to play a round of golf. It's the gaggle of fans watching the pros at the practice tee, hoping to say hello once the golfers wrap up. It's the familiar feeling, a safe space, that has layers of nostalgia intertwined in every blade of grass. Jerry Kelly smiles on on the sixth hole during the third and final round of the Constellation Furyk & Friends PGA Tour Champions golf tournament Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023 at Timuquana Country Club in Jacksonville, Fla. Brett Quigley won at 11 under par, one stroke over Steven Alker. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] 'Very similar to the Greater Milwaukee open back in the day, when I was able to play in my home state,' Jerry Kelly said. 'So I love the neighborhood feel, of course, it feels like home.' Advertisement For the first time since 2021, there will be a new Dick's Open champion, too. Padraig Harrington, who's won the last three-straight years, is participating in the Genesis Scottish Open this weekend and won't defend his trophy for a fourth year. That leaves Cameron Beckman and Doug Barron as the two most recent winners competing. The idea of a new champion being named on the 18th Green adds just a touch of excitement that hasn't been here in the last few years. 'Play is pretty good here every year,' Barron said. 'So I'm just really looking forward to Friday.' Then of course, the familiarity of the course is a major advantage for the pros. Players like Barron, who've seen the course during his PGA Tour days and now, can remember how the course has changed over time. Lot V at the 2025 Dick's Sporting Goods Open at the 2025 Dick's Sporting Goods Open 'It's really fun to play the exact same golf course,' Kelly said. 'Not a whole lot has changed. Trees have gotten a little bit bigger, but we like that.' Advertisement Kelly also played in the BC Open while he was a part of the PGA Tour. It's been a long time since he's played this particular course, and even then, he admitted he only played the front nine during the practice rounds. His first time experiencing the back nine ahead of the first round was during the Pro-Am, playing alongside amateur golfers. 'I haven't played the backside yet for a really long time, so I'll have to get my driving lines,' Kelly said. 'But after that, it's all golf.' The pros get one final go-around on the course with the Pro-Am, but it's very rarely seen as practice. The golfers are trying to focus more on the amateurs who've come to play and their families. Advertisement Yes, there's the element of seeing the course one more time. Playing all 18 holes, even at a slower pace. But it's the fun, casual kind of golfing – without the constant checking of the leaderboard or the intense competition with other golf legends. Doug Barron tees off on 1 to start the final round of The Galleri Classic at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, Calif., Sunday, March 30, 2025. The part of the preparation that requires the least bit of thinking, but allows the golfers to just be there. Be in the moment, and take a moment to enjoy the sport before the tournament begins Friday morning. 'During the Pro Am, it's not about me, it's about the people that you play with,' Barron said. 'So you just have to figure out their personalities and what works for them and to make sure they have a great day.' Advertisement These golfers have played this sport their entire life, and at their age are relishing the ability to still play. Their to-do list before every tournament rarely changes, but at least when they arrive in Endicott, they know there's a homecoming feeling waiting for them. 'It's kind of a hometown feel, and people really come out, the community really supports it well, and that's kind of nice to see,' Wood said. 'It's kind of throwback, if you will. It's really a great, great group of people to come out and watch and support and see every year after year after year.' This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Pro golfers get in final work before PGA Tour Champions Dick's Open
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Derek Sanders is making his PGA Tour Champions Dick's Open debut after years as a caddy
ENDICOTT — Imagine a dream weekend playing golf. Who are you playing with? Do you have a caddy? Which golf course are you playing at? What's your tee time? The answers probably come to mind instantly, but it stays a dream — just a picturesque world created by an impossibly fictional scenario. Advertisement Derek Sanders' dream was to always play in three major events: A PGA Tour qualifying event, the PGA Tour and a PGA Tour Champions tournament. He'd accomplished the first two, and the final felt like that distant pipe dream. Until last week, when he got the phone call from Dick's Open Tournament Director John Karedes while brushing his teeth to get ready to attend a wedding. More: Lupo's spiedies, wings and John Daly cocktails: Your Dick's Open food and drink guide 'I still wake up every morning thinking it's a dream,' Sanders said. 'But it's getting really close to tee time.' Sanders knows everything imaginable about the En-Joie Golf Club. He knows how the ball rolls down the fairways, which greens are harder than others and where to lay off if he can't get to a par five. Advertisement He's been around the course for years as a caddy. And for the first time in his career, he's teeing off at the Dick's Open in his first PGA Tour Champions tournament. 'It's overwhelming,' Sanders said. 'Being a caddy for 12, 15 years out here, and then John (Karedes) giving me the spot to come play with these guys is a dream. I mean, you can't make this up.' John Karedes, Dick's Sporting Goods Open tournament directors, addresses media members April 15, 2021 at En-Joie Golf Course. Sanders had only had mere days to prepare for the tournament. He played in the Pro-Am with the other professionals, partook in the two practice days beforehand. But he took a 7:15 a.m. flight to New York the morning after the wedding he attended — which was last Saturday night. Advertisement He didn't even get a chance to bring his family or friends along with him. Instead, he'll have his caddie, Mike 'Fluff' Cowan. Yes, that's the same Fluff who was Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk's caddie, who's been caddying for nearly 50 years. 'Then I've got Fluff on the bag, the Hall of Fame caddie,' Sanders said. 'It's a good week, it's just amazing.' Sanders will have one other familiar face, though he'll also be playing in the Dick's Open. Jason Caron, who Sanders worked with as a caddie during the U.S. Senior Open just two weeks ago. Aug 16, 2019; Medinah, IL, USA; Caddie Mike "Fluff" Cowan waits on the 1st tee during the second round of the BMW Championship golf tournament at Medinah Country Club - No. 3. