Lowell’s Dean Emerson caddies for PGA Tour runner-up

Dean Emerson rides a golf-sized shotgun.

The Lowell resident and Mt. Pleasant Golf Club member enjoyed a spectacular weekend caddying for Davis Thompson as the PGA Tour rolled into La Quinta, California for the American Express tournament that concluded last Sunday.

Thompson, a freshman, finished second, just one shot behind Jon Rahm, the world’s top golfer, and won $872,000 in prize money.

Emerson was thrilled to be able to help.

“It was exciting,” Emerson said. “It was a great experience to be in the last group on Sunday. Davis is a wonderful kid from a great family.”

Emerson has worked with Thompson for about a year and a half, beginning in fall 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 and has built an impressive resume along the way.

“I was fortunate to caddy for Doc Redman when he won the US Amateur in 2017,” Emerson said. “That was my second event as a caddy, but that was my highest result at the PGA level.”

A multi-athlete, Emerson attended Merrimack High School, where he earned 10 graduate degrees in football, baseball and basketball. A native of Lowell, he went on to play football in Plymouth State but did not start playing golf until after he graduated.

After his run with Redman, Emerson continued to earn his keep on the greens by caddying for Andover native Rob Oppenheim for the next two years, including a memorable hike at the Korn Ferry Playoffs in 2019.

“Rob earned his card and offered me a job on the PGA Tour,” Emerson said. “I learned a lot from him and am forever grateful for the opportunity he gave me.”

Back home on Mt. Pleasant, a legion of friends and family watched as he rose through the ranks.

“It’s amazing,” said Jim Moriarty, who has been with Mt. Pleasant for over 60 years and currently serves as Green’s Board Member and Chairman. “It’s just so interesting to see someone who’s in there, on the ropes, seeing what’s really going on. As hard as we know the game, Dean really sees it. His guy got a chance to pick up a million dollar check, had the best tournament of his life and Dean obviously kept him quiet playing with Jon Rahm.”

Despite notable national successes, Emerson has maintained its strong local roots. Moriarty last met him at the US Open at The Country Club in Brookline, clutching some Lowell-based booty for some of his friends.

“He had a Mickey Ward hat and a t-shirt,” Moriarty recalled. “He gave the hat to a guy who was playing the PGA Open and the shirt to his caddy, both Mickey Ward fans. He just made so many friends on tour. I think it started 8-10 years ago as a caddy for some friends. Everyone from Robby Oppenheim to Doc Redmen. He managed to do that, working back here and leading a pretty good game of golf himself.”

According to Moriarty, Emerson is still a key cog in the Bay State golf community and helps host an annual tournament at Long Meadow.

“Dean is just a great guy,” Moriarty said. “His father, Danny, is an amazing member of Mt. Pleasant and has been there for 100 years. Dean did a really good job and never forgot where he came from. He’s just a normal guy who likes to share and is very generous.”

When it comes to his role as caddy, Emerson is always there to lend a hand when needed.

“I only read green when asked what I see of Davis,” Emerson said. “If Davis rolls it well, he really doesn’t need me to help him read putts.”

Going forward, Emerson’s schedule remains fully booked. He and Thompson are at Torrey Pines in San Diego preparing for the Farmers Insurance Open this week. From there it’s off to the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am on the Monterey Peninsula.

“The season has just started 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 share in all his achievements.”