Caddy Takes LIV Golf Houston to Watch 80th Anniversary of D-Day

Paul Casey is firmly in contention for a first LIV Golf victory at his Houston event and was tied for the lead at 10 under heading into the third round.

However, he stepped into the role not with his usual caddy, veteran John McLaren, on the bag, but with his wife Pollyanna Woodward at his side.

That’s because McLaren instead chose to travel to France to pay tribute to him on the 80th anniversary of the landing. Casey spoke to the media after his second round at five under left him tied with Adrian Meronk, Carlos Ortiz and David Puig at the top of the leaderboard at The Golf Club of Houston.

First, he explained that a victory this week would be his first with his wife by his side. “I’ve never won with Polly on the bag,” he revealed. “Polly has only been on the bag once before. It was in Saudi Arabia. We finished fifth, I think, at the Saudi Invitational.

Paul Casey and Pollyanna Woodward pose for a photo at the 2018 Ryder Cup

Paul Casey’s wife Pollyanna had only been his caddy once before LIV Golf Houston

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Casey then explained why McLaren’s trip to France is so important for his usual bagman. “Johnny is nice,” he explained. “We know Johnny has health problems, but Johnny had planned many, many months ago to go to France to pay his respects on the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, so he sent me some great photos.

“He went there wearing his McLaren kilt and tartan. He’s very, very proud to be British, so I think it’s amazing to pay tribute to these commemorations. It’s quite a thing.

John McLaren at LIV Golf Mayakoba

Casey says John McLaren is ‘very proud to be British’

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Casey also said he was proud of McLaren’s decision to take time away from his usual duties to attend. “We’re very lucky to do what we do,” he said. “We are very lucky to live in the countries where we live.

“This year he wanted to come down, it may be one of the last times that those who fought and were on these beaches are still alive, because it’s been 80 years. This couldn’t be cooler. I’m proud that he went, and he’s happy that he went.

The Englishman also referenced another day of remembrance and explained how a particular phrase from one of the speeches inspired him – and that he will keep it in mind during class this week.

Paul Casey at LIV Golf Adelaide

Paul Casey was in contention for a first LIV Golf title in Houston

(Image credit: Getty Images)

He said: “We play golf for a living, and there are much more serious things than what we do, and I thought what was a great moment at ANZAC – what would you call it -you, not a celebration, but on ANZAC Day, there were some speeches given, and there’s a line that stuck with me, and I don’t know the exact words, but it’s something something like this: you have to live a full life, and this is the best way to pay tribute to those who have considered their lives.

“So that’s what we’re doing here right now. I will play hard tomorrow because why not? This is also what Johnny would want. I’m trying to get Johnny to win, who’s not here.

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