British Open 2019: J.B. Holmes is traveling without a key member of his entourage this week: his dog

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland — After firing rounds of 66-68, J.B. Holmes is enjoying the view from the top of the Open Championship leaderboard. But as pleased as he is with his play over the past two days at Royal Portrush, Holmes revealed in his post-round press conference that he’s missing a key member of his regular entourage this week: his miniature Goldendoodle, Ace, who accompanies Holmes and his family throughout his travels on the PGA Tour. Holmes estimates Ace has been on “hundreds” of planes.

“He’s like a family member,” Holmes said of his furry companion. “It’s nice to have him around. He sleeps with us in the bed and he’s part of the family.”

Though Holmes’ wife is with him this week, Ace and the Holmes’ 18-month-old son stayed behind in the States.

“Usually coming over to a different country you’ve got to — dogs get in quarantine, sometimes the animals,” Holmes said. “They just changed that rule. There’s a lot of extra paperwork to go overseas. My wife usually handles all that and she’s been busy with an 18-month-old. So we didn’t have the time.”

Though Ace isn’t physically present, Holmes makes sure to let him hear his voice during FaceTime chats with his son, who is never far from his furry friend.

“You know, I miss my son and I miss the dog,” Holmes said. “They travel with us. And like I said, we miss them when we’re here. But we’re here for a few more days and then we get to go back and see him.”

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