Teen gets to caddie at Pebble Beach

FORGET TIGER WOODS, we've found a new guy to root for in the U.S. Open.

His name is Russell Henley, an affable amateur from the University of Georgia, who yesterday gave a young teenager the thrill of a lifetime.

It all started Sunday when 13-year-old Jeffrey Aronson was at Pebble Beach (Calif.) Golf Course with his mom watching golfers hone their putting skills in preparation for this week's U.S. Open.

That's when the 21-year-old Henley came over and asked Aronson if he would like to caddie for him during yesterday's practice round. Henley needed someone to fill in for his brother Adam - his regular caddie - who didn't arrive in Pebble Beach until last night.

Aronson quickly agreed to the gig.

"It's a great way to kick off the summer," Aronson told the Associated Press. "I'll do whatever he needs, get range balls and carry his bags. It's perfect."

Yesterday, Aronson chewed the fat with Davis Love III at the driving range before joining Henley on the course. That in itself was a sight to see as Henley's bag was almost as big as Aronson.

"I just figured I would grab somebody to carry my bag like my brother does," Henley said. "Why not? I saw him at the putting green. If I was 13 again and at the U.S. Open, it would be a good opportunity to get on the course. I'll just tell him to carry my bag, keep up, hang out and enjoy the scenery."

We hope Henley does well in the tournament. But, not matter where he finishes, he's already a winner in our eyes.

North Korea? Can't get there from here

 

What's in a name? Apparently plenty if you're North Korea's soccer coach . . . uh sorry . . . we meant to say the coach of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Yesterday, a South Korean reporter covering the World Cup referred to "North Korea" in a question to coach Jim Jong Hun.

"There's such no country called 'North Korea,' " he barked. "Next question."

And you thought Andy Reid was testy.

- Tom Mahon

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