ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Jesse Droemer is no stranger to big-time golf, as this week’s PGA Championship is his second PGA Tour start.
The 31-year-old assistant pro at Lakeside Country Club in Houston, Texas, played DI college golf at the University of Houston, and he made his PGA Tour debut at the 2018 Valero Texas Open.
So when he qualified for his first PGA Championship by finishing T11 at the PGA Professional Championship two weeks ago in New Mexico, he knew how he was going to give himself the best possible chance to play well this week.
“I really just wanted a local caddie,” Droemer said after his Wednesday practice round at Oak Hill. “Just course knowledge, kind of knowing everything about the place and knowing the weather and the temperature.“
Enter Ava LaBelle. Droemer’s brother had somehow connected with LaBelle’s father, and eventually the 19-year-old found a spot on Droemer’s bag. She only found out last week when her mother called her to tell her she was going to be looping in a major championship.
“I don’t even know if it’s hit me, but it’s been a great experience,” she said. “I’m very thankful for the opportunity.”
LaBelle has caddied at Oak Hill the past two seasons while taking a gap year before she heads off to join the Division II Florida Southern golf program next fall. As a caddie, she’s played Oak Hill a bit on Mondays when it’s closed to member play.
“I know [the East course] pretty well. I know where to miss or not to miss. And you just hit your spots. Pretty simple,” LaBelle said, not wanting to give away all her secrets. “I think it’s very positional. At first, it could be super overwhelming, but knowing what I know, I think I’m able just to simplify it and give him good start lines.”
“She knows the greens really well and the start lines and places to be, places not to be,” Droemer said. “A lot of people haven’t really played this new golf course. The last time the tournament was here is a different golf course. So, to have somebody to know it is huge.”
The duo met for the first time on Sunday. They walked the course and talked through a game plan. Droemer said their rapport has grown stronger every day — and they’re bullish on their chances.
“I think we’re going to win,” Droemer said.
