Homa U.S. Open Qualifier: Caddie Split & Bag Carry
- COLUMBUS, Ohio — Max Homa found himself shouldering more than just expectations at a U.S. Open qualifier.
- HomaS decision to go without a caddie stemmed from a recent split with Bill Harke, who, according to a source speaking on condition of anonymity, "lost his job."...
- "I'd much rather talk about the golf instead of all the questions about the caddie," Homa said.
Max Homa surprised fans at the U.S. Open qualifier, opting to carry his own bag after a caddie split—a first for the PGA Tour pro in some time. This bold move, following his parting with caddie Bill Harke, saw Homa tackle the challenging Kinsale course solo, revealing the mental adn physical toll of playing without a caddie. Though he missed automatic qualification, Homa reflected on the “nice, peaceful walk” and the adjustment to a more conservative strategy emphasizing a battle of the mind—a shift starkly different from when someone is standing next to me. This article from News Directory 3 examines Homa’s experience, including his take on the split. discover what’s next as Homa faces a potential playoff and the prospect of carrying his bag at Oakmont.
Max Homa Carries Own Bag at U.S. Open Qualifier After Caddie Split
Updated june 03, 2025
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Max Homa found himself shouldering more than just expectations at a U.S. Open qualifier. The PGA Tour player was spotted carrying his own bag, a rare sight among his peers.
HomaS decision to go without a caddie stemmed from a recent split with Bill Harke, who, according to a source speaking on condition of anonymity, “lost his job.” Homa remained tight-lipped about the details.
“I’d much rather talk about the golf instead of all the questions about the caddie,” Homa said. “I’m good.just hoofed it 36.”
The qualifier, held at Kinsale, offered six coveted spots for the U.S. Open at Oakmont. Homa navigated the course, remaining near the cut line for much of the day. A double bogey on his ninth hole of the second round was quickly followed by a bogey,but he rebounded with consecutive birdies.
Despite a strong showing, Homa’s bid for automatic qualification faltered on his final hole, the par-5 ninth. After landing his second shot within 25 feet, his uphill putt lipped out, rolling back six feet. He then three-putted for par, finishing at 5-under 139.
Homa acknowledged the physical toll of carrying his bag for 36 holes.”It’s going to probably be heartbreaking, but it’s all right,” Homa said. “I haven’t carried my bag 36 holes in a while so I’m a little tired.”
When questioned about the caddie situation, Homa offered a glimpse into his mindset: “It seems to be better than when someone is standing next to me for some reason,” he said. “I might need to walk by myself more… Maybe I just looked at it as a nice, peaceful walk. Probably got to battle some demons and have no one to lean on. Maybe that helps a little bit… everything is me. The battle helped that a little bit.”
Homa admitted that the absence of a caddie led him to adopt a more conservative approach. “He said not having anyone to consult over a shot led him to be a little more conservative, not a bad tactic on a course he doesn’t know all too well.”
Despite the challenges, Homa remained focused on the task at hand. He acknowledged the questions surrounding his decision to carry his own bag, stating, “I wanted to carry for 36 holes. Everyone is going to ask me that.”
What’s next
With his U.S. Open hopes hanging in the balance, homa faces a potential playoff. He expressed willingness to continue carrying his bag if it meant securing a spot at Oakmont, marking a important chapter in his journey to the U.S. Open.