SAN DIEGO — John Wood still carries a yardage book in his 2016 Ryder Cup holder. But after more than 20 years as a caddie for a number of PGA Tour players, including Matt Kuchar, Hunter Mahan, Mark Calcavecchia and Kevin Sutherland, he’s jotting notes to share with a wider audience and holding a microphone instead of a bag this year.
Wood, 51, joined NBC Sports’ golf coverage as an on-course reporter beginning in 2021.
“I’m glad I got out of the caddying gig before you had to start carrying launch monitors. You need a pull cart for it,” he cracked to a couple of his former caddie cronies during a practice round.
Wood will be part of the team of on-course reporters at this week’s 121st U.S. Open at Torrey Pines, where he caddied in 2008 for Hunter Mahan, who finished T-18. With his vast experience as one of golf’s veteran foot soldiers, Wood is proving to be a fast learner as he adjusts to his new gig.
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“One thing that I really never did as a caddy, but now I always do is I figure out where I can stand and actually see the ball and not let them hear me,” he said.
On Tuesday, Wood toured the back nine at Torrey as part of his regular pre-tournament preparation and let Golfweek tag along. Check out how he breaks it down as if still on the bag.
John Wood takes notes on a blue Post-It note in his yardage book ahead of the 121st U.S. Open. Photo by Adam Schupak/Golfweek