In Columbus, Ohio, golf pro Max Homa drew significant attention at a U.S. Open qualifier primarily due to a unique sight—he was the only player carrying his own bag throughout the tournament. His decision to do so sparked curiosity, especially given the prominence of PGA Tour participants at the event. However, Homa remained tight-lipped about why he was without a caddie, despite social media buzz.
The focus of attention was partly due to the fact that Homa and his caddie over the past two months, Bill Harke, have parted ways. According to an undisclosed source close to the situation, Harke is reportedly no longer in his role, though specifics of the departure were left for Homa to explain. Homa himself chose to direct the conversation back to the sport. “I’m much rather talk about the golf instead of all the questions about the caddie,” he stated, emphasizing, “I’m good. Just hoofed it 36.”
Reflecting on his golf game, Homa admitted, “It’s going to probably be heartbreaking, but it’s all right.” The last time he carried his own bag for 36 holes was some time ago, and it left him quite fatigued. The entire endeavor extended to 38 holes when a three-putt for par at the 36th hole led to a playoff with four other golfers for the final U.S. Open qualifying spot. Cameron Young secured the spot with a birdie, and Homa subsequently lost a playoff for an alternate position.
During this round of questioning, Homa dropped a hint concerning his split with Harke, saying, “It seems to be better than when someone is standing next to me for some reason.” He found the solitary nature of carrying his own bag somewhat liberating. “Maybe I just looked at it as a nice, peaceful walk,” he mused, considering perhaps self-reliance brought out a stronger focus. “There’s no one … everything is me. The battle helped that a little bit.”
At Kinsale, where six spots for the U.S. Open at Oakmont next week were offered, Homa found himself on the brink for much of the day. Competing on unfamiliar territory, he encountered a setback with a double bogey on his ninth hole following a chip that was left in the rough. Yet, he bounced back with two birdies in succession.
Approaching what seemed to be a safe finish, Homa’s second shot landed 25 feet from the hole on his final par-5 ninth hole. However, a misjudged uphill putt circled back, resulting in a three-putt for par and a finish at 5-under 139. Once No. 10 in the world rankings just last year, Homa’s journey has seen him change equipment and coaches, and now, operating without a caddie.
“I never felt tired because I was around the bubble line all day, pushing forward,” Homa explained. Only after completing the final hole did exhaustion begin to set in. Having no partner to confer with translated into Homa adopting a conservative strategy, especially on a course less familiar to him.
Pressed again about his caddie decision, Homa noted with a whisper, “I wanted to carry for 36 holes. Everyone is going to ask me that.” While his chance to play in the U.S. Open is not entirely dashed, it is contingent on his performance at the upcoming Canadian Open, requiring a top 60 qualification, possibly through victory.
Overall, Max Homa’s display at the qualifier stands as a narrative of resilience and individuality, amid changes in his professional support system.