Taylor Montgomery, a PGA Tour player, is in dire need of a good performance on the golf course. In a bold move, he enlisted his father, Monte, the director of golf at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas, to caddie for him at the 2024 World Wide Technology Championship. However, Monte had to bow out after his son got off to a hot start, and it was Hall of Fame outfielder Larry Walker who took over caddie duties for the remainder of the round. Montgomery had a stellar performance, shooting a 4-under 68 at the El Cardonal course designed by Tiger Woods, just one stroke behind rookie Tom Whitney.
The golfer had been struggling, having missed three cuts and withdrawn from one tournament during the FedEx Cup Fall season, resulting in a drop to 132nd in the season-long points race. With only three events left to improve his standing and secure a spot in the top 125, Montgomery was feeling the pressure. He surrounded himself with a supportive entourage at the World Wide Technology Championship, including his mother, sister, fiancée, and former baseball stars such as Roger Clemens and Larry Walker.
Montgomery expressed his love for the Diamante golf course, saying it felt like a second home to him. Despite his father’s initial caddie role being taken over by Walker, the transition was seamless, with Montgomery continuing to score birdies throughout the round. Walker, who owns a home at Diamante and is a frequent visitor, graciously stepped in to assist Montgomery, showcasing the camaraderie and support among the players and their entourages at the tournament.
Walker’s temporary caddie duties did not go unnoticed as he helped Montgomery navigate the course and maintain his momentum. Despite a brief setback with a double bogey, Montgomery finished strong with additional birdies, marking his fifth consecutive sub-70 round at Diamante. The golfer credited his comfort with the desert landscape and familiarity with the course as contributing factors to his success.
As Montgomery and his family celebrated his impressive round at The Woods: Cabo, Clemens acknowledged Walker’s contributions and jokingly hinted at rotating caddie duties. The supportive and lighthearted atmosphere among the players and their guests reflected the camaraderie and sportsmanship present at the World Wide Technology Championship. Montgomery’s strong start and positive momentum bode well for his chances of climbing the FedEx Cup standings and securing a spot in the top 125.
