Ames enjoying having son on the bag

OAKVILLE, Ontario — The job market for teens these days is tough, but Ryan Ames has a leg up on the competition. He gets to caddie for dad Stephen at the RBC Canadian Open this week.

Most weeks, Ames gets more enjoyment from his family than from his golf game. While the 49-year-old is confident he can still compete on the PGA TOUR, his on-course play this year has been lackluster. Ames, who was tied for low Canadian the last time the event was held at Glen Abbey – and is also the last of his countrymen to win on the TOUR – has missed making the cut the past three tournaments.

This week he hopes having his son looping will change that trend.

“That’s my enjoyment right now, and it’s a thrill,” said Ames in a media news conference on Tuesday. “He knows a lot about the game and sees a lot in my swing, which is nice.”

Catching up with the affable Ames on the back nine Thursday afternoon offered a glimpse to the camaraderie between father and son. The pair shared many laughs, despite making only one birdie and carding an opening round 74 (+2).

On the 13th hole, the teenage caddie did an admirable job raking the fairway bunker, getting kudos from both father and fans. Ames – always prone to a healthy dose of sarcasm – turned to a Canadian media member standing outside the ropes and deadpanned: “See how you do it!”

During a long wait on the next tee Ryan craved an ice cream. While his dad went to hit his tee shot, he satisfied this wish, buying a frozen treat from the ice-cream cart. A fan asked for his signature and whether if he liked caddying. Ryan replied, “Oh yeah!”

Ames’ wife Jodi, who was standing nearby, laughed at her son’s purchase. “What other caddie do you see eating a popsicle?”
Popsicles, good pay, and spending time with dad as a summer job is tough to beat.