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports Caron said the two of them have a lot in common, which helped him trust Sanders so quickly. He's encouraged Sanders to soak up the experience at the Dick's Open, and to use his knowledge of golf as a caddie to his own advantage throughout the tournament. Advertisement 'He loves the game of golf and he does a great job,' Caron said. 'I mean, you can't really ask for anything more than that.' With the dream opportunity in front of him, Sanders said he's turning his focus toward playing well. He's been given numerous tips and pieces of advice from other golfers, including Caron, but it's been pretty cliché. Jason Caron plays a tee shot on the second hole during the first round of the 2024 Charles Schwab Cup Championship at Phoenix Country Club. () 'You're gonna want to downplay it because he wants to perform well, that's the problem, right?' Caron said. 'The more you downplay like you're playing with your buddies, he can go make five, six, seven birdies around and shoot decent scores and finish up there. You never know, right? So I just want him to go and have a good time, and hopefully, he'll enjoy the experience.' Advertisement Play like you're playing with your friends, play your own game and just have fun with the experience. But Sanders is still a competitor, and even if this is his first PGA Tour Champions event, he wants to do well. More: Dick's Open nets $500K from NY: 'It deserves to grow and thrive' He never had nerves as a caddie. Sanders had the up close and personal chance to see golfers win championships and get frustrated having a bad day on the course. Now he wants to make a good impression in his tournament debut. Sanders is almost hyperaware of the pairs of eyes that will fall on him now that he's one of the competitors. He's watched golf fans glue their eyes to the pros, while he's looked on and prepared to offer whatever advice needed after the swing. It elevates the heart rate, but it's not completely unmanageable, he said. Advertisement But then there's the nerves of playing against some of the best golfers in the world. 'If I didn't know any of these guys, and they weren't professionals and they didn't have six major wins like Ernie Els or (Miguel Angel) Jimenez and Jerry Kelly I don't think I'd be that nervous,' Sanders said. 'But now I'm going out and teeing off second, and I'm gonna be a little nervous.' Ernie Els of South Africa sends his ball down the No. 3 fairway during the first round of the 2025 Kaulig Companies Championship at Firestone Country Club, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Akron, Ohio. And although Sanders will claim he's not superstitious, he used to never play with a ball that's marked number two. It's not something he's worried about recently, but did mention when he steps to the tee box Friday morning, he'll double check to avoid that number. Advertisement Then, he'll take his first swing of the tournament, and use the bits of knowledge he's gained watching the pros play to his advantage. And make his dream weekend of playing golf come true. 'I have all this stuff in my book,' Sanders said. 'It's just executing and having some confidence to take the next step.' This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Derek Sanders in first PGA Tour Champions Dick's Open after caddying
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Jason Caron's daughter takes over Dick's Open as social media guest star
ENDICOTT, N.Y. — The focus of the PGA Tour Champions is usually on the golfers, how they perform and where they stand in the rankings. Jason Caron, however, can add what his 12-year-old daughter, Caroline, is doing in the process. Advertisement The 52-year-old golfing pro is sitting in contention for the Dick's Open title all weekend, currently two strokes behind current leader, Steve Allan. But one guest appearance in a content meeting gave her the opportunity to become the social media star for the weekend — and she's soaked in every bit of it. 'I'm very social,' Caroline said. 'I kind of love being on camera, being the star and the main character vibe. And I love talking to people.' Caroline worked alongside the Dick's Open social media team throughout the Pro-Am and first round, walking up to different pros and asking them all sorts of questions. With a mini microphone in hand, she quickly got creative with each interview and started showing off handshakes she has with some of the pros, too. 'It was really fun seeing all the different players,' Caroline said. 'A bunch of times, like, if I go to see someone, and they'll come up and they're like, 'Hi, how Hi. How are you?' I'm just like, 'Good, how about you?' And like, we'll shake hands, we'll do a fist bump.' Advertisement At one point, she even tried to climb a tree to interview her dad. 'I'm usually very goofy, but like, energetic,' Caroline said laughing. 'I saw the tree and I really felt like climbing, so I did … and I just started talking to him.' Caroline Caron, 12 (in tree), interviews her father, PGA Tour Champions golfer Jason Caron, during the second round of the Dick's Open on Saturday, July 12, 2025, in Endicott, New York. More: Gordon Burns relies on wife as Day One caddie for Dick's Open Caroline doesn't have any social media of her own, but she's fascinated with being on camera. She's extroverted, and will talk to anyone who's willing to strike up a conversation. It even reached a point where Caroline's mom, Liz Janangelo Caron, was stopped along the course multiple times with people telling her how fun it is to be around Caroline. Jason Caron tees off at the 2025 Dick's Sporting Goods Open 'That's her personality, too. You know, she's very outgoing, she likes the limelight a little bit, as you can tell,' Caron said. 'I have to thank Dick's again, for letting her get in there and having some fun. It's been great.' Advertisement Caron said he tries to bring Caroline and his other daughter, Julia, to as many golf tournaments as possible, because it helps keep him relaxed on the course. Caroline also plays golf, though in a more casual setting. She's always the first one to take photos and videos of her dad, too. 'We've been treating it as like a family deal,' Caron said. 'There's nothing better than looking over and seeing your kids.' Caroline has made friends with almost everyone on the golf course and people watching from the cart path. When she does eventually get permission to have her own social media accounts, she said she'll probably bring the same energy she had during her Dick's Open takeover. Caroline Caron, 12, points to her dad Jason's name on the scoreboard at the 9th green after he tied current Dick's Open leader, Steve Allan, on Saturday, July 12, 2025. And she'll still enjoy watching her dad, too. Advertisement 'I really just love to see him play,' Caroline said. 'It's so much fun, especially when he does well.' This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Jason Caron's daughter takes over Dick's Open as social media star
