A story  you don't know about the US Open Golf Championship


This past weekend Wyndham Clark won the US Open golf Championship, with this first time Major winner holding off some of the best players in the world. But as with any journey, there is an amazing story of the influence we need and get from others, and the six degrees of separation that binds us all more than we think. 

Let me introduce you to my nephew Pat Dooley, the son of my brother Steve. Pat was a superb high school golfer who passed away on Feb 5 2008 after a brief illness just short of bis 17th birthday, but not before he had incredible impact on everyone who met him, including John Ellis.

In 2007 Pat volunteered to caddie at a tournament in Victoria BC and hooked up with John Ellis. Ellis was a member of the Canadian Golf Tour and was eventually named Player of the Year in 2008. John and Pat really hit it off and Pat caddied for John at a pro event at his home course of Hazlemere. He was planning to caddie for John whenever he could in Surrey, BC, or Victoria where he could stay with his grandparents or even Calgary, where he could stay with cousins. Golf was a huge part of Pat's life and his connection to John Ellis meant a lot to both of them. The story gets more poignant by the fact that Steve caddied for John in the summer of 2008, and John felt he had both Pat and Steve on the bag for him.  John's goal was to get his PGA card and even played in the US Open in 2008 and 2011, but never quite made it to the big time as a player. Not the end of his journey.

Now the journey of Wyndham Clark.  A high school golf phenom, like Pat, Clark was a two-time Colorado state champion before he enrolled at Oklahoma State University in 2012. His mother died of cancer in 2013 and Clark was hit hard. He almost gave up golf and struggled for at least two years wondering where his journey would take him. Where the journey took him was a transfer to the University of Oregon, where one John Ellis, an Oregon alum, was now assistant coach. John took Clark under his wing and helped him launch his professional career, becoming his full time caddie in 2016. 

Talk about life's journey; Wyndham Clark lost his mother when he was 19 and last Sunday he was crowned US Open champion at age 29. Imagine the growth and moments of uncertainty in that  decade. He finds a mentor in John Ellis who encouraged Wyndham to win big, and he wins big with his mentor and ally John Ellis by his side.

Talk about life's journey; John Ellis was impacted by the good nature and commitment to improvement shown by teenager Pat Dooley and now impacts others, including US Open champions.

In a book written about Pat, "Take Pat With You," John Ellis writes:

"Pat really did inspire me to take my game to another level. Pat's smile and aura, his dedication to golf and joy for life will remain with me for the rest of my life. He was such an inspiration to me, and I think a lot of people can say that. He's going to be with us for a long time."

John's journey, although deemed by many as falling short of his PGA dreams, has found him back on top of the golf world as a coach, mentor, and caddie. Wyndham Clark has fought through the demons in his life and is now literally on top of the golfing world. In true fashion of a hero on a journey, Pat's influence on John Ellis impacted his career and indirectly has allowed John to impact the journey of Wyndham Clark. 

I'm also happy that Steve and all those who loved Pat have, in John Ellis, a direct link to the memories  Pat's beautiful nature. Truly a hero's journey. 


The 2023 US Open Champion Wyndham Clark and his caddy John Ellis.






Copies of A Hero's Journey: Beyond Little Norway and Olympia Sports Camp are available at The Different Drummer BookStore on Locust ST in Burlington. Or if you live in the Hamilton/ Halton area etransfer $30 with your address and I'll deliver it to your door.

Online copies are at aherosjourney.ca

Audiobook version is available at Audible, Amazon, or iTunes

If anyone wants to host a9 Tour of Olympia party, email me at coachdools71@gmail.com and let's connect

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