Dean Emerson is riding shotgun with golf greatness.
The Lowell resident enjoyed a spectacular weekend caddying for Davis Thompson, as the PGA Tour rolled into La Quinta, Calif., for the American Express Tournament which ended last Sunday.
A rookie, Thompson finished in second, just one shot behind Jon Rahm, the world’s top golfer, earning a purse of $872,000.
Emerson was thrilled to lend a hand.
“It was exhilarating,” said Emerson. “It was a great experience being in the last group on Sunday. Davis is a wonderful kid that comes from a great family.”
Emerson has been working with Thompson for about a year and a half, starting in the fall of 2021. A rookie on the PGA Tour, Thompson earned his card by finishing 14th on the Korn Ferry Tour last year.
Emerson started caddying in 2019, building an impressive resume along the way.
“I was fortunate enough to be caddying for Doc Redman when he won the US Amateur in 2017,” said Emerson. “That was my second event ever caddying, but this was my highest finish at the PGA level.”
A multisport athlete, Emerson attended Merrimack High School, where he earned 10 varsity letters in football, baseball and basketball. The Lowell native went on to play football at Plymouth State, but didn’t start playing golf until after he graduated. Most recently a member of at Vesper Country Club, Emerson’s father and uncle have also been regulars at Mt. Pleasant.
Following his run with Redman, Emerson continued to earn his keep on the greens by caddying for Andover native Rob Oppenheim the next two years, including a memorable trek at the Korn Ferry playoffs in 2019.
“Rob earned his card and offered me a job on the PGA Tour,” said Emerson. “I learned a ton from him and am forever grateful for the opportunity he gave me.”
Back home at Mt. Pleasant, a legion of friends and family have watched his rise up the ranks.
“It’s amazing,” said Jim Moriarty, who has been with Mt. Pleasant for over 60 years, currently serving as board member and green’s chairman. “It’s just so interesting to see somebody that’s in there, inside the ropes and sees what’s really going on. As tough as we know the game is, Dean really gets to see it. His guy had an opportunity to pick up a check for a million dollars, had the best tournament of his life, and Dean obviously kept him calm playing with Jon Rahm.”
Despite striking national success, Emerson has maintained his strong local roots. Moriarty last bumped into him at the U.S. Open at The Country Club in Brookline, clutching some Lowell-based swag for a few of his friends.
“He had a Micky Ward hat and T-shirt,” Moriarty recalled. “He gave the hat to a guy playing in the PGA Open and the T-shirt to his caddy, both fans of Mickey Ward. He’s just made so many friends on the tour. I think it started 8-10 years ago, caddying for a couple of friends. Everybody from Robby Oppenheim to Doc Redmen. He’s been able to do that, work back here and keep up a pretty good golf game himself.”
According to Moriarty, Emerson is still a key cog in the Bay State golf community, helping run an annual tournament at Long Meadow.
“Dean’s just a great guy,” said Moriarty. “His father, Danny, is a super member of Mt. Pleasant and has been there for 100 years. Dean’s done real well and never forgot where he’s from. He’s just a regular guy, happy to share and very generous.”
When it comes to his role as caddy, Emerson is always there to lend a helping hand, if needed.
“I only read greens when I am asked what I see from Davis,” said Emerson. “If Davis is rolling it well, he really won’t need me to help him read any putts.”
As for the future, Emerson’s schedule remains booked. He and Thompson are out at Torrey Pines in San Diego, preparing for the Farmers Insurance Open this week. From there they’ll head to the Monterey Peninsula for the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am.
“The season is just underway, and we have many more events this year,” said Emerson. “I’m optimistic that Davis will continue to play well this season and beyond. I hope I’m there to be a part of all his successes.”
